The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has just been revealed and is heading to dealers in April-June 2025 period, but ambitious minds at the company have already started contemplating offshoots for enthusiasts. Not long after the standard versions, we will likely see a Hyundai Ioniq 9 N and a Hyundai Ioniq 9 XRT rolling into dealerships.
On the Hyundai Ioniq 9 N
Speaking to TopGear.com about the possibility of launching a Hyundai Ioniq 9 N, Simon Loasby said, “I would just say never say never.” Loasby is the Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. Considering the SUV body style, big dimensions, and heavy weight of the Ioniq 9, giving the N treatment obviously involves many challenges. Yet, Hyundai is determined, the design boss suggested, with the performance variant as one of the Ioniq 9’s distinctive variants.
It’s a big car, so for an N you’d need really big brakes and really big wheels. Plus, anything about lightweight and high-performance kind of clashes, but never say never.
Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head, Hyundai Design Center
In the range-topping configuration of the Ioniq 9, Hyundai uses a 160 kW (214 hp) motor at both ends. The Ioniq 9 N may swap the 160 kW (214 hp) primary motor in the rear with a 270 kW (362 hp) unit. Packing around 500 horsepower in total, it could hit 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 150 mph.
As shown in our exclusive illustration above, sportier bumpers, exclusive 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels, active air flaps, larger, red-colored brakes featuring N branding, etc. may set the Ioniq 9 N apart from the Ioniq 9. More deeply bolstered sport seats, N-branded steering wheel with N buttons, exclusive graphics in the displays, unique trim, etc. will likely continue the exclusivity inside, inspired by the Ioniq 5 N.
Considering that the Ioniq 6 N is the performance division’s next launch in 2025, we may get the first glimpse of the Ioniq 9 N sometime in 2026, with sales in the U.S. kicking off towards the end of that year or early 2027, priced at around USD 75,000.
On the Hyundai Ioniq 9 XRT
When probed into the potential of a Hyundai Ioniq 9 XRT, Loasby said, “In an American context an off-roady XRT version could work.” Aimed at customers seeking a family-oriented EV for casual adventures off the beaten path, the Ioniq 9 XRT could have a softer suspension tuning, a higher ground clearance, special bumpers that give better approach and departure angles, and all-terrain tires. Hyundai may use the regular 160 kW (214 hp) motors on both axles of the Ioniq 9 XRT.
While the Ioniq 9 N will likely be imported from Hyundai’s domestic plant in Asan, South Korea, the Ioniq 9 XRT can be built locally at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell (Georgia). The adventure-oriented version could arrive at U.S. dealerships sometime in 2026 for the SUV’s second model year, priced at around 5% over the SEL Dual Motor (or equivalent) variant.
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s renderings of the Ioniq 9 N & Ioniq 9 XRT.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
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