Hyundai Ioniq 9 teased: What to expect

Earlier this week, Hyundai revealed some teaser images of its upcoming three-row electric vehicle. While we still don’t have a lot of information about the Hyundai Ioniq 9, we can make some educated guesses about what to expect. So, here’s what we (think we) know.

Unique exterior design

Hyundai has implemented a “chess piece” strategy across its lineup in terms of design. And what that means is there is very little family resemblance from vehicle to vehicle. From the glimpses we saw of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, we expect this to hold true. The side profile teaser is especially intriguing with the rounded nose and blunt back end.

As is teased by the headlights and taillights, the one family resemblance piece we do expect to see: pixels. This pixel theme originated with the Ioniq 5, but we’ve seen it roll out into both electric and gas vehicles, including the Kona, Ioniq 6 and Santa Fe. How it’s all implemented, however, remains to be seen.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 wheel, door and headlight teasers

300+ miles of range?

While Hyundai and Kia tend to be frenemies, their vehicles are built on the same platforms. So, it’s a logical conclusion that the Ioniq 9 will share some specs with the Kia EV9. If that’s the case, you can expect a max electric range of about 304 miles. Ioniq 9 should also have fast-charge capability with the ability to go from 10% to 80% of a charge within 20 minutes.

Again, looking at the EV9, we expect a max horsepower output of 379 for top-tier models, but the volume seller will likely deliver 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 high-tech interior

If Hyundai’s recent additions are anything to go by, we expect the Ioniq 9 to have the monoscreen that goes from driver’s cluster to infotainment, with two 12.3-inch displays. I think we’ll also see available features like dual wireless phone chargers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an open console design, heated third-row seats, heated-and-ventilated front and middle seats, blind-view monitors on the behind-the-wheel cluster, rear camera mirror and a virtual-reality head-up display.

Hyundai might also throw a few high-tech surprises at us, so we’ll be curious to see what we see at the global reveal in November.

The bottom line

Hyundai hasn’t released an exact date for the reveal yet, but I can say we’ll be there. So, stay tuned for more details soon.