Hyundai officially launches its flagship IONIQ 9 in Korea, next stop is the US

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Hyundai just launched its first flagship EV, the IONIQ 9, in South Korea. The IONIQ 9 is the largest Hyundai electric SUV with “best-in-class” interior space and features more driving range than any other EV in its lineup. For those of you in the US, get ready. You’re up next.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 launches in South Korea

After opening pre-orders last week, Hyundai officially launched the flagship IONIQ 9 in its home market on Thursday.

The electric SUV is available in six or seven-seat configurations, each with three trim options. The seven-seater “Exclusive” model starts at 67.15 million won, or around $46,000. Prices range upward to 79.41 million won ($54,500) for the premium “Calligraphy” six-seater. It can be bought in AWD or RWD powertrain setups.

With incentives, Hyundai expects the actual purchase price of the base IONIQ 9 (Exclusive trim) to be in the low to mid 60 million won range (around $41,000 to $45,000).

Buyers can choose from four different seating setups. The six-seater is available with premium relaxation seats, swivel seats, or a dynamic body care seat, while the seven-seater features a 6:4 folding seat.

The electric SUV is slightly larger than its sibling, the Kia EV9, at 5,060 mm (199.2″) long, 1,980 mm (78″) wide, and 1,790 mm (70.5″) tall with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm (123″). In comparison, Kia’s three-row electric SUV is 5,010 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,755 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.

Inside, Hyundai loaded the flagship model with its latest tech, including a panoramic curved infotainment setup with dual 12.3″ driver display and navigation screens.

Powered by a 110.3 kWh battery and Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 9 is rated for up to 532 km (330 miles) driving range in Korea.

With a 400/800V dual charging system, the IONIQ 9 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 trim Starting Price
(South Korea)
7-seater Exclusive
(with incentives)
60 million won ($41,000)
7-seater Exclusive 67.15 million won ($45,800)
7-seater Prestige 73.15 million won ($50,000)
7-seater Calligraphy 77.92 million won ($53,100)
6-seater Exclusive 69.03 million won ($47,000)
6-seater Prestige 74.64 million won ($51,000)
6-seater Calligraphy 79.41 million won ($54,500)
Hyundai IONIQ 9 starting prices by trim in South Korea

During the launch event, a Hyundai Motor official said, “We plan to provide a new level of electrification experience through the IONIQ 9, Hyundai Motor Company’s first electrified flagship SUV model.”

Following its domestic launch, Hyundai said it would launch the IONIQ 9 in the US. Hyundai will build the IONIQ 9 at its new EV plant in Georgia alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5.

Like the new IONIQ 5, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 will have a native NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.

Hyundai’s website says the IONIQ 9 is coming in Spring 2025. Although prices will be revealed closer to launch, the flagship electric SUV is expected to start at around $60,000, or slightly higher than the EV9 at about $55,000.

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