Hyundai has launched its largest and most expensive luxury car with just one range topping grade: Calligraphy.
The Ioniq 9 starts from $119,750 (RRP), slotting just below sister-brand Kia’s equivalent car, the top-spec EV9 GT-Line, which is priced from $121,000 (RRP).
Options for the Ioniq 9 are few and far between, with the standout being a six-seat captain-chair configuration, for an additional $2000 (RRP) premium.
In six-seat layout, the Ioniq 9’s spacious cabin is reminiscent of China’s quirky Zeekr 009 electric people mover, which measures just 200mm longer than the Ioniq and costs $139,900 (RRP).
In fact, the Zeekr 009 is arguably one of the Ioniq 9’s closest rivals, aside from its Korean sibling. Pricing and specification for the 009 are certainly in a closer league to the Ioniq 9 when compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450, which is priced from $194,900 (RRP).
Further, the Ioniq 9 is dimensionally similar to the Zeekr van, measuring 5060mm long 1980mm wide, and 1790mm tall, with a huge 3130mm wheelbase – only 100mm shorter than the 009, and earning the title of Hyundai’s largest car… That is until the second-generation Palisade arrives later this year.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is built upon Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP electric vehicle platform, which is shared across a wealth of models including the Ioniq 6 sedan, EV6 midsize, EV9 large SUV and more.
It features 800-volt electronic architecture and supports a peak DC charge rate of 350kW, meaning a rapid 10 to 80 percent recharge of its 110.3 kWh lithium-ion battery is achieved in 24 minutes.
The combined output of the Ioniq 9 is 314kW/700Nm, split equally between two 157kW electric motors mounted at each axle. The system is capable of propelling the 2725kg Ioniq to 100km/hr in 5.2 seconds, and claims a range of up to 600km (WLTP).
Design and Tech
Hyundai has simplified its Ioniq 9 for the Australian market, with the offer of just one trim and two variants — seven seats or six. The Ioniq 9’s exterior follows Hyundai’s trend of futuristic yet simplistic styling, with simplified body lines and a wealth of LED lighting.
The front of the Ioniq 9 features pixel-design LED headlights integrated into a slimline body length grill. The Ioniq’s pumped-up body-integraded wheel arches are filled nicely with 21-inch alloy wheels, which sport chunky ‘noise absorbent’ tyres.
Moving around to the rear, yet more pixel design LED lights run from top-to-tip of the Ioniq’s ‘boat-tail’ rear end, which shares a striking resemblance to the now defunct Volvo V70 wagon.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 has all the modern creature comforts expected of a large premium SUV, including Nappa leather, 16-way electronically adjustable front seats, front and second row seat heating and ventilation, and a panoramic sunroof.
Key driver convenience features include a heads up display, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, intelligent radar cruise, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.
It additionally features self-levelling rear dampers, which Hyundai claims will adjust the rear suspension to account for payload in the rear of the car. The front dampers are non-adjustable.
In six-seat configuration, the Ioniq 9’s interior sports second-row captain’s chairs, with a sliding centre console for front seat passengers.
Safety + Features
A wealth of standard safety features are prevalent throughout the Ioniq 9, including:
- 10 airbags
- Hyundai ‘SmartSense’ driver assistance
- Forward collision-avoidance assist
- Lane following assist
- Blind-spot collision avoidance-assist
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Driver attention warning
- Forward attention warning
- Hands-on detection
- Leading vehicle departure alert
- Forward collision-avoidance assist, which encapsulates:
- Junction turning
- Junction crossing
- Lane-change oncoming
- Direct oncoming
- Lane-change Side
- Evasive steering assist
- Driver steering assist
- High beam assist
- Highway driving assist
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Lane following assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Parking collision-avoidance assist
- Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
- Rear occupant alert
- Navigation-based smart cruise control
- Smart cruise control
- Surround view monitor
- Safe exit assist
- Remote smart parking assist
Standard equipment for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy includes:
- Suede headlining
- Nappa leather seats
- Leather-appointed steering wheel
- Digital centre mirror and electrochromic mirror
- LED interior lights
- Tri-zone climate
- Heated and ventilated front and second row outboard seats
- 12.3-inch digital cluster
- Heads-up display
- 16-way power adjustable seats (driver and passenger)
- Four-way lumbar support (driver and passenger)
- One-touch folding second row button (from cargo area)
- One-touch folding third row seats (from cargo area)
- Front high-performance dampers
- Rear self-levelling dampers
- Storage box with UV-cleaning
- Power tailgate with hands free opening
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Smart key with push button start
- LED lights
- 14-speaker Bose sound system
- 12.3-inch multimedia display
- Power panoramic sunroof
- Powered over the air updates
Pricing
All prices shown are before on-road costs and after LCT
| 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy | Price |
|---|---|
| Seven-seat variant | $119,750 |
| Six-seat variant | $121,750 |
Optional extras
- Digital Side Mirrors – $3,000
- Metallic / Pearl premium paint – $750
- Matte Paint – $1,000
