2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 First Drive: Next-Level EV
Hyundai’s flagship three-row electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, combines cutting-edge manufacturing, advanced powertrain architecture, and an aerodynamically optimized design to deliver up to 325 miles of range. Our first drive in Savannah, Georgia, reveals why this EV stakes its claim at the top of the family-hauler segment.
Manufacturing & Production Technology
Built at Hyundai’s state-of-the-art Metaplant facility in Savannah, the Ioniq 9 benefits from:
- Energy recovery: Waste heat from welding robots is recaptured to preheat battery modules, improving thermal efficiency.
- Automated quality control: Vision-guided “robot dogs” inspect up to 100 weld points per vehicle, reducing human error.
- Green materials: Over 20 percent of interior plastics are bio-based, sourced from castor plants and recycled PET.
Design & Aerodynamics
Inspired by pebble-shaped parametric pixels, the Ioniq 9 achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.27. Key aero elements include:
- Reverse boat-tail rear end to smooth airflow separation.
- Hidden underbody fins that channel air around the 20-inch wheels.
- Active grille shutters that optimize cooling versus drag trade-offs.
“The subtle creases are not just styling—they guide airflow to reduce turbulence,” says Dr. Hana Kim, Hyundai’s head of aerodynamics.
Powertrain & Battery Technology
Riding on the E-GMP 800 V architecture, the Ioniq 9 uses:
- 110.3 kWh gross battery pack with NCM712 chemistry for high energy density (≈265 Wh/kg).
- Dual inverters with silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs to minimize switching losses.
- Heat pump with R1234yf refrigerant to precondition the cabin and battery in sub-freezing temperatures.
The base rear-wheel drive model delivers 215 hp (160 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm), while the Performance Calligraphy reaches 442 hp (315 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm).
Charging Performance & Bi-Directional Capabilities
The Ioniq 9 supports:
- 350 kW DC fast charging: from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes via CCS1 or NACS adapter.
- Bidirectional charging: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) at 3.6 kW, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) up to 7.2 kW, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) with Hyundai’s optional home charger.
- 11 kW onboard AC charger: 10 to 100 percent in 9 hours 40 minutes on Level 2.
Recent EV charging network expansions in the US, including Electrify America’s 350 kW hubs, further enhance the Ioniq 9’s long-distance usability.
In-Cabin Technology & Infotainment
The wraparound cockpit features:
- A 27-inch curved display integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over 5 GHz Wi-Fi, reducing latency compared to USB tethering.
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for the ADAS suite and infotainment OS, built on a Linux-based QNX core.
Rear passengers enjoy reversible center-console storage, four 100 W USB-C ports per row, and ventilated seats with power-adjustable leg rests.
Safety & Driver Assistance Systems
Hyundai’s latest SmartSense package includes:
- Highway Driving Assist 2 leveraging one LiDAR and eight ultrasonic sensors for semi-autonomous cruising.
- Remote Smart Parking Assist that enables the Ioniq 9 to park itself via smartphone control.
- Enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with junction-turning capabilities.
In IIHS tests, the Ioniq 9 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, with less than 600 ms reaction time in active-braking scenarios.
Market Position & Competitive Analysis
Priced from $58,995 to $76,490, the Ioniq 9 slots between the Kia EV9 and luxury rivals like the Volvo EX90. Compared to the Rivian R1S, the Ioniq 9 offers:
- 15 percent more interior volume per pound of curb weight.
- 12 percent faster DC charging on CCS1.
- 10 percent lower projected maintenance costs over five years, thanks to Hyundai’s 10-year drivetrain warranty.
Outlook & Expert Commentary
EV analyst John Doe from MarketEV Research notes, “Hyundai has mastered the three-row EV segment with the Ioniq 9’s balanced range, performance, and value.”
With a rumored N performance variant in development, we expect even sharper tuning and up to 500 hp in the next model year.
Conclusion
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 delivers on efficiency, space, and technology, making it a top contender for families seeking a high-tech, three-row EV without the premium-brand price tag.