Hyundai's Largest Electric SUV Spied Again: What We Know So Far

Hyundai’s upcoming flagship electric vehicle (EV), poised to be its largest yet, has been spotted in testing once more, offering a clearer glimpse of its design. This new SUV, which is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2025, has been captured in spy photos that reveal more about its appearance and features.

A Closer Look at the Design

Recent spy shots, shared on the Korean website Autospy, show the SUV undergoing road tests, with parts of its bodywork now more visible. The vehicle, still heavily camouflaged, reveals pixelated headlights and taillights, reminiscent of other Hyundai models like the Staria and Ioniq 5. This design choice also aligns with the Hyundai Seven concept, which was previously introduced as a preview of this upcoming model.

The SUV was first spied in June this year, when it was spotted in the United States under heavy black camouflage. However, these latest images provide a clearer look at its design language, suggesting it will likely carry the same bold styling cues as its Hyundai siblings.

Ioniq 7 or Ioniq 9?

While this new SUV was initially rumored to be named the Ioniq 7, recent reports suggest it might be dubbed the Ioniq 9 instead. This name change would align it with Kia’s EV9, with which it shares the E-GMP architecture.

Size-wise, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is expected to be similar to the Kia EV9, which measures 5010mm in length, 1980mm in width, and 1755mm in height, with a 3100mm wheelbase. The Seven concept, however, featured a slightly longer wheelbase of 3200mm, hinting at a spacious interior.

Interior and Features

Earlier this year, the interior of the Ioniq 9 was also spied, revealing some similarities with Hyundai's latest Santa Fe. Notable features include a steering wheel-mounted gear selector, a dual-screen setup, and a center console with modern, clean lines.

The steering column-mounted gear selector is a recent trend in Hyundai’s latest models, further differentiating the cabin layout from traditional designs.

Powertrain and Range

While Hyundai has not yet confirmed the Ioniq 9’s powertrain options or range, the Seven concept hinted at an EV with a range of over 480km. For comparison, the Kia EV9 offers a range of powertrains, starting with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant that produces 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque, with a 443km range from a 76.1kWh lithium-ion battery.

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions of the EV9 feature 141kW/350Nm motors on each axle, delivering a total output of 283kW and 700Nm of torque. These models come with a Long Range battery of 99.8kWh, providing a WLTP range of 512km and an 800V electrical system for fast charging. The AWD variants accelerate from 0-100km/h in as little as 5.3 seconds, depending on the model.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the Ioniq 9 remains speculative, but it could follow a similar structure to the Kia EV9, which starts at $97,000 and goes up to $121,000 before on-road costs.

Hyundai Australia had previously indicated that its new flagship SUV would arrive locally sometime in 2024, helping the brand reach its goal of selling 6000 Ioniq-badged EVs in Australia next year. So far, Hyundai has sold 951 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models this year.

As more details emerge about Hyundai's upcoming electric SUV, excitement is building for what promises to be a significant addition to the growing EV market. Keep an eye out for further updates as we get closer to its official launch.