HYUNDAI IONIQ 9

Here comes another upmarket seven-seat SUV with a calm and cosseting ambience and a long-range electric powertrain

- JAMES ATTWOOD

Between being unveiled in concept form in 2021 and reaching production, Hyundai's newest SUV grew. Not literally but figuratively: the Seven became the Ioniq 9, an adjustment intended to crown the large six- or seven-seater as the flagship of the Korean firm's electric range (and possibly to ensure parity with sister brand Kia's related EV9...).

Given how many car makers have stumbled on nomenclature when trying to add EVs into their already bulging line-ups (yes, Audi, we’re looking at you), credit to Hyundai for the pre-emptive minor course adjustment. And in its size, ambition and lashings of premium splendour, this car feels every inch the king of Hyundai’s ‘chess piece’ Ioniq family.

That approach refers to Hyundai’s determination to give each Ioniq model a distinct character. Sure enough, park the 9 next to the 5 and 6 and only the badge and details such as the pixel light graphics would give away how closely related they are.

Perhaps most gratifyingly, in this age of amorphous electric blobs, the Ioniq 9 has a style of its own. It’s definitely an SUV, but there are distinct notes of MPV and estate in its side profile and rear design. It’s a classic case of form follows function, with Hyundai’s design team aiming both to maximise interior space and make a 2.6-tonne, 5m-long SUV as aerodynamic as it can possibly be. As a neat by-product, it also appears smaller than it actually is.

Look closely and you will spot a sculpted underbody, active air shutters, a wake-reducing rear end, aerodynamically honed alloy wheels and a Formula 1-esque Coke-bottle design.