Hyundai Motor Company has debuted the Ioniq 9, its first electrified family sport utility vehicle, boasting a powerful yet smooth ride alongside enhanced battery safety. With strategic production plans targeting major global markets, including the US and Europe, the automotive giant aims to revitalize demand for battery-powered mobility.

“We are in an EV chasm, which has led to a stagnation phase. We plan to spearhead the market with our EV leadership to overcome this by implementing a reasonable pricing strategy and anticipating strong customer response. Our domestic sales target for this year is 6,500 units,” said Lee Chul-min, head of the domestic marketing division at Hyundai Motor Group, during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday.

Addressing the growing uncertainties around US tariffs on automobile imports, Lee noted that the Ioniq 9 will be produced domestically, while units for the US market will be manufactured there to comply with the new trade policies. Production for other regions, such as Europe, will remain within the company’s domestic facilities.

The Ioniq 9 is powered by SK On’s high-performance nickel, cobalt and manganese battery, featuring a 110.3-kilowatt-hour capacity. The SUV boasts a driving range of 532 kilometers on a single charge -- the longest range in Hyundai’s EV lineup.

“The Ioniq 9’s advanced battery management system conducts monitoring every 10 minutes during charging and parking, alerting customers to any abnormalities that might lead to battery fires,” said Choi Jun-seok, head of Hyundai Motor’s Battery Design Team 1.

Additionally, the Ioniq 9 is the first domestic vehicle to receive the Transport Ministry’s battery safety certification, reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to EV safety and innovation.

With its strategic market positioning, enhanced safety features, and extended driving range, the Ioniq 9 is set to bolster Hyundai’s presence in the global EV market.

During a media test drive, The Korea Herald took the six-seater model of the Ioniq 9 on a 90-kilometer journey through Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.

The most distinctive feature of this large-size SUV is its ability to block out road and wind noise -- a common issue in electric vehicles -- creating an experience similar to riding in noise-canceling mode.

Hyundai Motor explained that it attached sound-absorbing foam materials inside the tires and implemented Active Noise Control (ANC) technology, which emits opposing-phase sound waves to cancel out road noise.

However, some testers noticed these noise-blocking waves when the car was stationary, which could be slightly distracting.

The Ioniq 9 delivers a smooth and stable ride, even on bumpy roads. Hyundai reinforced the front suspension by adding strut rings where it connects to the body, improving resistance to road vibrations.

Additionally, the MacPherson multi-link suspension with two lower arms helps distribute road impact evenly across the chassis, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride.

During low-speed off-road driving, the Ioniq 9 maintains stable body control while optimizing ride comfort, further enhancing its versatility as a family SUV.

The Ioniq 9 delivers gentle acceleration and braking, enhanced by its electrification power module, which features a dual inverter system. This system optimizes energy efficiency in city driving while maximizing rapid and powerful acceleration on highways. Additionally, it effectively minimizes jerky motions during regenerative braking, ensuring a smooth driving experience.

Following the Ioniq series’ family design, the Ioniq 9 features signature "parametric pixel" LED headlamps.

Its hidden antenna system eliminates the traditional roof antenna, contributing to a sleek boat-tail shape, which narrows slightly at the rear to enhance both aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Inside, the Ioniq 9 provides a lounge-style living space, designed with elliptical elements for visual stability. It boasts class-leading interior space, including a comfortable third row, making it more spacious than the Ioniq 5 SUV.

For the first time in a Hyundai EV, the Ioniq 9 features 100-watt rapid USB-C chargers, with six ports available for powering electronic devices.

The Ioniq 9 is available in six- and seven-seater configurations, with a starting price of 67.2 million won ($46,200). The Exclusive trim, the most budget-friendly option, can be priced as low as around 60 million won after applying the government EV subsidy.