Hyundai debuts Ioniq 9 with swivel seats to turn your 3-row SUV into a lounge
Hyundai has officially debuted its Ioniq 9 in advance of the LA Auto Show, with a concept car-like interior that lets you swivel the 2nd row seats and turn your car into a living room.
We’ve been hearing about the Ioniq 9 for some time now, and the time has finally come for its release.
In an event in advance of the LA Auto Show, starting this Friday and with a media preview day tomorrow (which Electrek will be in attendance for), Hyundai showed off the Ioniq 9 which will officially be unveiled at the Auto Show (you can watch via livestream) on the morning of Nov 21st.
The car is what we expected – a large, 3-row SUV, much like the EV9, the Ioniq 9’s cousin that is built on the same platform by Hyundai’s sister company, Kia.
But it also has some features we didn’t expect – like a little more clarity on that “lounge-like” interior we heard about, which turns out not to just be marketing fluff at all. It actually is like a lounge, complete with la-z-boy style footrests and swiveling seats so you can face your friends. More on that in a bit.
The Ioniq 9 comes with a perhaps excessively-large 110.3kWh battery (that extra 300Wh makes a big difference), offering up to 335 miles of range on the Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels. 20- and 21-inch wheels are also available, we imagine with lower ranges.
The large battery will retain the E-GMP platform’s excellent DC charging performance, with the ability to charge from 10-80% in 24 minutes, assuming you’re connected to a capable charger (Hyundai says 350kW “under optimal conditions”).
The Long-Range model will have a 160kW (215hp) rear motor, and an additional 70kW (94hp) front motor if you get the AWD model. Performance AWD will be available with 160kW motors on both axles.
The long range RWD model will do 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 9.4 seconds, AWD in 6.7 seconds, and Performance AWD in 5.2 seconds (or, if you prefer 0-60, the Performance model can do it in 4.9).
The vehicle is large, as you’d expect out of a 3-row SUV, at 5,060mm (199.2in) long, 1,980mm (78in) wide and 1,790mm (70.5in) high. This is 2 inches longer than its sister car the EV9, and 1 inch less long than the Rivian R1S.
Exterior design keeps some of the design language of the (excellent) Ioniq 5, but larger and more rounded-off. In particular, it keeps some of the dot-matrix/pixel aesthetic of the lights.
I have to say I don’t love the roundedness of it – the design of the Ioniq 5 feels extremely consistent with a lot of straight lines throughout, whereas the rounded hood and extended rear end of the 9 spoil that consistency to some extent (and speaking of the rear… it almost seems a little hearse-like, to me).
Incidentally, with the Ioniq 5 and EV6, one is more boxy and the other is more rounded – and the same thing has happened with the Ioniq 9 and EV9, only in reverse. The Ioniq 9 is more rounded and the EV9 is more boxy. So, once again, these two similar vehicles have differentiated themselves enough that we expect the market will be split, with many customers liking one and disliking the other, meaning little cannibalization between the two.
The interior seems incredibly spacious, though so far we haven’t had a chance to experience it ourselves. Most 3-row SUVs in this size class do have somewhat cramped third rows, so we’re curious if Hyundai has managed to do some sort of magic in that respect.
And in addition to rear and frunk storage (with a frunk capable of holding 88L in RWD and 52L in AWD models), the center console offers a large amount of storage inside (18.2L, split between an upper and lower tray), and can be slid back and forth to allow easier movement between front or rear seats.
And speaking of magic, Hyundai has actually done something new here – an interior with swiveling middle seats, to turn the car into a lounge.
We’ve seen similar interiors on countless concept cars, but understandably they never make it to production. It’s definitely an attention-grabbing feature, but who really uses their vehicles like that?
Well, Hyundai thinks that people will, so it’s offered swiveling 2nd-row seats to allow for this. However, it says that these seats will be available “in selected markets only,” and it has declined to say exactly which markets those are yet. We also imagine this will only apply to the 6-seat configuration, rather than 7-seat.
The seats don’t just swivel though, they also recline and have a leg rest. Hyundai is calling these its “Relaxation Seats,” and the first and second row seats will both be capable of this feat. It says this will be particularly useful for people who want to get comfortable during vehicle charging (though, on an optimal 350kW charger, 24 minutes is hardly much time for a nap).
And that charging will be accomplished via a NACS port – making this, we think, the first non-Tesla vehicle to debut and be sold with only a NACS port at any time in the model’s existence. Other E-GMP vehicles are switching over to NACS, but the Ioniq 5 for example has been out for many years now, so there are lots of CCS Ioniq 5s out there, but that won’t be the case for the Ioniq 9.
Like other E-GMP vehicles, it will be able to discharge the battery via vehicle-to-load (V2L) to power devices, though we didn’t get clarity on how much total output it will have. Other E-GMP cars usually top out around 1.8kW, so enough to run some regular outlets, but not enough to power a house.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will be available in Korea and the US in the first half of 2025, and then will come to Europe and other markets later. The US version will be built at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia – another example of a car brought to the US by the domestic sourcing provisions of President Biden’s EV push (and which could be put into Jeopardy if Dumb & Dumber get their way in attempting to kill this boon for US manufacturing).
We don’t have pricing or all tech specs yet, so stay tuned as there’s still more to come.
Also, you can watch the official debut livestream over at Hyundai’s website, starting at 9:10am PST November 21st. And Electrek will be at the LA Auto Show to ask around and see if we can get any lingering questions answered.
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Blink Charging (Nasdaq: BLNK) has struck a deal with Hubject to make charging easier for EV drivers across North America.
The agreement will bring Blink into Hubject’s intercharge eRoaming platform as a charge point operator. That means electric mobility service providers (eMSPs) and their customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico will soon have access to Blink’s charging stations through their existing apps. In turn, Blink drivers will gain better access to stations connected through Hubject’s network.
Hubject, which already connects more than 1 million charging points and 2,750 partners worldwide, expects the integration to strengthen its North American presence by adding Blink’s wide-ranging network of chargers, from Level 2 workplace stations to DC fast charging. Blink, meanwhile, anticipates more customers will plug in, thanks to Hubject’s reach.
“Our collaboration with Blink marks an important step in expanding our North American intercharge network,” said Trishan Peruma, CEO of Hubject North America. “By integrating Blink’s network into our eRoaming platform, we aim to help reduce barriers that have historically complicated EV charging and to support the continued growth of EV adoption across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.”
Blink Charging’s president and CEO Mike Battaglia added, “Connecting the Blink Network to Hubject’s platform will allow more drivers to benefit from interoperable charging while traveling.”
The integration will use the industry-standard OCPI protocol to keep billing and communication between networks secure and reliable. Deployment is planned in phases throughout 2025, with full integration targeted for the end of the year.
Read more: Blink just made it a lot easier to find its charging stations
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Hyundai wants to make the electric sports car for everyone. Not just those who can afford it. The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim was launched in Korea on Monday, offering a lower price tag but the same thrilling drive.
Hyundai launches new IONIQ 5 N Essentials in Korea
The IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s first EV sports car under the IONIQ series. Initially launched in 2023, the IONIQ 5 N marked a new era for Hyundai’s high-performance N division.
Hyundai’s electric hot hatch not only looks the part with added sporty “N” branded elements scattered inside and out, but it’s also packed with fun features, advanced tech, and a host of drive modes.
Based on a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, the IONIQ 5 N delivers up to 641 horsepower when N Grin Boost is engaged. Even without it, the electric sports car packs 601 hp.
It also draws power from an 84 kWh battery, good for an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. On the WLTP scale, it’s rated with an official range of 278 miles (448 km). The added power results in a lower range than other IONIQ 5 trims.
Although it was already one of the most affordable sports cars, EV or gas-powered, Hyundai is lowering the price even further.
After launching the new Essentials model in South Korea on Monday, Hyundai said the new trim “is characterized by lowering the barrier to entry so that customers can experience the overwhelming driving performance of the IONIQ 5 N at a reasonable price through optimized specifications.”
Hyundai focused on core convenience features while including the same high-performance motors, battery, and N-specific elements as the base model.
A Hyundai official said, “The Essential trim of the IONIQ 5 N is a new trim that offers greater cost-effectiveness to lower the barrier to entry for high-performance electric vehicles.”
The IONIQ 5 N features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control. Hyundai has also added an exclusive new “Parking Assist Lite” package, offering safety and convenience features such as surround view monitoring and rear parking assistance.
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim starts at 74.9 million won ($54,000), including tax benefits. Hyundai said it will continue to make competitive products so more buyers can experience high-performance EVs.
Although the Essentials trim is not available in the US, the IONIQ 5 N is still more affordable than most sports cars. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N starts at $66,200. But, with the $7,500 tax credit, which is set to expire on September 30, leases are currently listed as low as $549 per month.
Looking to test the IONIQ 5 out for yourself? You can use our link to find the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and high-performance N models near you today (trusted affiliate link).
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A federal judge has cleared the way for Ørsted’s nearly complete 704-megawatt (MW) Revolution Wind offshore wind farm to restart construction, overturning a stop-work order imposed by the Trump administration.
Reagan-appointed senior US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction in Washington, DC, calling the government’s conduct “the height of arbitrary and capricious government conduct.” He added, “If Revolution Wind cannot meet benchmark deadlines, the entire project could collapse. There is no doubt in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.”
Ørsted welcomed the ruling and said in a statement, “Revolution Wind will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a prompt resolution. Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority.”
The decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to stall offshore wind development. Revolution Wind is already about 80% complete, with all turbine foundations and 45 of 65 turbines successfully installed, and expected to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Earlier this month, the two states’ attorneys general announced they were suing the Trump administration to overturn its “baseless” decision to halt Revolution Wind. That underlying lawsuit challenging the stop-work order will continue to progress.
Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said, “Today’s decision allowing work to resume on Revolution Wind is welcome news for the hundreds of skilled workers who can now return to their jobs while the legal process continues. This Made in America energy project is putting Americans to work building reliable, affordable power to communities across New England that desperately need it.”
Read more: Connecticut, Rhode Island sue Trump to save 80% complete offshore wind farm
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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