Hyundai IONIQ 9 Performance AWD Review
Available since June 2025
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD, launched in Ireland in June 2025, is Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV, offering a blend of luxury, practicality, and cutting-edge EV technology. Built on the E-GMP platform, this three-row SUV competes with premium rivals like the Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9, making it a compelling choice for Irish families and EV enthusiasts. Below, we dive into its key features, performance, and suitability for the Irish market.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 review Ireland – Key Details
- Price in Ireland: €80,495 (Platinum trim, estimated starting price)
- Available to Order: Since June 2025
- Body Style: SUV (7 or 6 seats)
- Platform: HMG E-GMP (EV-dedicated)
- Battery: 106.0 kWh (useable), 110.3 kWh (nominal)
- Real Range: 345–680 km (480 km average)
- Drive: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Power: 315 kW (428 PS), 700 Nm torque
- 0–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 200 km/h
Design and Philosophy
The Ioniq 9 introduces Hyundai’s “aerosthetic” design, combining sleek aerodynamics with bold aesthetics. Its smooth, muscular lines and signature “Parametric Pixel” lighting give it a distinctive presence on Irish roads. The SUV’s large stance (5060 mm long, 1980 mm wide) and vibrant colour options, like Ionosphere Green Pearl, ensure it stands out, though its tapered rear design slightly narrows the boot opening.
- Exterior Highlights: Glossy black grille, aerodynamic silhouette, double-glazed windows for noise reduction.
- Interior: Luxurious cabin with eco-friendly materials, a sliding “Universal Island” console, and flexible seating (swivelling second-row seats in six-seater versions).
Performance and Range
The Ioniq 9 Performance AWD is powered by a 106.0 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a real-world range of 480 km (WLTP: 600 km). In cold Irish winters (-10°C), the range drops to 345 km on highways, while mild weather (23°C) can yield up to 680 km in city driving. Its 800V architecture supports rapid charging, adding 336 km in just 24 minutes on a 350 kW DC charger.
- Charging:
- Home/Destination (Type 2, 11 kW): 11h30m for a full charge (0–480 km).
- Fast Charging (CCS, 250 kW max): 24 minutes for 10–80% (48–384 km), with a charging speed of 840 km/h.
- Preconditioning: Supported, with automatic activation via navigation.
- Performance: With 315 kW and 700 Nm of torque, the Ioniq 9 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, offering a smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by sound-absorbing tires.
Practicality and Comfort
The Ioniq 9 is designed for families, offering seating for seven (or six in premium configurations). Its boot provides 338 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2419 litres with the third row folded, plus a 52-liter frunk for cables. The SUV’s 3130 mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom, and features like four Isofix points and a Digital Centre Mirror enhance safety and convenience.
- Cargo: 338 L (all seats up), 2419 L (third row folded), 52 L frunk.
- Towing: Supports a tow hitch with 750 kg (un-braked) and 2500 kg (braked) capacity.
Technology and Safety
Hyundai equips the Ioniq 9 with its SmartSense safety suite, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2. The dual 12.3-inch infotainment screens support Apple Car-Play, Android Auto, and Hyundai’s Features on Demand for software upgrades, offering a user-friendly interface compared to rivals like the Peugeot e-5008.
- Bidirectional Charging: Supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) with a 3.6 kW output (Type 2 adapter and standard socket). Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) are announced but not yet detailed.
Long Distance Suitability
Hyundai Ioniq 9 review Ireland – Rated 3.5/5 for long trips, the Ioniq 9 excels in covering distance efficiently. For a 546 km journey, it requires one 15-minute charging stop, with a total travel time of 5h13m (348 km first leg, 197 km second leg). Its fast-charging capability and heat pump (standard) make it ideal for Ireland’s variable weather and long rural drives.
Condition | Range | Energy Consumption |
---|---|---|
City (Cold) | 480 km | 221 Wh/km |
Highway (Cold) | 345 km | 307 Wh/km |
Combined (Cold) | 410 km | 259 Wh/km |
City (Mild) | 680 km | 156 Wh/km |
Highway (Mild) | 440 km | 241 Wh/km |
Combined (Mild) | 540 km | 196 Wh/km |
Market Position and Value
Priced at approximately €80,495 in Ireland, the Ioniq 9 is a premium offering but delivers strong value against competitors like the Volvo EX90 (€82k+) and Audi Q8 e-tron. Its 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, low running costs (2.0–2.5 l/100km fuel equivalent), and zero CO2 emissions appeal to eco-conscious Irish buyers. However, its price may challenge Hyundai’s value-brand perception, and the lack of a more affordable single-motor option in Ireland limits choice.
- Compared to Rivals:
- Kia EV9: Cheaper but with a smaller 99.8 kWh battery and 349 km WLTP range.
- Volvo EX90: More expensive, less versatile seating, but comparable luxury.
- Peugeot e-5008: Smaller, shorter range, less premium.
Summary Table: Key Features of Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Debut | June 2025, Ireland |
Body Style | SUV (7 or 6 seats) |
Platform | HMG E-GMP (EV-dedicated) |
Battery | 106.0 kWh (useable), 110.3 kWh (nominal) |
Range (Real) | 345–680 km (480 km average) |
Powertrain | 315 kW (428 PS), 700 Nm, AWD |
Charging | 11 kW AC (11h30m), 250 kW DC (24 min, 10–80%) |
Notable Features | SmartSense safety, bidirectional charging, dual 12.3-inch screens, frunk |
Market Strategy | Premium electric SUV for families, competing with luxury rivals |
And Now . . .
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD is a bold step for Hyundai in Ireland, offering a luxurious, tech-laden electric SUV with impressive range and family-friendly practicality. While its premium price and limited powertrain options may raise eyebrows, its value, fast charging, and advanced features make it a strong contender in the electric SUV market. For Irish buyers seeking a spacious, eco-friendly vehicle for long drives, the Ioniq 9 is worth a test drive. Hyundai Ioniq 9 review Ireland.