Hyundai Heavy Industries is the largest shipbuilding company in the world, pumping out
bulk carriers, street-length oil and gas tankers and Lego-like Leviathan container ships,
so it’s not out of the question that its skills should translate to producing road-going
vehicles of prodigious dimensions.
Take, for example, the Korean company’s flagship Ioniq 9, a three-row all electric sports
utility vehicle that delivers prestigious lounge-like space and comfort, plus a range of up
to 600 kilometres on a single battery charge.
At the pinnacle of EV technology, the Ioniq 9 is offered in the single-grade Calligraphy,
with a choice of six- or seven-seat configuration, priced from $119,750, plus on-road
costs. (NB: fewer seats, more money, $121,750)
A lounge-like interior cossets occupants in relaxed comfort of premium Nappa leather
bound seats, with access to Bluelink Connected Car Services with over-the-air updates,
plus, for the first time in Australia, Digital Key 2 and Google Places Search.
Drive performance is not left behind, Ioniq 9 featuring a 314kW dual-motor all-wheel-
drive system is powered by a 110.3kWh high-energy battery setting up a vehicle range
of up to 600 kilometres. Fastest charging is claimed to span 10 to 80 per cent in as little
as 24 minutes.
Safety is paramount with 10 airbags fitted and a Hyundai SmartSense Suite, with
forward collision avoidance, lane following assist 2 and smart cruise control among a
package of the latest technology.
The Ioniq 9 is covered by Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and
eight-year/160,000 kilometre high-voltage battery warranty. The maker’s Lifetime
Service Plan ensures owners can enjoy exclusive service pricing with no hidden fees,
premium roadside assistance and satellite navigation updates.
STYLING
Appealing looks, aerodynamic design and generous interior space – the trifecta in terms
of a thoroughbred on turf or high street. The Ioniq 9 Calligraphy announces itself as the
new flagship of Hyundai’s advanced electric vehicle series.
Wide pixel lighting is in bold contrast to the sleek aero front with graphics presenting a
refined and futuristic image. A crisp character line reinforces the car’s grand-car profile
underpinned by 21-inch Calligraphy machined alloy wheels.
A ship’s stern rear design weighs in with further aerodynamic performance and space
efficiency, complemented by parametric pixel tail lamps. A panoramic sunroof completes
the open-air picture.
INTERIOR
Both seven-seat (on test) and six-seat variants benefit from a generous wheelbase and
flat floor in making driver and passengers feel at home in the most salubrious
surroundings. Seats are upholstered in supple Nappa leather and door panels finished
in synthetic leather.
One let-down is an aluminium crash pad finish that unfortunately looks like it’s been
attacked by grubby fingers. Matters are retrieved by the seating story, a real page
turner.
Front seats recline at the touch of a button, the driver is supported by air pockets in the
cushion, seatback and bolsters. Front passengers can adjust rear seats through the
information touchscreen to help children or the elderly.
Third-row occupants can get in and out easily by using a one-touch tilt function for the
second-row seat. Second and third row seats fold almost flat to take luggage etc.
Motorised third row folding seats allow access to cargo space.
Third-row people can control reclining angle of the seats via buttons on the side trim,
while third-row seats can be folded using cargo compartment buttons. Cargo volumes
range from 338 litres, through 908 litres to 2410 litres, depending on the rows in use.
INFOTAINMENT
Ioniq 9 makes use of the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit which, as the name
suggests, supports car services and navigation. Incorporated are advanced technology
such as AI voice recognition through a cutting-edge intuitive user interface.
Hyundai Bluelink now features state-of-the-art Connected Car Services and over-the-air
updates of vehicle software. For safety, braking, performance and driver assist systems
remotely, with a visit to the workshop, by following on-screen prompts.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Ioniq 9 is driven by twin 157kW electric motors with power from a 110.3kWh battery
delivering a maximum driving range of 600 kilometres. A combined 700Nm of torque
puts in for prodigious performance, for its bulk, of a 5.2-second sprint to 100km/h from
standstill and 3.4-second 80-to-120km/h.
Battery charging can be as swift as 24 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent when plugged
into a 350kW fast charger.
SAFETY
Five-star standard is enhanced by 10 airbags, including knee airbag and front centre
side airbag, which is designed to prevent secondary collisions between first-row
occupants.
Ioniq 9’s side structure and reinforcement of the lower overlap minimise cabin
deformation during side impacts.
Active safety is led off by Hyundai’s SmartSense which consists of forward collision
avoidance, lane following assist 2 and smart cruise control among a long list of the
latest technology.
DRIVING
The Ioniq 9 Calligraphy seven-seater on test set sail as a liner would leave the cruise
terminal. Setting course in a straight line the bulky vessel was ‘steady as she goes’ and
produced only the odd list on faster bends.
The stability is in part the result of a long 3130mm wheelbase, plus MacPherson multi-
link front suspension and multi-link at the rear. A self-levelling damper system reduced
vehicle sagging when humping heavy cargo.
There was no problem with high-speed stability and efficient fuel economy, the curved
roofline, corners, boat-tail profile and aero wheel design contributing to smooth airflow.
Added to this, the underbody airflow was controlled by 3-D undercovers, front and rear
of the battery, while an active air flap minimised air leakage around the flap.
A vibration-limiting aluminium steering wheel topped off a motor-driven power steering
system. Road noise was minimised by an optimised tyre tread pattern cut into
innovative noise-absorbing material.
With energy consumption a claimed 20.6kWh per 100 kilometres the test Ioniq 9
Calligraphy turned in 17.2kWh per 100km on a motorway run, while regularly tipping
over the claimed figure in the CBD and suburbs over a week.
I’m not a fan of digital mirrors. Refocussing the eyes from road to digital image and back
is a chore and can be wearing in heavy traffic.
SUMMARY
Some might argue, but the luxury, technology and convenience do justify the six-figure
price tag of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy. A genuine cruise liner for the road.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 7
Thirst – 8
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 8
Tech – 8
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD 7 seat $119,750
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD 6 seat $121,750
Options
Digital side mirrors $3000
Metallic/Pearl premium paint $750
Matte paint $1000
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
Hyundai local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy, 7-seat, auto, AWD SUV)
ENGINE
Electric motor: Twin-mounted motors
Maximum combined power: 314kW
Maximum combined torque: 700Nm
DRIVELINE: Single speed automatic transmission, AWD
BATTERY: nickel-manganese-cobalt:
Energy: 110.3kWh
PERFORMANCE:
Driving range: 600km
Energy consumption: (claimed) 20.6kWh/100km
CHARGING:
DC Fast Charge 10-80% (120kW Charger) Approx. 24m
DC connector: CCS type 2
AC Charge 10-100% 10hr
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 5060mm
Width: 1980mm
Height: 1790mm
Wheelbase: 3130mm:
Turning circle: 10.4m
Tare weight: 2721kg (seven-seater)
2744kg (six-seater)
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Eight years / 160,000 kilometres, battery
