IONIQ 9: hyundai debuts its largest EV model with interiors like a 'furnished lounge'

future of EV design debuts in los angeles

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Electric SUV has made its grand debut during an exclusive event at the iconic Goldstein House in Los Angeles, marking a milestone in EV design. This three-row SUV is the latest — and largest — addition to the company’s IONIQ lineup with its spacious interiors and future-minded aesthetics. With the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model, at 3,130 millimeters (123 inches), the model opens up to evoke a ‘furnished lounge’ which prioritizes spaciousness and comfort. designboom was on-site at the iconic mid-century modern home in Belair to witness the vehicle‘s unveiling, before meeting with Simon Loasby, Head of Hyundai Design Centre during the Los Angeles Auto Show.

images © Hyundai Motor Company

hyundai designs an EV for all drivers

The team at Hyundai celebrates its IONIQ 9 Electric SUV for its expansive interior that focuses on passenger’s comfort. The company‘s design team is driven by its ‘customer-centric’ approach, understanding drivers’ diverse lifestyles and habits. With this in mind, the IONIQ 9 accounts for drivers who need to travel with family or large groups, especially during long journeys. It accommodates up to seven occupants, with ‘Relaxation Seats’ in the first and second rows which offer full recline and leg rests. The second-row swiveling seats encourage interaction, allowing passengers to create a social, face-to-face seating arrangement.

One feature of the IONIQ 9 that is especially unique is the Universal Island 2.0 console, a slidable storage space that is accessibility for both front and rear passengers. Combined with a panoramic sunroof and calming, lounge-like design elements, the interior is an ultra-quiet escape that feels both luxurious and practical.

the Hyundai IONIQ 9 debuts as the flagship electric SUV in the brand’s lineup

the ‘aerosthetic’ ioniq 9

The IONIQ 9’s exterior introduces Hyundai’s ‘Aerosthetic’ design language, bringing a futuristic and sculptural aesthetic through its aerodynamic lines. Its streamlined roofline, parametric pixel LED lights, and smooth, flush surfaces ensure a low drag coefficient.

The longest wheelbase in Hyundai’s lineup gives the SUV its imposing stance, while refined details like pixel-fused lighting and a boat-tail rear add depth to its silhouette. Buyers can personalize the vehicle with up to sixteen exterior colors, including new hues like Celadon Gray Matte and Cosmic Blue Pearl, as well as three wheel options, including a bold 21-inch Calligraphy design.

Alongside the IONIQ 9 SUV’s electric powertrain, Hyundai’s focus on sustainability is expressed through the materiality of its interiors. Eco-friendly fabrics, recycled PET (plastic), and bio-based paints are used to reduce the vehicle’s environmental impact and elevate the design of the cabin. Paired with ambient lighting and slim air vents, the interior creates an atmosphere that feels at once futuristic, inviting, and natural. The design team stresses that the interiors were curated to evoke the feeling of a ‘furnished lounge,’ prioritizing softness spaciousness.

it features a sleek aerodynamic design inspired by modern minimalism

impressive range and fast-charging

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Electric SUV is equipped with an electric powertrain that delivers both impressive range and fast-charging capabilities. Powered by a high-capacity 110.3 kWh NCM lithium-ion battery, the SUV boasts an estimated range of up to 620 kilometers (385 miles) on a single charge, making it ideal even for longer-distance journeys. The IONIQ 9 supports 800V ultra-fast charging, enabling drivers to reach an 80% charge from 10% in just 24 minutes when using a 350 kW charger. The vehicle’s powertrain options include a 160 kW rear motor for the Long-Range RWD model and dual motors for AWD configurations. With a focus on convenience, the IONIQ 9 also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability which allows drivers to power external devices directly from the car.

the electric powertrain offers up to 620 kilometers (385 miles) of range on a single charge