2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9


Hyundai Ioniq 9 all-electric SUV showcased in the UAE desert, highlighting its design for the region’s climate and terrain.


Price: AED 258,700 (Est.)


The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is making waves in the UAE, especially among families looking for something practical, spacious, and fully electric that can withstand both the searing summer and those long drives between emirates. This seven-seater lands right in the sweet spot: enough room for everyone, that up-to-532 km WLTP range, and genuinely useful features like super-fast charging, swiveling seats, and even integrated AI. When the temperature climbs above 40°C, you need a car designed for the region, not just any global SUV with an air conditioner cranked up to eleven.


As Hyundai’s top-of-the-line electric SUV, the Ioniq 9 sits proudly on the E-GMP platform shared with the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV9 and packs a big 110.3 kWh battery paired with advanced driver assistance. No “hybrid” this is the real electric deal, aimed squarely at the mid-size market segment that serves both big households and executives with a taste for future tech. The Ioniq 9’s futuristic looks aren’t just for show, either; it recently won the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. With extended range that easily covers runs from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and versatility for families, it’s no wonder the anticipation keeps building.


Also read: Top 10 Best Electric Suvs In 2025 Uae Ranked


Overview


The first thing you notice about the Ioniq 9 is the sheer amount of space inside. The E-GMP platform means a flat floor and plenty of room to maneuver, along with solid efficiency. Remember the Hyundai Seven concept? This production version brings that show car’s distinctive design and practicality to life, making it well-adapted for modern UAE families. If you worry about batteries in the heat, Hyundai has outfitted this SUV with tough thermal management, so efficiency stays high even while the car bakes in the sun. According to Hyundai Middle East, the Ioniq 9 also qualifies for UAE perks: reduced registration fees and possible green rebates via the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. That could slice 10-15% off ownership costs compared to a traditional petrol SUV.




What's New for 2025?


The Ioniq 9 had its big reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2024 definitely not a model update, but a brand new addition to the Hyundai electric lineup. For the UAE, expect to see it officially launch in Q4 2025, with dealers like Juma Al Majid handling early reservations. If you want one soon, better get in early; limited allocations could mean waiting lists or a required deposit. While global shipping sometimes causes headaches with new models, Hyundai assures UAE drivers there are no major surprises beyond routine certification delays. What’s special here? More than just paint or badges: there’s advanced, dust-and-sand-resistant air filtration, a real benefit when Sharjah sends a sandstorm through the streets.


Official high-resolution image of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 exterior, showcasing 2025 aerodynamic design and signature pixel LED lighting.




Money matters. In the UAE, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 starts around AED 258,700 (base trim, VAT and import duties included), and top trims climb to about AED 311,200. These numbers come from global MSRP conversions ($60,500–$80,000 USD) with adjustments for the 5% UAE VAT and local fees. If you want the extra capabilities of AWD which matters on the occasional detour onto soft sand you’re looking at another AED 20,000–30,000. For context, Kia EV9 starts at about AED 220,000; Tesla Model X? Over AED 350,000 if you can even find one right now. Expect another AED 5,000–10,000 for import and registration, unless you snag an EV exemption. Broadly, the SE AWD is probably the sweet spot for families, while the sporty crowd will chase the Performance AWD and its 429 hp. Even the “entry” version is hardly basic ADAS comes standard, and top-level trims bring in massage seats and Bose audio. Factor in low maintenance and cheap charging, especially if UAE green incentives stick around.


Also read: Are Chinese Evs Outshining Tesla In Dubais Market A 2025 Comparison Of Brands Prices And Ownership




EV Motor, Power, and Performance


The Ioniq 9 keeps things interesting. Choose from a single-motor RWD making 215 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, a dual-motor AWD with 308 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, or go for broke with the Performance AWD at 429 hp and 516 lb-ft. All of this comes on the E-GMP platform, so the chassis is genuinely dialed-in for electric performance. Out on the UAE’s highways or sandy detours, AWD is worth the extra spend for traction. As for range, you’ll get the longest stretch from the RWD, while AWD trims give you extra grunt and control. Worth noting: even the best battery chemistry loses 10-20% efficiency under fierce desert sun thanks to constant A/C, but Hyundai’s cooling system manages better than most. So, is it a Tesla Model X killer? That car may top out at 576 hp, but at a cost and the Ioniq 9’s price-to-power ratio holds its own, especially against the Kia EV9 (up to 379 hp).




Range, Charging, and Battery Life


For numbers fans, here’s what matters: the longest-legged Ioniq 9 covers up to 532 km WLTP (RWD) and roughly 515 km EPA (AWD trims) using a big 110.3 kWh battery. But let’s be real: with Dubai heat, heavy traffic, and the A/C running on high, think more 400-450 km per charge in everyday use. WLTP and EPA cycles gloss over desert realities, showing a real 15% summer drop-off. Charging, though, is painless: 10–80% in just 24 minutes on a 350 kW public charger, and thanks to DEWA and ADNOC, you’ve got 500+ charging locations. Versus the Kia EV9 (500 km range) or Tesla Model X (539 km), Hyundai’s combination of real efficiency and local adaptation is tough to top.


Infographic comparing the range, battery capacity, and specs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, and Tesla Model X for UAE buyers.




Interior, Comfort, and Cargo


If you care about comfort, this is where the Ioniq 9 shines. Relaxation seats with massage for the driver and passenger. Swiveling second-row seats that let you chat or simply make access less of a gymnastic trick priceless for family life. Finishes feel upscale, with a nod to sustainability (lots of recycled materials, plus wood accents). Packing room isn’t an issue, either: 338–2,494 liters of cargo, enough space to swallow a family’s luggage or a full load of golf bags. For the UAE, the tri-zone climate control and ventilated seats fend off the hottest days.




Infotainment and Connectivity


Packed tech comes standard: two giant 12-inch curved displays give you crisp navigation and controls. The infotainment runs Hyundai’s ccNC platform, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside a Bose 14-speaker system. For 2025, the true showstopper is the Hyundai AI Assistant think open-ended voice commands, powered by ChatGPT, now with Arabic support for local users.




Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


Safety isn’t an afterthought. Hyundai SmartSense is on every trim: adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blind spot alerts, auto emergency braking (it even spots pedestrians), plus Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and torque vectoring. With 10 airbags and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, you get peace of mind whether you’re threading through Sheikh Zayed Road at rush hour or taking the kids to school.


High-resolution image of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9’s interior dashboard and tech setup for the UAE market, featuring dual 12-inch curved displays and advanced controls.




Specifications


Overall dimensions are on the big side: 5,060 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,790 mm tall, riding atop a robust 3,100 mm wheelbase. UAE-bound units keep the same big battery and drive options, with local tweaks to the cooling system. Aerodynamics matter, too with a tidy drag coefficient of 0.27, the Ioniq 9 slices through the air, quietly improving your range.




Where This Vehicle Ranks: Comparisons to Competitors


Stack the Ioniq 9 against others and its strengths show. Versus the Kia EV9, you get more flexible seating and a little more real-world range (532 km against 500 km), with a shared E-GMP backbone for proven reliability. If “Tesla” is your first word in EV discussions, the Model X will give you more raw speed and flash, but at a price ceiling that looks pretty steep. And compared to the Lexus RZ or Bmw iX, the Ioniq 9’s three-row spaciousness and region-optimized features are a better fit for local families.




Summary


Attribute Hyundai Ioniq 9 S RWD Hyundai Ioniq 9 SE AWD Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD
Model Name & Trim Hyundai Ioniq 9 S RWD Hyundai Ioniq 9 SE AWD Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD
Price (Starting MSRP) AED 258,700 AED 274,900 AED 311,200
Powertrain (Engine type, horsepower, torque) Electric, 215 hp, 258 lb-ft torque Electric, 308 hp, 446 lb-ft torque Electric, 429 hp, 516 lb-ft torque
Transmission & Drivetrain Single-speed automatic, RWD Single-speed automatic, AWD Single-speed automatic, AWD
0–60 mph time 9.4 seconds 6.7 seconds 4.4 seconds
Fuel Economy or EV Range Up to 532 km WLTP Up to 515 km WLTP Up to 500 km WLTP
Interior Features Dual 12-inch displays, 7 seats, AI Assistant Bose audio, swiveling seats, Bluelink connectivity Massage seats, OTA updates, digital key
Exterior Highlights Parametric Pixel LED lights, 19-inch wheels, 10 paint options 20-inch wheels, aerodynamic design 21-inch wheels, pixelated lighting
Safety Features SmartSense ADAS, 5-star Euro NCAP Blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, torque-vectoring
Cargo Space 338-2,494 liters 338-2,494 liters 338-2,494 liters
Warranty & Maintenance info 5-year/100,000 km, 8-year battery 5-year/100,000 km, 8-year battery 5-year/100,000 km, 8-year battery
Release Date / Availability Q4 2025 in UAE Q4 2025 in UAE Q4 2025 in UAE




People Also Ask


  1. What is the Hyundai Ioniq 9?
    The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a flagship three-row all-electric SUV offering premium features, up to 532 km range, and family-oriented design, competing head-to-head with luxury EVs like the Kia EV9.

  2. When will the Hyundai Ioniq 9 be available in the UAE?
    Expected launch is Q4 2025, with reservations opening soon via UAE Hyundai distributors for early deliveries.

  3. What is the range of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 in UAE conditions?
    Official range is up to 532 km WLTP, but realistically, expect 400–450 km in hot UAE climates with full A/C and high temps.

  4. How much is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 in AED?
    Estimated starting at AED 258,000, depending on trim. This price includes VAT and may drop further with available EV incentives for lower ownership costs.

  5. How does the Hyundai Ioniq 9 compare to the Kia EV9?
    The Ioniq 9 brings a more luxurious interior and a slightly better range, yet shares the reliable E-GMP platform making it a top UAE pick for anyone needing space and electric versatility.

  6. Who offers the most reliable inspection services for pre-owned luxury vehicles?
    Check out Alba Cars for up-to-date listings and booking info.

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