Introduction:
Hyundai has confirmed that it will be unveiling an electric three-row crossover SUV in 2024, with plans for it to hit the market as a 2025 model. The new SUV is anticipated to be part of Hyundai’s Ioniq EV sub-brand and will likely be named the Ioniq 9. With promises of impressive interior packaging, range, and powertrain outputs, this upcoming electric SUV is generating excitement among fans of electric vehicles.
The Unveiling of Hyundai’s Electric Three-Row SUV:
In a recent press release, Hyundai announced its plans to introduce an electric three-row crossover SUV later this year, with a scheduled debut for the 2025 model year. Little additional information was provided, other than a promise of a world premiere in 2024. This larger crossover has been eagerly anticipated since it was first announced in 2020 as part of the Ioniq EV sub-brand. The Hyundai Seven concept, first showcased at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, provided a glimpse of what’s to come.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9: Features and Comparisons with the Kia EV9:
While initial reports suggested that the new three-row SUV would be named the Ioniq 7, recent speculation points towards it being called the Ioniq 9. This naming would align it with the Kia EV9, with which it may share similarities in range and specifications. If the Hyundai Ioniq 9 follows in the footsteps of the EV9, it could offer a choice between a 76.1-kWh battery pack with a single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration and a 99.8-kWh battery pack with either rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive options. The Kia EV9 boasts an EPA-rated range of up to 304 miles with the larger battery pack and single-motor setup.
The Genesis GV90: A Luxury Option in the Super-Large SUV Segment:
In addition to the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, is also making waves with the announcement of its own super-large SUV, the GV90. Previewed by the Genesis Neolun concept, this luxury SUV is slated for a 2026 release. While details are scarce, the GV90 is expected to offer a high-end driving experience and will likely be built in South Korea. With Genesis focusing on the luxury segment, the GV90 will provide an alternative to the more mainstream Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Production and Future Plans for Hyundai’s Electric SUV Lineup:
Hyundai is strategically planning the production of its electric SUV lineup to ensure eligibility for federal tax credits. While the Ioniq 5 is currently being produced at Hyundai’s Georgia EV “Metaplant,” plans are in place to shift EV9 production to the U.S. at the West Point, Georgia factory. This move will help Hyundai maximize tax credit incentives and accommodate the production of the upcoming three-row Ioniq 9. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, Hyundai is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the electric SUV market.
In conclusion, Hyundai’s imminent entry into the electric three-row SUV segment with the Ioniq 9 marks an exciting development in the realm of electric vehicles. With plans for sustainable production and a commitment to technological innovation, Hyundai is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market. As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, Hyundai’s foray into the electric SUV market represents a step towards a greener and more sustainable future.