After months behind the wheel, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has cemented its reputation as arguably the most comfortable car I have ever experienced. This flagship electric SUV, which arrived in January 2026, prioritises luxury and passenger comfort over outright sportiness, creating a compelling proposition in the premium market.
A Family Christmas Put to the Test
The festive period provided the perfect real-world examination for the Ioniq 9. A family trip to The Royal Albert Hall and a tour of London's Christmas lights, with six adults on board, proved its mettle. The passengers included my 89-year-old father and 85-year-old mother-in-law, both with limited mobility, who found accessing the cabin remarkably easy thanks to its wide-opening doors and thoughtful design.
Even the two adult children relegated to the third-row seats reported no hardship. In fact, they enjoyed the best view of the festive lights through the car's expansive panoramic sunroof. This practical test underscored the Ioniq 9's core strength: providing exceptional comfort for every occupant, regardless of where they sit.
Luxury Features That Impress
Where the Hyundai truly excels is in its attention to comfort detail. My top-spec Calligraphy model, priced from £78,595 (rising to £79,795 with optional Celadon Grey Matte paint), is equipped with 'Relaxation Seats'. When stationary, these seats recline and deploy a footrest, perfect for a rest during charging stops.
Furthermore, the Ergo Motion system automatically activates a seat massage function after roughly 30 minutes of driving to prevent backache—a feature that has proven highly effective. The combination of potent seat heating, a heated steering wheel, and the ability to pre-heat the cabin via the Hyundai app made winter journeys a cosy affair.
The luxury ambience is bolstered by Active Noise Control-Road technology (effectively in-car noise-cancelling) and a rich 14-speaker Bose sound system. These elements, combined with superb build quality, have led numerous observers and passengers to draw direct comparisons with a Range Rover—a significant compliment for the Korean brand.
Real-World Performance and Quirks
Powered by a substantial 110kWh battery, the Ioniq 9 claims a maximum range of 372 miles. However, cold winter weather saw the real-world range settle around the 300-mile mark, with efficiency averaging 2.8 miles per kWh. Given the conditions, full occupancy, and long journeys, this performance remains respectable. The SUV's acceleration is more than adequate, hitting 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds.
One notable irritation has been an intermittent connectivity issue with Apple CarPlay, causing the navigation screen to freeze and audio to pause. This typically requires a phone reconnect during a journey. Otherwise, the Ioniq 9 has been faultless, with its suite of cameras and parking aids making its considerable size manageable in urban environments.
Verdict: A New Benchmark for Comfort
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 represents a bold step upmarket. It successfully delivers a 'lounge-like' interior that genuinely cossets all occupants. While its dynamic prowess is tuned for comfort rather than excitement, that is precisely the point. It offers a compelling blend of space, technology, and serene travel that challenges established luxury norms.
As the long-term test continues, questions remain about whether lower-spec models retain this luxurious feel and if warmer weather will improve efficiency. But for now, the Ioniq 9 stands as a remarkably comfortable and capable electric family SUV that has redefined expectations of what Hyundai can achieve.
