Hyundai Ioniq 7 UAE: What to Expect

The Hyundai Ioniq 7, now officially called the Ioniq 9, has taken the Korean brand's electric vehicle goal truly globally. This three-row electric SUV made its global debut in November 2024, enabling Hyundai's entry into the premium, full-size electric SUV segment. Looking at the Ioniq 9, it is not difficult to underscore that it is something special, the flagship of the brand’s complete electric portfolio, settling right above the popular Ioniq 5 and the stylish Ioniq 6 sedan. While the UAE launch is not officially announced, here is what you can expect in this full-size SUV once it debuts among the other Latest Electric Cars to Hit UAE Roads.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is built on the same highly proven E-GMP platform that is the base for the entire Ioniq range of EVs. This full-size electric SUV makes Hyundai take directly on some of the best in the game: the Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS SUV, and Kia EV9 in the three-row luxury EV segment. 

For the UAE market, the Ioniq 9 is likely to debut early in 2026 through Hyundai's authorised dealer network, which includes Juma Al Majid Motors. This all-new full-size SUV will attract UAE families and EV enthusiasts that look for a spacious, tech-forward electric SUV that's designed and developed keeping in mind comfort, long-range capability, and modern family life.

Ioniq 9 Variants Comparison

Specification	Long-Range RWD	Long-Range AWD	Performance AWD
Motors	Single (Rear)	Dual (Front + Rear)	Dual (Front + Rear)
Power Output	215 hp	303 hp	429 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	446 lb-ft	516 lb-ft
0-100 km/h	9.4 seconds	6.2 seconds	4.9 seconds
Top Speed	185 km/h	200 km/h	200 km/h
EPA Range	335 miles (540 km)	320 miles (515 km)	311 miles (500 km)
Charging (10-80%)	24 minutes	24 minutes	24 minutes
Towing Capacity	2,268 kg	2,268 kg	2,268 kg
Expected UAE Price	AED 258,000-270,000	AED 275,000-290,000	AED 310,000-320,000

Design That Stands Out

The Ioniq 9 is quite different from the typical three-row SUVs. At 5,060 mm long with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it's longer than the Palisade, promising imposing road presence. Right at the front is Hyundai's familiar parametric pixel LED lighting; the distinctive cube-shaped lights are split into two levels, something that quickly grabs attention. The smooth, aerodynamic body panels maximise range, while 19-inch–21-inch alloy wheels provide an absolutely muscular appeal.

The rear too is quite unique, with the slim T-shaped LED tail lights connected via a full-width light bar. The fastback roofline gives that coupe-SUV a personal look, a highly popular personal touch in high-end segments. For most UAE buyers wanting something really distinctive for this price, the Ioniq 9 is offered with as many as 16 exterior colour combinations, including two-tone options and seven interior schemes, not very common customisations at this level.

Interior Space and Technology

It is not just the interior; Hyundai cars are always considered ahead of rivals in interiors too. The brand consistently seeks to improve the segment by introducing unique features and innovations. The Ioniq 9 is no different, with a flat floor design that creates an open, airy cabin across all three rows. The configuration of six or seven seats: the six-seater gets captain's chairs that swivel when parked. The innovative Universal Island 2.0 makes the centre console slide forward or backward by 190 mm; the effect gives easy access to second-row passengers and forges walkthrough space for the third row.

Another big attraction of the cockpit is the twin 12.3-inch curved displays for instruments and infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy variant gets a head-up display. Limited and Calligraphy trims get a premium 14-speaker Bose system and Hyundai AI Assistant powered by ChatGPT that understands Arabic and English commands, another key highlight that buyers would love. 

Second-row relaxation seats in higher trims comprise true comfort, such as massage functions and considerable recline. Combined with heating and ventilation for the front and second rows, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, the interior feels genuinely premium. Third-row passengers are offered 39.7 inches of headroom and decent legroom. The cabin gets advanced air filtration systems that handle UAE sandstorms effectively.

For the practicality aspect, the boot is expected to be 620 litres behind the third row and can be further expanded to around 1,323 litres with it folded and 2,460 litres with both rows down. 

Performance, Range, and Charging

To address wider customer segments, Hyundai is offering this three-row SUV in three powertrain options: base Long-Range RWD with a 215-hp single motor, Long-Range AWD with 303 hp dual motors for all-weather capability, and top Performance AWD with 429 hp sprinting 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

All variants use a massive 110.3 kWh battery. Range: RWD achieves 540 km, AWD offers 515 km, and Performance AWD manages 500 km, sufficient for multiple Dubai-Abu Dhabi round trips. It feels adequate for most UAE drivers when some New Electric Vehicle Batteries are even claiming a range of 1,000km.

The fast 800-volt charging system gives you a 10–80% top-up range in about 24 minutes with 350 kW DC chargers. The bi-directional V2L charging powers external devices or supplies home electricity whenever needed, which is something slowly making its way in the UAE. Some buyers are also installing Home EV Charging in Dubai for added convenience. The self-levelling suspension is an excellent feature which essentially adjusts for load and road conditions. This attribute further makes your ride not just smooth but also comfortable when faced with rough terrain or bumpy roads.

Safety and Driver Assistance

This is a high-end full-size electric SUV, and so one can expect all the standard but highly important safety features. Hyundai is offering standard ADAS comprising six airbags, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. 

On the top variants you would get a 360-degree camera with a transparent chassis view, automatic parking, driver monitoring, and safe exit assist. High-strength steel body structures and reinforced battery armour provide comprehensive protection.

Pricing and UAE Availability

Since it is not yet officially launched, and so the prices are unknown at this point, we expect Hyundai to price the Ioniq 9 competitively in the premium large EV SUV segment. The Ioniq 9 will compete against key rivals such as the Kia EV9, Tesla Model X, and Mercedes EQS SUV.

Variant	Expected Price (AED)	Key Competitors
Base Long-Range RWD	258,000–270,000	Kia EV9 (starting 220,000)
AWD Variant	275,000–290,000	Kia EV9, Tesla Model X
Performance AWD	310,000–320,000	Tesla Model X (350,000+), Mercedes EQS SUV (>450,000)

The Ioniq 9 has already started sales in its home market, South Korea, followed by the US and other markets. The UAE launch is expected to take place in early 2026, via authorised dealers. Early reservations are likely available before launch. Hyundai's typical warranty: 5 years/150,000 km vehicle, 8 years/160,000 km battery.

Conclusion

The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai's major push into premium electric SUVs, and the brand is trying to offer something real to buyers. This full-size SUV excels in its exterior design, features a splendid interior with spacious three-row seating, and importantly, offers a serious range of over 500 km with fast charging capability. There is hardly anything that is truly missing with the Ioniq 9, as you get all the latest tech, and it certainly ticks all the right boxes.  

The blend of practicality, opulent luxury and expected competitive prices makes this electric SUV one of the Best Luxury SUVs in the UAE 2025 and a reasonable alternative to expensive European brands. Buyers in the Emirates can look forward to the arrival of this sleek and original SUV, as Hyundai appears to be making significant promises by offering a complete all-electric full-size SUV experience that includes UAE-specific features to enhance its appeal to local buyers. While the official launch is months away, the Ioniq 9 is definitely worth waiting for if you're shopping for a premium three-row electric SUV.