2025 Hyundai sighting of Ioniq 9, an electric SUV with third-row seating.
Hyundai was spotted testing a prototype of a production version of the Seven electric SUV concept that was unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Previously thought to be called the Ioniq 7, the new three-row SUV is now expected to be produced under the name Ioniq 9.
Hyundai confirmed on Monday that it will debut later this year. It will appear in the U.S. as a 2025 model year
The production version's design is significantly toned down compared to the Seven Concept, but retains the nearly vertical tailgate and the same sweeping roofline. The wheel arch cladding is rectangular, but with conventional round wheel arches instead of the concept's rectangular ones. The rear doors are conventional, replacing the concept's rear open coach-style doors.
The car will be similar in size to midsize SUVs, including Hyundai's Palisade, which is scheduled to be redesigned in 2026, but the packaging advantages of the EV platform should allow for near full-size cabin space. The Seven Concept's wheelbase was longer at 126.0 inches, but the production model's wheelbase appears to be slightly shorter.
The Ioniq 9 will be a close relative of the boxy 2024 Kia EV9 unveiled last year. Genesis is also testing the GV90 electric car, which could also be related to the Ioniq 9 and EV9. The recently unveiled Genesis Neorn concept may be a preview of the GV90's styling.
Hyundai has not confirmed powertrain specs for the production version of the Seven concept, but its numbers will likely match those of the EV9, which will offer a 76.1 kwh battery and rear-wheel drive as standard. Above that is a 99.8 kwh battery with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The longest range is with the 99.8 kwh battery and rear-wheel drive, with an EPA-estimated range of 304 miles. A high-performance EV9 GT is also planned.
Hyundai is working on nearly a dozen EVs for the rest of the decade. Many of these will be based on next-generation EV platforms with standardized batteries and motors.
