A new segment and with an electric drive? Hyundai Ioniq 9
Traditionally, this super-station wagon segment has been dominated by powerful diesel engines, but now it is transforming into the electric era. It is an inevitable process.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 (manufacturer photo)
Buyers' interest in six- and seven-seat cars is prompting manufacturers to pay more attention to this segment. For a long time, they did so sporadically, but now this niche is steadily being filled with new models.
Larger families appreciate the practical benefits of such cars both in everyday life and on longer journeys, but as electric drivetrains continue to develop, electric options can also be enjoyed.
Substantial capacity, fantastic passive and active safety, extensive comfort equipment and unrivaled versatility – who wouldn't want all that in one car?! So it's no wonder that their capabilities are highly valued not only by large families, but also by individual drivers who simply want to move around comfortably and carry a lot of belongings without any worries.

Traditionally, this super-station wagon segment has been dominated by powerful diesel engines, but it is now transforming for the electric era. This is an inevitable process, as the transition to electric drive is happening in all car classes. The question is how successfully will electric versions be able to replace internal combustion engines in the six- and seven-seat model segment?
There are more and more options
Despite the fact that electric cars have been intensively developed for more than a decade, the development of large models has been relatively slow. The offer has long been made up of expensive luxury models, such as the Mercedes-EQS SUV, Tesla Model X and the new Volvo EX90, or niche minivans, such as Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the Citroën ë-Space Tourer.
Now, mid-range seven-seat SUVs have entered the market, such as the Peugeot e-5008 and Let's EV9, both of which have a battery capacity of almost 100 kWh. The latest newcomer, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, was presented in November 2024. It is the most spacious Korean electric car to date and is intended for larger families.

It is noteworthy that the Ioniq 9 can be equipped with the largest battery in the entire segment – 110,3 kWh (usable capacity – 106 kWh). When fully charged, this car travels 620 kilometers (WLTP). Plus, it is also able to accept 250 kW of power, so it takes only 10 minutes to charge 80–24% at a fast station. Such parameters make the Ioniq 9 ideal not only for daily runs to school and the store, but also for long trips, where you need to cover longer distances in one go.
Agris Dulevičs, head of Latvia's leading car history service AutoDNA, believes that the new generation of seven-seater electric cars with large batteries are ready to meet all the needs of potential buyers. However, the high price may hinder the purchase decision.
It is extremely welcome that the state supports the purchase of electric cars in Latvia, and the biggest beneficiaries of this subsidy are families with many children. However, the high starting price – even with a 9000 euro discount – is a difficult hurdle for many. Therefore, I predict that the first wave of buyers will be wealthy enthusiasts who want to drive their family in the most modern car possible.
AutoDNA CEO Agris Dulevičs
Becoming more and more irresistible
Experts emphasize that the capabilities of large electric cars allow them to be on par with internal combustion counterparts and in some respects even surpass them. For example, the design of electric cars allows for a more efficient and comfortable interior.
The role of the primary car could be delegated to an electric car that can travel at least 400 km on a full charge in the winter. Such a car would serve the family reliably, would allow them to abandon the maintenance of a second car, and thus would compensate for the initial expenses for a new electric car. As long as the features of the model meet the owner's needs and there is a charging facility at home or at work, such a car would be an absolutely logical choice.
AutoDNA CEO Agris Dulevičs
In the case of passenger cars, driving comfort is of great importance. For example, the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 offer a six-seat configuration, in which the second-row seats can be turned towards the third row and thus create a small area for the stroller. They can also be fully reclined and have a massage and heating function. These five-meter electric cars also have three independent climate zones, and passengers can adjust their settings individually. Meanwhile, the longitudinally sliding center console hides space for small items and convenient controls.

Other innovations include the Peugeot e-5008's 360-degree camera system, which makes maneuvering the large car much easier.
Efficiency is very important for electric vehicles, especially those designed for long journeys. Aerodynamics play a special role here - high air resistance increases energy consumption and, accordingly, reduces range. Ensuring low air resistance for tall SUVs with a large frontal area is no easy task.
Manufacturers are struggling with aerodynamics in every way they can. For example, by developing an extremely flat body and a smooth bottom, creating digital exterior mirrors, as well as playing with the shape of the roof. For example, the Ioniq 9, using such techniques, has turned out to be exceptionally aerodynamic - its drag coefficient is only 0,259.
The Ioniq 9 is expected to hit European roads in the second half of 2025. Given the success of its predecessors, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, which were crowned World Car of the Year in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Hyundai has high hopes for its new SUV.
The era of multi-seat electric cars has only just begun. As technology improves and prices become more competitive, these cars have every chance of soon becoming the primary choice for both families and other drivers.
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