Hyundai is showcasing the IONIQ 9 and Staria MPV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. These models cater to diverse customer demands, establishing the Korean brand as the pioneer of automotive excellence in the Indian car market. Let’s take a closer look at both of these models.
Hyundai IONIQ 9
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the latest addition to the growing EV Lineup, under the Ioniq sub-brand. The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai’s flagship 3-row SUV. It shares the EGMP platform with the Kia EV9. The IONIQ 9 is going to launch in India in 2025. Overall, Hyundai has styled the SUV well with futuristic design aspects such as the LED DRLs running through the front end with 19 to 21-inch wheels. The body of the IONIQ 9 is accentuated with clean lines and a focus on using aerodynamics to boost the electric range and performance.
Interior
The interior features a luxurious dual-tone cabin with dual 12.3-inch screens, a 14-speaker Bose sound system and metallic veneers. There is a movable centre console which can be operated from both sides. The Ioniq 9 also has Level 2 ADAS, enabling mild self-driving characteristics and offering a first-class lounge-like experience. The middle row has electrically operating seats, prioritizing passenger comfort and an ideal choice for the chauffeur-driven.
Performance Data and Battery Range
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is powered by a 110.3 kWh battery and offers a 620km range. It produces between 215HP for the Long Range RWD version and 429HP for the Performance AWD Version. It completes 0-100km/hr in 5.2 and 4.9 seconds respectively. The battery will reach from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes with Fast 350 kWh DC Charging. Furthermore, the IONIQ 9 comes with Terrain modes which can make it a competent offroader!
Hyundai Staria
The Hyundai Staria is the sister MPV to the Kia Carnival. In terms of styling, the Hyundai Staria has an unconventional but handsome design with notable aspects such as rounded edges and a high roof. The headlights are positioned in the lower half of the front end with a chrome grille.
Interior
The interior is the major highlight of this MPV as it prioritizes practicality and comfort in a brilliant manner. The interior is filled with creature comforts like automatically opening doors, a panoramic sunroof, one-touch relaxation mode, air cleaning mode, dual digital screens, etc. The rear compartment is extremely versatile as it allows the middle seats to be swivelled, increasing comfort for the passengers.
Performance Data
In the International Markets, the Staria is available with a 3.5-litre V6 which produces 272HP and 332NM of torque or a 2.2-litre Diesel which produces 175HP and 431 NM of torque with an 8-speed automatic Transmission. It comes with various safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert, Level 2 ADAS, autonomous braking etc. Overall, it is safe to assume that the Hyundai Staria will give tough competition to its sister car, the Kia Carnival.
Outlook
Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Staria exemplify the brand’s commitment to the Indian Market. The IONIQ 9 poses a big threat to all the electric luxury SUVs and it will be interesting to see it compete against rivals such as the Mercedes EQS, Kia EV9 etc. The Hyundai Staria is a good alternative to the Kia Carnival. It will be fascinating to observe whether Staria cannibalises sales of the Carnival but the bigger question would be how will the two MPVs sustain a sector that is dominated by SUVs.
