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The IONIQ 9 debut at the historic Goldstein House in LA
IONIQ lineup

IONIQ 9 premieres at Goldstein House in Los Angeles

4 minute read

Excitement was in the air for the much-anticipated IONIQ 9 World Premiere in Los Angeles. During the special debut event held at the iconic Goldstein House, guests got to
experience IONIQ 9 up close and learn more about the first three-row, all-electric SUV in the IONIQ lineup.

José Muñoz, the President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, gives a speech before the unveiling
José Muñoz, Olabisi Boyle, SangYup Lee and a colleague standing next to an IONIQ 9, which has been unveiled

We are making remarkable progress in the industry and working hard to maintain leadership in electrification.
The IONIQ 5 and 6 have achieved multiple accolades as World Cars of the Year. Tonight, we're taking it to the next level with IONIQ 9. José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company

Introducing the latest member of the IONIQ family

IONIQ 9 is 'Built to belong' and offers all passengers generous and adaptable space that brings people together. This sense of belonging was apparent during the event, where people could interact and enjoy an evening full of IONIQ 9 highlights, all against the backdrop of the historic residence.

The World Premiere was attended by more than 300 guests, including global media, influencers, and key opinion leaders.
José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, kicked the evening off with an opening speech, stressing the significance of this latest member of the IONIQ family and the philosophy behind its creation. Recent brand milestones were also highlighted, including IONIQ 5 and 6 winning the World Car of the Year awards for three consecutive years.

Die-cast models of different IONIQ vehicles in various sizes stand on a shelf
A hand points to a designer's drawing showing a sketch of IONIQ 9's interior
Die-cast models of different IONIQ vehicles before their final completion

IONIQ 9, ‘Built to belong’

The event's main program continued with Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, Sungwon Jee, who shared milestones the IONIQ brand has reached and explained how IONIQ 9 will further this journey of excellence.

This new addition to the IONIQ lineup embodies the same spirit of innovation and progress as its predecessors.
As a three-row SUV, IONIQ 9 offers an impressive array of intriguing features that are designed to fulfill individual needs, heighten comfort, and foster a sense of togetherness.

Olabisi Boyle and SangYup Lee stand next to IONIQ 9, which has not been unveiled

IONIQ is recognized as a leader in the global EV market.
As the latest addition to the IONIQ lineup, IONIQ 9 is built for innovation and space, delivering a unique experience for everyone.
It’s 'Built to belong'. Sungwon Jee, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company

An exhibition room showing IONIQ vehicles

Designed with togetherness in mind

Guests also got an exclusive look into IONIQ 9’s design journey with SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design.

SangYup Lee provided insight into Hyundai’s customer-centric design and how the vehicle adds value to customer’s everyday lives. He highlighted that IONIQ 9’s development is based on three core principles that define the IONIQ brand: Parametric Pixels, sustainability, and furnished space. As a result, IONIQ 9 is unique among traditional large SUVs. Its distinctive 'Aerosthetic Lounge' is a central concept that flows throughout the vehicle, unifying the entire design.

Additional showcased features included its sleek silhouette, tapered boat tail form, turbine-inspired wheel design, and signature parametric pixels that make IONIQ 9 truly stand out.

Two guests inspect IONIQ 9 from up close

We did not design a typical large SUV, but an ‘Aerosthetic Lounge’, with a seamless blend of remarkable aerodynamic performance and refined design. SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design

An IONIQ 9 parked on a terrace seen from behind

Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, shared the backstory of IONIQ 9’s carefully engineered space. She explained that IONIQ 9 was designed to be a place where moments of connection and a sense of belonging are made. Whether tailgating with friends or just gazing at the stars, IONIQ 9 is not just a car but a tool that brings your crew and your family together for a shared experience.

IONIQ 9’s spacious and inviting interior and 'responsive space' concept were highlighted with Olabisi Boyle explaining how the product planning team’s goal was to create a space where people can be separate but together and enjoy their own world while staying connected. Features like USB ports in every row ensure everyone can stay powered up and entertained, while generous legroom and headroom offer maximum comfort.

Two guests interact with an IONIQ 9

It is a space where moments of connection and belonging are created. Our team designed a space where everyone can enjoy their own world while staying connected. Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America

A green IONIQ 9 seen from above surrounded by guests

Uncovering the backstory of IONIQ 9

The elegant rooms of the Goldstein House provided an intriguing backdrop for guests to explore IONIQ's brand journey and the creative process behind the development of IONIQ 9.

A striking boat sculpture, symbolizing the design inspiration for IONIQ 9, was a visual highlight of the event. Similar to a boat, IONIQ 9 features a sleek exterior that minimizes resistance, a spacious cabin, and a flowing roofline that ends in a sharp drop, resembling a classic boat tail. The sculpture was finished in the IONIQ 9's signature color, 'Celadon Gray Matte,' and it subtly changed hues under different lighting conditions, transitioning from a greenish-silver to a deep gray.

A model of a boat serves as an inspiration for IONIQ 9
An installation shows the evolution of IONIQ 9’s design, which was inspired by boats
DJ Raiden lays down tracks at the World Premiere
Small serving bowls filled with Korean gourmet food

Fine dining at the venue's iconic tennis court and music brought people together, giving the evening its engaging Korean flair. Chef Kwang Uh of Baroo, LA Times’ Restaurant of the Year, served Korea-inspired dishes exclusively made for this event. Menus were created to convey the beauty of Korean flavor and culinary tradition, while ingredients were sourced locally via farmer’s markets.

Music set the right tone for IONIQ 9’s debut with internationally renowned DJ Raiden, showcasing his friendship with Hyundai in a truly electrifying way. Along with the Los Angeles skyline, guests from all over gathered to enjoy the music and mingle.

DJ Raiden lays down tracks at the World Premiere

New chapter of electrification

IONIQ 9 not only joins our highly decorated IONIQ lineup as a proud family member but also writes a new chapter in our commitment to electrification and automotive excellence. Its addition demonstrates our mission of pushing boundaries and extending our EV range to fit every taste and lifestyle. We are excited to introduce IONIQ 9 to the world and let people experience this unique vehicle Built to belong.

Follow @hyundai on Instagram for more IONIQ 9 highlights, videos and exclusive images.

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