IONIQ 9 Standing by the beach IONIQ 9 Standing by the beach

2025.01.07 Hyundai Motor Company 분량9min

Elevating Aerodynamics to Art: The Exterior Design of the IONIQ 9

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has redefined aerodynamics as a form of art, delivering a sleek design that breaks new ground. The designers behind the IONIQ 9 share insights into the exterior styling of this groundbreaking electric SUV.

IONIQ 5 Standing by the beach

The much-anticipated Hyundai IONIQ 9, the third dedicated EV in the IONIQ lineup, has finally been unveiled. After months of spy shots and speculative renderings, the vehicle has exceeded expectations. The IONIQ 9's seamless silhouette, flowing gracefully from the hood to the rear roofline, is an embodiment of "Aerosthetic"—a harmonious blend of aerodynamics and aesthetics. Every curve and edge of the vehicle was meticulously rounded to reduce drag, resulting in a design that is as functional as it is beautiful.


designers who worked on the exterior design of the Ioniq 9

Senior Designer Woo-hyun Lee (Left) and Hyeong-soo Lee from Hyundai’s Exterior Design Team 2 discuss the journey of crafting the IONIQ 9's unique design

The IONIQ brand’s signature Parametric Pixel lamps, along with a functional yet sleek design that highlights the smooth body lines, immediately draw attention. The rear end, tapering inward gracefully like a boat slicing through water, also captivates with its elegance. The design of the IONIQ 9 is rich with such meticulously crafted details. To delve deeper into these elements, senior designer Woo-hyun Lee and Hyeong-soo Lee from Hyundai’s Exterior Design Team 2 shared more about the thought process behind the IONIQ 9’s exterior design.


Side view of Ioniq 5

Q: The exterior design concept for the IONIQ 9 is centered around "Aerosthetic." Could you elaborate on this concept and how it was applied?


Senior designer Woo-hyun Lee | One of the core aspects of any EV is maximizing range, which is heavily influenced by aerodynamics. For the IONIQ 9, we aimed to deliver exceptional aerodynamic performance while achieving a clean, aesthetically pleasing design. The term "Aerosthetic" captures this dual purpose and became our guiding principle. Unlike traditional SUVs with upright A-pillars, the IONIQ 9 features a gently sloping pillar that seamlessly connects the hood, roofline, and side profile. This design minimizes air resistance, achieving an impressive drag coefficient of 0.259—similar to a midsize sedan.


Illustration that explains the design features of Ioniq 9

Q: The IONIQ 9 seems to strike a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and providing a spacious interior, especially with its three-row seating. How did you achieve this?


senior designer Hyeong-soo Lee | As Hyundai’s first electric full-size SUV, the IONIQ 9 needed to excel in both aerodynamics and interior comfort to appeal to consumers. We drew inspiration from the IONIQ 5’s spaciousness and the IONIQ 6’s aerodynamic excellence to create a three-row SUV that offers the best of both worlds. 

Design Sketch of Ioniq 9


The IONIQ 9s rear adopts a boat-tail shape, narrowing slightly toward the back. This design, borrowed from ship hulls to reduce water resistance, not only minimizes drag but also creates a more spacious interior reminiscent of a luxurious lounge, while featuring its robust shoulder volume. 

Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Q: Beyond the roofline, what other features showcase the "Aerosthetic" design ethos?


Senior designer Woo-hyun Lee | The digital side mirrors are a prime example of this concept. Integrated seamlessly into the body, these mirrors reduce drag while adding a futuristic touch. This innovation contributes to the 0.259 drag coefficient achieved by the rear-wheel-drive model equipped with 19-inch wheels.

Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Another notable feature is the wheel arches. While maintaining a robust and angular aesthetic, we minimized the gap between the tires and arches to optimize airflow. Rounded edges on the wheel arch trim not only enhance the design but also improve aerodynamics. I personally think its wheel arches are the crown jewel of IONIQ 9, both from a design and an aerodynamics perspective. Every edge and corner of the body was meticulously smoothed to ensure that airflow remains uninterrupted.

Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Q: The IONIQ 9's front end appears strikingly clean and functional. What was the design process behind it?


Senior designer Hyeong-soo Lee | From the outset, we grouped all functional elements, such as sensors and cameras, into a single black garnish area. This created a streamlined and modern appearance. The front grille, which replaces the radiator grille of internal combustion vehicles, was inspired by circuit boards. It was designed to resemble the intricate assembly of electronic components, such as lamps, cameras, and sensors, on a circuit board. The area was then covered with a semi-transparent panel, achieving a sleek surface that enhances the aerodynamics of the design.


Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Q: The Parametric Pixel daytime running lights and headlamps define the IONIQ 9’s front profile. Could you tell us about the lighting design?


Senior designer Woo-hyun Lee | The Parametric Pixel daytime running lights are positioned high to accentuate the vehicle’s width and presence. Vertical headlamps at the edges further emphasize its bold stance. The parametric pixel lamps, along with the sculptural elements housed within the black garnish of the bumper, draw inspiration from the Korean consonant "ㅁ" and the lattice patterns of traditional Korean windows. The sculptural elements under the transparent covers are meticulously designed to match the size of the pixel lamp modules, elevating the design's cohesiveness and highlighting the intricate details that define the IONIQ 9.

Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Q: The IONIQ 9’s side profile is exceptionally aerodynamic. What are its defining characteristics? 


Senior designer Hyeong-soo Lee | The most defining feature of the IONIQ 9's exterior design is its elegant side silhouette. Beyond this, there are a few standout design elements. The first is the diagonal line in front of the rear fender, which captures the sleek and graceful essence of a Korean hanbok’s collar and lapel. Internally referred to as the "Hanbok Line" by the design team, this line blends seamlessly with the beltline above the rear fender to highlight the dynamic character of the IONIQ 9. Additionally, the embellishments on the top of the wheel arches and the rocker panel lines at the lower body reflect light to enrich the vehicle's side profile, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality.

Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Stretching gracefully from front to back along the lower body, the black garnish is a key design element that completes the IONIQ 9's exterior. Known in design terminology as the "Water Line," this feature draws inspiration from a ship's waterline—the boundary where the hull meets the surface of the water. This design accent creates a striking contrast with the elegantly sloping roofline, enhancing the aerodynamic and dynamic impression of the IONIQ 9 as it tapers toward the rear.

Infographic describing Ioniq 9 rear design

Q: The rear of the IONIQ 9 exudes the commanding presence expected of a large SUV. The pixel rear lamps framing the tailgate seem to amplify this effect. What was the design intent behind this feature?


Senior designer Woo-hyun Lee | To naturally convey the grandeur of the IONIQ 9’s tall and wide body, we integrated vertical rear lamps with the tailgate’s perimeter, seamlessly connecting them with the High Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL) at the top. When the brake pedal is engaged, the HMSL illuminates in harmony with the rear lamps, projecting a commanding presence befitting an electrified full-size SUV. The parametric pixel design of the rear lamps and HMSL not only reinforces the futuristic identity of the electric vehicle but also distinctly signals that it belongs to the IONIQ lineup.

Illustration showing the design features of Ioniq 9

Additionally, much like the front, functional elements such as the built-in dash cam, rear camera, digital center mirror, as well as the pixel-patterned reverse lights and reflectors, are all concentrated within the black garnish area at the rear. A particularly striking feature is the meticulous alignment of three cameras designed for rear visibility. The arrangement was intentionally crafted to evoke the precision and sleekness of a smartphone’s rear camera setup. This thoughtful design choice aligns perfectly with the original vision to create a clean, minimalist, and modern rear aesthetic, free of unnecessary embellishments.


Rear side exterior of Ioniq 9

Q. Beyond the rear lamps, are there other aspects of the IONIQ 9’s exterior design that highlight its value and appeal as a large electric SUV?

Senior designer Hyeong-soo Lee | The overall impression of the IONIQ 9 is bold and commanding, exuding the presence of a full-size SUV. However, a closer inspection reveals meticulous details that befit the flagship model of a premium brand. For example, the "Hanbok Line" adds a layer of intrigue to the side character lines. Without this, the clean surface extending from the rear fender to the quarter panel might have seemed somewhat plain. By incorporating the Hanbok Line, the rear door introduces a new design architecture, enhancing the dynamic impression of the IONIQ 9 while creating a distinctive design identity recognizable even from a distance.

The attention to detail in aerodynamic performance is equally impressive. Every boundary and edge has been refined to avoid sharp transitions, ensuring smooth airflow. The rear bumper’s integrated air diffuser is another standout, designed with aerodynamics in mind to improve air circulation. Even typically overlooked areas, such as the charging port interior and the meticulously finished frunk edges in the "grey zones" (hidden areas), have been thoughtfully crafted to embody the quality and value associated with the IONIQ 9. These elements collectively ensure that every aspect of the vehicle reflects precision and intent.

Ioniq 9's Wheel Design Comparison

IONIQ 9 Prestige Model’s 21-inch Wheels (Left) and Calligraphy Model’s 21-inch Wheels

Q. Can you explain the design of the wheels, particularly their aerodynamic qualities?


Senior designer Woo-hyun Lee | Every wheel on the IONIQ 9 incorporates aerodynamic principles to enhance driving range. The 21-inch wheels on the Prestige model feature a pinwheel-inspired design with adjusted wheel openness (the ratio of empty space on the wheel surface) to optimize airflow. Lightweight plastic materials were used for the wheel caps to further reduce weight. Additionally, the wheel arches are finished in glossy black, creating a robust appearance that harmonizes with the base model. Even the 19-inch wheels carry a similar design ethos, ensuring that whichever wheel size customers choose, they will find the aesthetics equally satisfying.

Illustration showing aircraft turbine engine-inspired 21-inch wheel of the Ioniq 9

The Calligraphy model's 21-inch wheels take design cues straight from airplane turbine engines, combining aerodynamic efficiency with high-end style. Every detail—down to the thickness of the rims and the sculpted spokes—has been meticulously engineered to deliver both form and function. If you're after a large SUV that screams sophistication and prestige, the Calligraphy model is the one to beat.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

Q. The electric vehicle market is shifting from compact cars to mid-to-large SUVs, with growing interest in three-row electric SUVs. As a designer of the IONIQ 9, what message would you like to convey to consumers?

Senior designer Woo-hyun Lee | Hyundai’s design philosophy is rooted in customer-centric design. Instead of iterating on a unified family look, Hyundai’s approach is akin to chess pieces—from pawns to kings—where each vehicle serves a unique purpose and aligns with distinct customer needs. This flexibility to swiftly understand and integrate consumer demands into designs is one of Hyundai’s greatest strengths.


The IONIQ 9’s exterior design identifies unique selling points that other brands have yet to explore in large SUVs. By leveraging these insights, the design offers unexpected and meticulous details that deliver a lasting sense of satisfaction. With the IONIQ 9, consumers can experience a timeless design—one that remains captivating and emotionally resonant for years to come. This enduring quality is the true strength of the IONIQ 9’s design.