Hyundai’s flagship model, the all-electric Ioniq 9, is now being offered with a new high-end trim level called Calligraphy Black Ink.
When the Ioniq 9 launched last year, it immediately became Hyundai’s most expensive model, costing some £7,250 more in its base form than the Korean company’s other large SUV, the plug-in hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe. The new Calligraphy Black Ink is priced at £79,320 in seven-seat guise (£2,350 more than the lesser Calligraphy) or £80,320 if you want the six-seat layout. That also means it’s £1,675 more expensive than sister brand Kia’s EV9 GT-Line S.
Christopher McKinnon, Vice President at Hyundai Motor Europe said: “With Calligraphy Black Ink, we have enhanced the vehicle’s visual character through carefully integrated design details, creating an even more distinctive interpretation of our flagship electric SUV.”
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So what do Calligraphy Black Ink buyers get for their money? Unsurprisingly, given the name, there’s lots of black exterior trim – a matt black Hyundai front badge, exclusive black 21-inch alloy wheels and gloss black rear detailing. Alternatively, there’s also the choice of Abyss Black Pearl metallic paint or Serenity White Pearl. Both cost an extra £750, though.
The interior continues the theme, with black Nappa leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped black steering wheel and black aluminium dash trim. As colour-themed upgrades go, the Calligraphy Black Ink’s is pretty simple, although Hyundai claims the result is “a refined design that achieves a stronger visual presence through subtle detailing rather than unnecessary complexity”.
The Ioniq 9’s most powerful dual-motor set-up comes as standard in the Calligraphy Black Ink, meaning there’s 421bhp on tap for a 5.2-second 0-62mph time. The maximum 372-mile range is unchanged whether you go for the six-seat or seven-seat model.
Fancy an Ioniq 9 for less? Hyundai’s big electric SUV can be had with an average saving of over £7,000 when you head over to the Auto Express Buy A Car service…
