THE new Hyundai flagship isn't just big - it's massive.

Stretching over five metres long and two metres wide, the Ioniq 9 commands attention with its futuristic LED light arrays and tech-filled cabin.

This is a 7-seat (or 6-seat) EV that challenges the likes of Mercedes GLS, BMW X7, Range Rover, and Kia's own EV9.

Hyundai's clever design merges chunky practicality with clever aerodynamics,The swooping bonnet and roofline, and an active air flap deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd - impressive for a behemoth like this.

The claimed EV range is up to 385 miles on a single charge. If accurate, this makes range anxiety a thing of the past - provided you can afford the £78,000-plus price tag for this top model.

The Ioniq 9 also features Hyundai's now-familiar parametric pixel lighting signature, with horizontal daytime running lights, vertical headlights, and wrap-around rear lights.

Power is impressive, with a 110kWh battery standard across the range.

Options include a Long Range RWD with a 160kW rear motor, a Long Range AWD with an additional 66kW front motor, and a Performance AWD featuring 157kW motors on both axles for maximum output.

There are three trim levels: Premium, Ultimate, and Calligraphy.

Prices are not cheap but are competitive for this segment, starting from £64,995.

Power and performance levels vary; the top 427ps AWD version - the quickest - can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just over five seconds, which is rapid for such a large vehicle.

It is packed with high-tech equipment, including all the electronic wizardry you would expect at this price.

The Premium trim includes extensive standard features such as a dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic display, Bluelink, LIVE services, heated seats, and advanced safety systems. The Ultimate adds a panoramic sunroof, a BOSE sound system, and massaging seat.

This range-topping Calligraphy trim offers further bells and whistles, including Nappa leather and 21-inch wheels, digital key, wireless smartphone charging, and six USB-C ports.

The interior, especially in this model, feels like a cross between a comfortable sitting room and a high-tech office. Light floods in through the full-length panoramic roof and, despite the slightly curving roofline, head and legroom are good even for rearmost passengers, with decent luggage space still available.

This model featured dual captain's chair style seating which rotate, instead of the three-seat configuration, which adds to the price. As does the £1,000 option of digital door mirrors, which I found a distraction, preferring standard door mirrors.

The centrepiece is the curved central screen, which controls major functions like navigation, smartphone connectivity, and infotainment.

It is also the first Hyundai to feature an AI Assistant voice control, allowing the driver to operate multiple systems such as the climate control and navigation.

Other features include a walk-through arrangement at the front, which proved helpful when someone parked too close for me to open the driver's door, as I could simply slide across to the passenger side.

Another clever touch is the huge central console, which can slide up to 190mm for greater storage flexibility and is hinged so it can be opened by either front or middle-row occupants.

On the road, this model features a 303bhp dual electric motor setup that delivers rapid pace and an impressive range for its size. Instant torque and acceleration propel it to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. It is a capable motorway cruiser, with high levels of torque being particularly useful for overtaking.

The optimised suspension and chassis ensure the car feels stable - it's not a vehicle to hurl into corners, and you will feel some body roll if you try, though it remains surprisingly agile for its dimensions.

The focus is firmly on comfort, delivering a hushed and comfortable ride for all occupants. This is aided by active noise-cancelling technology, acoustic glass, triple door seals, and noise-reducing tyres.

While it is a luxury vehicle, it is also highly practical, easily transitioning from a premium cruiser to a van-like load carrier. It has 330 litres of boot space with all seats in place, rising to a maximum of 2,494 litres when all the seats are folded.

Safety equipment is comprehensive, featuring collision avoidance systems to the front, side, and rear, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and a host of other features, including a full complement of airbags.