Hyundai IONIQ 9 is Germany’s Premium Car of the Year

• All-electric flagship SUV wins in the premium category of the ‘German Car of the Year 2026’ award
• Jury praises design, fast-charging technology and personalisation
• Hyundai IONIQ 9 impresses as a premium electric car with innovative technology and generous space

Just three months after its market launch in Germany, the all-electric SUV Hyundai IONIQ 9 has won the coveted title of ‘German Premium Car of the Year 2026’. The three-row electric SUV clearly stood out from the competition with strong overall ratings. It impressed the independent GCOTY jury with its elegant, aerodynamic exterior design, pioneering fast-charging technology and a lounge-like interior that offers drivers and passengers numerous comfortable and high-quality personalisation options.

“We are truly honoured to see our all-electric flagship recognised with such a prestigious award so soon after its debut in Europe. At the top of our range, IONIQ 9 reflects what we stand for: innovative design, a progressive mindset, and a commitment to human-centred, sustainable mobility,” said Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe. “Awards like this remind us we’re on the right track, driving us to keep pushing boundaries and create electric vehicles that inspire confidence, connection, and pride in every drive. IONIQ 9 shows just how far our brand has come in the past decade, and our commitment to continue leading the way in electrified mobility.”

Setting new standards in the premium segment: space, design, EV technology

IONIQ 9 is the flagship of the Hyundai IONIQ model family and sets standards in terms of sleek design, high-quality features and driving range. While the exterior design combines aerodynamic innovation with futuristic elegance, the three-row interior offers a lounge-like experience with space for either six or seven occupants and their luggage. IONIQ 9 is based on Hyundai’s award-winning E-GMP architecture. The 800-volt technology guarantees ultra-fast charging; at appropriate fast-charging stations, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 24 minutes. With the latest generation of the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), IONIQ 9 offers a variety of digital functions, such as AI-supported voice recognition.

About GCOTY

The GCOTY jury consists of around 40 experienced and independent motor journalists. Based on extensive test drives, they select the class winners in the categories “Compact”, “Premium”, “Luxury”, “New Energy” and “Performance”. The five models have been selected from all the major new launches of the past twelve months. The overall winner of all “German Car of the Year” categories will be presented in November 2025.

News release from Hyundai.