Hyundai Goes BigTime with Hyundai Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept at SEMA 2025
Hyundai is turning its three-row flagship EV, the Ioniq 9, into a rugged overlander with the Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept, developed in collaboration with renowned YouTube builders Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe of the BigTime channel. The concept, debuting in SEMA’s Future Tech Studio, is a statement that electric SUVs can evolve beyond urban driving and into the enthusiast off-road space. The build features a lifted suspension, custom all-terrain tires, and an aggressive, vintage-inspired design that contrasts sharply with the EV’s high-tech foundation.
BigTime’s Off-Road Conversion
The partnership with BigTime allowed Hyundai to inject a significant amount of off-road styling and capability into its all-electric three-row SUV.
- Donor Vehicle: The concept is based on the top-tier Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD trim.
- Powertrain: The stock dual-motor AWD system is retained, producing a substantial 422 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This instant torque is ideal for off-road maneuvers.
- Suspension and Tires: The build features a lifted suspension and robust all-terrain tires (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A) on white OZ Racing wheels. This provides increased ground clearance and maximum grip on loose surfaces, enhancing the vehicle’s rugged capability. (Note: The stock Ioniq 9 has a ground clearance of 6.9 inches).
- Exterior Accents: The concept gains a rugged aesthetic from a custom auxiliary light bar mounted on the roof and a unique, 1970s-inspired brown-and-tan wrap.
Blending New Tech and Vintage Charm
The Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept successfully bridges electric performance with old-school enthusiast culture.
- Vintage Inspiration: The concept’s unique color scheme and theme were inspired by the BigTime builders’ own 1977 vintage cabover semi truck, nicknamed “Bud”. This “new-tech-meets-vintage look” gives the Ioniq 9 a playful character.
- SEMA Showcase: The concept will be displayed in SEMA’s Future Tech Studio, emphasizing the marriage of innovative EV technology (like the Ioniq 9’s 800V charging system and 422 hp) with traditional customization.
- Off-Road Potential: Hyundai views the project as showcasing how electric SUVs can evolve beyond urban boundaries, inspiring innovation and customization. The instant electric torque is a significant advantage for off-roading.
- Social Media Focus: The build will be heavily featured across BigTime’s social channels, offering behind-the-scenes content for fans interested in the EV’s transformation.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept is a strong visual statement that battery-electric vehicles are capable of embracing the rugged spirit of the off-road segment. By collaborating with established builders, Hyundai successfully demonstrated the customization potential of its new electric flagship. The concept is a fun, high-performance exercise that challenges the perception of electric vehicles, proving they can be both “fun and functional but still have character” even while conquering challenging terrain.
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