Hyundai Ioniq 9 BigTime concept: off-roading from Calligraphy

Hyundai unveiled the Ioniq 9 BigTime concept at SEMA, a collaboration with YouTube channel BigTime, that focuses on off-road looks and adds basic off-road capabilities. Based on the four-wheel-drive Ioniq 9 Calligraphy, the concept gets a suspension lift, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around white OZ Racing wheels, roof-mounted accent lights, and a 1970s-inspired brown-and-beige decal. This is a show build that likely won't directly influence Hyundai's production product.

BigTime concept: SEMA idea based on Ioniq 9

The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s newest electric vehicle, which went on sale earlier this year and isn’t intended to be off-road oriented, with a standard ground clearance of 6.9 inches. BigTime’s Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe teamed up with Hyundai to give the Ioniq 9 a bolder look and a bit more off-road prowess for the SEMA show.

Lifted suspension, BFGoodrich tires and white OZ Racing wheels

The most significant upgrade on the Ioniq 9 BigTime is the raised suspension. Hyundai didn’t reveal the exact amount of increase, but the images show that the increased clearance is enough to accommodate large-studded BFGoodrich all-terrain tires inside the wheel arches. These tires are mounted on white OZ Racing wheels, giving the build a distinct rally vibe and helping to define the style.

With larger tires and a raised suspension, the Ioniq 9 BigTime should be more agile on light dirt, and offer improved approach and departure angles compared to the standard car. However, this is still a concept that’s more about visuals and performance; Hyundai hasn’t revealed any deeper mechanical tweaks beyond the suspension and tires.

Roof lights and 1970s inspired brown-beige decals

The Ioniq 9 BigTime gets a roof-mounted light bar for added visibility when traveling at night on trails. The exterior is finished in a 1970s-style brown-beige decal, complete with a large Hyundai logo on the hood and prominent BigTime lettering on the tailgate and fenders. According to the BigTime team, this color scheme was inspired by a 1977 Kenworth cabover tractor they purchased for the channel last year.

Ioniq 9 Calligraphy platform: two motors AWD, 422 hp

The build starts with the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy, the range-topping model that starts at $76,590. It uses a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system that produces 422 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The standard car’s 6.9 inches of ground clearance means the Ioniq 9 isn’t a pure off-roader, so the BigTime’s suspension and tire upgrades are mostly for a more rugged look and basic handling.

Category	Ioniq 9 Calligraphy (base)	Ioniq 9 BigTime concept
Transmission configuration	Dual motors, AWD	Keep it the same
Capacity	422 hp	Keep it the same
Torque	516 lb-ft (~700 Nm)	Keep it the same
Ground clearance	6.9 inches	Suspension lift (specs not disclosed)
Tire set	Standard specifications	BFGoodrich All Terrain
Tray	Standard design	OZ Racing White
Support lighting	Are not	Roof light bar
Exterior decoration	Standard color	1970s inspired brown-beige stamp, large logo
Starting price (original)	76,590 USD	-

Set in the SEMA picture: the off-road SUV trend

This year's SEMA saw a wave of off-road SUVs/crossovers. Toyota upgraded the Corolla Cross Hybrid with the Nasu Edition and put a modern V-6 in a classic Land Cruiser. Nissan showed off the Armada-based Dune Patrol, prepared the Frontier Rapid Runner for riverside rides, and teamed up with Forsberg Racing to create a 1,000-hp classic Patrol. The Ioniq 9 BigTime added color, affirming the emotional approach of electrified builds.

Use value: just enough for the beaten path, emphasizing personality

From a practical perspective, the BFGoodrich knobby tires will improve grip on gravel and hard surfaces; the suspension lift will help clear the ground over low mounds; and the roof light bar is useful for night driving. However, with no major mechanical changes announced, the Ioniq 9 BigTime is best suited for light roads, while also serving the needs of personalization and style expression.

Conclude

The Ioniq 9 BigTime concept doesn’t redefine the off-road capabilities of an electric SUV, but it does succeed in off-roading an off-roader with the right upgrades: suspension, tires, lighting, and styling. The project, which Hyundai and BigTime co-developed, is a reminder that with just a few selective interventions, the Ioniq 9 can be given a more open, playful look, though the impact on future production vehicles is likely to be minimal.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/hyundai-ioniq-9-bigtime-concept-off-road-hoa-tu-calligraphy-10310096.html