I recently attended the unveiling of Hyundai’s latest flagship three-row electric SUV trim level at a media event near the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Georgia. The newly revealed vehicle is the 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink, and it made a striking first impression.

Its name may be a mouthful, but its design is pure elegance. Although the Black Ink doesn’t add extra muscle to the already impressive IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy, it undeniably raises the bar for style, pushing this EV firmly into the luxury class of SUVs.

At first glance, the Calligraphy Black Ink might seem like just another blackout package, a trend automakers have embraced for years now. But look closer, and it’s clear Hyundai’s designers went beyond a simple color scheme. They drew inspiration from the art of calligraphy itself, infusing the Black Ink edition with thoughtful details and a sense of refined craftsmanship.

Base Trim Engine

Electric

Base Trim Transmission

Single-speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Calligraphy Black Ink exterior design

The Black Ink exudes style and class

Calligraphy is all about intricate style. Depending on the stroke of the pen, the design of individual letters in calligraphy can change. Some parts are darker and bolder, while others are lighter and more delicate. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink follows that same general theme. Hyundai didn’t just douse everything in the same Abyss Black Pearl paint and call it a day. The closer you look, the more subtle variations you pick up.

On the exterior of the Calligraphy Black Ink, you will find a black chrome front skid plate and rear garnish. The roof rails are gloss black. Black window moldings, inner door handles, and a black front Hyundai emblem are also part of the package. However, the most striking feature has to be the black 21-inch Turbine Design alloy wheels that are exclusive to this model.

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Luxury interior with eco-friendly materials

Space and style dominate the Black Ink cabin

Slide inside the spacious, luxurious cabin, and the black colorway continues. The steering wheel and interior aluminum trim are both black. The Calligraphy Black Ink has a standard six-passenger layout with first- and second-row Relaxation Seats, featuring power recline and ventilation. I sat in every one of those six seats, and each one was roomy and comfortable. I would happily sit my 5′9″ self in the third row for a cross-country adventure. Even if that trip took place during the winter, I would be comfortable as the third-row seats are also heated.

The headliner is made from eco-suede, a sustainable material derived from corn. The model also features a unique aluminum trim with organic, handcrafted patterns.

The only thing not included is your own chauffeur (although I can tell you sitting inside the Black Ink makes you feel as though you should have a driver shuffling you off to the Met Gala).

Radar Band Detection

X, K, Ka

Companion App

Drive Smarter

The Escort MAX 360c MKII is the follow-up to the standard MAX 360c radar detector. This enhanced version features longer-range detection with its updated dual-antenna platform and increased false alert filtering through Blackfin DSP integration.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD driving impressions

Quiet, smooth, and powerful

Of course, most people will have to drive their own Calligraphy Black Ink around, but that is not a bad thing. While I didn’t get the opportunity to drive the Calligraphy Black Ink, I did spend several hours behind the wheel of the IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy, which is basically the same vehicle underneath.

I had the opportunity to drive the IONIQ 9 in many different conditions, from the highways and backroads around Savannah, Georgia, to the Hyundai test track at HMGMA. I even mistakenly drove it in the wrong direction on a section of closed highway that was still under construction. But that is a story for another day.

Powering the car I drove and the Calligraphy Black Ink is the same 422-horsepower (314.6-kW) dual-motor AWD system that is also good for 516 lb-ft. of torque. Thanks to the 110.3-kWh battery, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Black Ink’s 800-volt architecture supports 350-kW ultra-fast DC charging, enabling drivers to replenish the pack from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes under optimal conditions.

While the HMGMA test track pushed the IONIQ 9 to its absolute limits, testing everything from violent emergency braking to lane-keep assist functionality, the vehicle’s true identity isn’t found in extreme maneuvers. For the average owner who covers about 35 miles a day, the SUV’s impressive 318-mile range means it’s a seamless part of your routine, likely requiring only a single weekly top-off at the charger.

On paper, the IONIQ 9 is a massive machine. It measures nearly 200 inches long and tips the scales at approximately three tons, yet it defies these dimensions the moment you pull away from the curb. It feels remarkably light on its feet, thanks to a combination of instant electric torque and an impressive 0.269 drag coefficient. The slippery aerodynamic profile extends battery life and keeps road noise to a minimum.

Merging onto the highway highlights the AWD Performance Calligraphy’s deceptive power. Before you realize it, you’re cruising at 80 mph with the same stability you’d expect at 40 mph. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the digital speedometer to avoid an unplanned and likely expensive conversation with Georgia’s highway patrol.

Pricing and availability

Credit: Hyundai

The IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy proves that a three-row EV can be as refined as it is functional. While it’s built for composure rather than track times, it masters the premium driving experience with ease. The Black Ink edition takes that solid foundation and layers on a more intentional sense of style. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars over the standard $74,990 MSRP for this elevated look when it hits showrooms this summer.