Kia has unveiled its first three-row seat electric flagship SUV, the EV9, that promises to deliver a new level of design, performance, and technology to the segment. The EV9 is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which enables a spacious and versatile interior, a long-range battery, and ultra-fast charging capability. The EV9 also introduces innovative features such as conditional Level 3 autonomous driving, over-the-air updates, and sustainable materials.
The EV9 is Kia’s latest model to embody its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which aims to create a harmonious balance of natural and modern elements. The exterior design of the EV9 is inspired by the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar, which combines elements from the natural and material worlds. The front of the EV9 features a distinctive ‘Digital Tiger Face’, which showcases Kia’s unique identity as an EV maker. The ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and vertical headlamps give the EV9 a futuristic and visionary look, while the ‘Star Map’ LED daytime running lights create a sophisticated animated lighting pattern. The side profile of the EV9 displays a sleek and dynamic silhouette, with a long wheelbase of 3,100 mm and a choice of 21-inch, 20-inch or 19-inch wheels. The rear of the EV9 emphasizes its width and stability, with horizontal LED taillights that span across the tailgate.
The interior of the EV9 is designed to offer a serene and comfortable space for all passengers, with a focus on functionality and convenience. The dashboard features a dual-screen layout that integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. The center console houses a rotary gear selector and touch-sensitive buttons for climate control. The EV9 also offers wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a premium sound system by Meridian. The seats are upholstered with eco-friendly materials such as recycled PET bottles and vegan leather, while the headliner is made of bio-based fabric derived from sugar cane. The EV9 can accommodate up to seven occupants, with flexible seating configurations that allow for various cargo needs.
The EV9 is powered by a high-capacity battery pack that comes in two sizes: 99.8 kWh or 76.1 kWh. Depending on the battery size and drivetrain configuration, the EV9 can deliver different levels of performance and range. The top-of-the-line AWD model with the 99.8 kWh battery produces 283 kW (382 hp) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in six seconds. With an optional ‘Boost’ feature that can be purchased from the Kia Connect Store, an extra 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) of torque can be unlocked, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 5.3 seconds. The RWD model with the same battery size offers 150 kW (201 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, with a targeted WLTP range of over 541 km (336 miles) on a single charge. The RWD model with the smaller battery size delivers 160 kW (215 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, with an undisclosed range figure.
One of the main advantages of the E-GMP platform is its 800-volt electrical architecture, which allows for ultra-fast charging at compatible stations. Kia claims that the EV9 can add up to 239 km (149 miles) of range in just 15 minutes of charging, or reach an 80% charge level in about 30 minutes. The EV9 also supports bi-directional charging, meaning that it can supply up to 3.68 kW of power to external devices or other vehicles via its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function.
The EV9 is equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems that enhance safety and convenience on the road. The most notable feature is the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), which will be available in the GT-line model in selected markets in the future. The HDP is a conditional Level 3 autonomous driving system that uses 15 sensors, including two lidar units, to monitor the surrounding traffic conditions and control the vehicle’s speed, steering, and lane changes on highways where laws permit. The HDP also communicates with other vehicles and infrastructure via Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology,
The Kia EV9 is the latest addition to the Korean automaker’s electric vehicle lineup, following the successful launch of the EV6 crossover. The EV9 is a large, three-row SUV that combines a striking design, impressive performance, and innovative features to offer a premium and versatile electric mobility experience.
The EV9’s exterior design is based on the Imagine by Kia concept car that debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The front and rear bumpers, wheels, and roof rack have undergone a transformation, and the GT-line features a distinctive black colour palette exuding a strong and assertive presence, setting it apart from its standard counterpart. Notably, the GT-line includes an exclusive ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ that adds an element of dynamism and sophistication to its already impressive design.
Beyond its exterior, the EV9 also delivers on performance with an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28. This has been achieved through the implementation of several advanced features. These include Kia’s first-ever 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear, along with aerodynamic wheels, and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper. These elements combine seamlessly to provide superior airflow control and optimised performance and efficiency, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The EV9 offers three powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base model with a 76.1-kWh battery and 160 kW of power, a RWD long-range model with a 99.8-kWh battery and 150 kW of power, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model with a 99.8-kWh battery and 283 kW of power. The AWD model can also be upgraded with a ‘Boost’ feature that unlocks an extra 100 Nm of torque, reducing the 0-100 km/h time from 6 seconds to 5.3 seconds. The long-range model boasts a range of up to 541 km on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle.
The EV9 also supports ultra-fast charging thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture. It can replenish up to 239 km of range in just 15 minutes when plugged into a compatible public charger. Moreover, the EV9 can also act as a mobile power source for other devices or appliances, thanks to its vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that can discharge up to 3.68 kW of power.
The interior of the EV9 is spacious, comfortable, and futuristic. It features a minimalist dashboard with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, as well as a head-up display with augmented reality (AR) capabilities. The cabin is also equipped with various smart technologies, such as wireless charging, ambient lighting, voice recognition, and biometric authentication.
The Kia EV9 offers a range of seating options that cater to diverse needs. It offers seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options, totalling to four, suitable for different situations such as moving, charging, and resting. The first-row features relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row, for the first time among global EV models, offers four seating options, including three-seater bench seats, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats, providing customers with a variety of usage methods to choose from.
When equipped with the second-row relaxation seats, the EV9 allows first and second-row occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging. With the swivel seat option, the second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to enable conversations with those seated in the third row.
The EV9 also boasts a high level of safety and convenience with its Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which is Kia’s first Level 3 autonomous driving technology. The HDP uses 15 sensors, including two lidar units, to monitor the road conditions and traffic around the vehicle. It can take over steering, acceleration, braking, and lane changes on highways where conditions and laws permit.
The Kia EV9 is expected to debut in April 2023 and go on sale in Korea in the second quarter of 2023. It will also be available in other markets later on. The EV9 is part of Kia’s ambitious plan to have 11 new electric vehicles for sale by 2026 and achieve a 40% share of eco-friendly vehicles in its global sales by 2030.
