Kia EV9: Groundbreaking EV with Authentic SUV Character
Set to become Kia’s flagship model in the EV fold, the Korean manufacturer has ripped the covers off its new EV9 fully-electric behemoth.
The reveal comes after the brand unveiled its EV6 GT, the quickest Kia yet. Now, looking at the design of the EV9, there’s just one way to describe it. Epic. The design has been inspired by the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, and it’s a bold departure from that of the EV6.
The futuristic-looking full-size, 7-seater SUV features angular styling. At the same time, the front is dominated by what Kia calls a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’, striking vertical headlights and ‘Digital Tiger Face’, which adds two clusters of small cube lamps to the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp.
For enhanced aerodynamics, the EV9 comes fitted with flush door handles, a tapered back roofline and a smooth tailgate that’s home to slim rear lights.
The E-GMP platform that the EV9 is based on has allowed engineers to extract maximum space inside the SUV for all occupants in all three rows of seats. The EV9 can be had either in a 6-seater or 7-seater format.
For added comfort, the first and second-row seats can recline simultaneously; the second row can be swivelled 180 degrees, while the third seats feature cup holders and charging points.
Upfront, the EV9 has two 12.3” touchscreens integrated with one 5” segment display to control the vehicle’s functions. This move ensures physical buttons are kept to a minimum.
Kia hasn’t shared any performance or drivetrain specifics, but we suppose it could use the EV6 GT’s 77.4 kWh battery pack that feeds power to the front-mounted 160 kW electric motor and 270 kW motor at the rear.
In the EV6 GT, the battery pack can be recharged from 0-80% in under 18 minutes when using the 800-Volt charger.
The Kia EV9 represents an essential move for the brand towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider. It’s slated to make its global digital premiere in late March when more information will be available.
