Kia has shared the details of their new 3-row electric SUV, which will soon hit the market under the name EV9. This SUV is pampered with an attractive design and unique features with the latest technology. Kia will commence the pre-bookings for EV9 by the Q2 of 2023 and will be on sale in global markets from H2 2023 onwards. With the introduction of this vehicle, Kia Motors appears poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle industry.
Platform of Kia EV9
The new Kia EV9 is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform which is also known as E-GMP. This platform shares its underpinnings with other Hyundai and Kia cars like the Hyundai ioniq5, ioniq6, and Kia EV6. This platform is designed to accommodate larger batteries and electric motors, resulting in exceptional drivability. Kia intends to attract more customers with the EV9’s impressive performance and excellent driving range.
About the Safety Features of Kia EV9
Kia has brimmed the EV9 with numerous Safety features. The new Kia EV9 has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Level-2 Remote Smart Parking Assist which results in safe driving. Moreover, Kia EV9 has other safety features like 10-Airbags, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA). These features will assist drivers in the worst scenarios of driving. Kia EV9 also features Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) for convenient drivability.
Design of Kia EV9
The design language of Kia EV9 is based on the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy which looks bold and distinctive. Upfront, the Kia EV9 gets signature digital tiger fascia and a digital lightning grille with vertical headlamps. Meanwhile, the beauty of digital tiger fascia is accentuated by the star map DRLs and small cube lamps. And this vehicle sits on multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.
Kia will also introduce a powerful GT Line variant with sporty aesthetics. In the GT Line variant, Kia has tweaked the bumpers, grille, wheels, and roof rack. The GT line boasts a black palette adding to its sporty presence. With these elements, Kia EV9 is geared up to set a benchmark for a unique design in its segment.
Seating Options of Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 boasts a versatile range of seating options to fulfill the needs of users. It offers both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, with four different options for the second-row seats alone. These options include a 3-seater bench seat, a basic-type seat, a relaxation-type seat, and a swivel-type two-seater independent seat, providing customers with a range of usage methods to choose from.
For the first time in global EV models, the second row features relaxation seats that allow the occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging. The swivel seat option enables second-row seats to rotate 180 degrees, facilitating conversations with 3rd-row passengers. Charging points and cup holders are available to all occupants in the third row.
About the Advanced Driving Technology
Kia has taken a significant step towards full autonomy with the introduction of its Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system in this SUV. This system is key to achieving Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing the vehicle to provide intelligent and proactive assistance across a range of conditions. The EV9 is equipped with fifteen sensors, including two lidars, that enable it to scan and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view. This capability allows the car to detect and respond to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions.
Details of Powertrain Options
The Kia EV9 will be available with a multitude of the battery pack and powertrain options. For starters, there will be a 76.1-kWh battery for the RWD variant, while a 99.8-kWh battery will be available for both the RWD Long Range and the AWD variants.
The RWD Long Range model houses an electric motor churning out 150kW and 350Nm of output. The claimed 0-to-100 km/h for this motor is 9.4 seconds. Also, Kia will offer a powerful motor with 160 kW and 350 Nm of output. Kia claims that the 160kW RWD variant can do a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
While the AWD variant will be equipped with two electric motors that together unleash a total power output of 283 kW and a combined torque of 600 Nm. This variant can do a 0-100 sprint in just 6 seconds. Kia EV9 will have an approximated range of over 541 km as per WLTP. This SUV is equipped with an 800-volt system that can charge for a range of 239 km in 15 mins.
Official Statement
Ho Sung Song, President, and CEO said: “The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities. Created to meet the needs of all family members, the EV9 also spearheads Kia’s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.”