Kia is poised to make a significant impact on the Indian automotive market with the upcoming launch of two highly anticipated models—the all-new Kia Carnival MPV and the all-electric Kia EV9 SUV—on October 3, 2024. These launches mark a major milestone for the brand in India, introducing both a refreshed version of a beloved MPV and an ambitious new entry in the luxury electric vehicle segment.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival, known globally for its spaciousness and premium features, returns to India in a completely knockdown (CKD) form after the previous generation was discontinued in 2023, before the implementation of BS6 Phase II emission norms. The new-gen Carnival, which was first revealed in India as the KA4 at the 2023 Auto Expo, will now debut with a facelift that accentuates its bold and upright design.
The facelifted Carnival features a redesigned front fascia, with a revised grille, new vertically oriented headlights that incorporate a three-step light unit, and distinctive L-shaped LED daytime running lights. The bumper has also been updated, sporting a wider central air intake that adds to the vehicle’s assertive stance.
Under the hood, the Carnival is expected to offer a choice between the global model’s 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, delivering 287 PS and 353 Nm of torque, or a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid engine, producing 242 PS and 367 Nm of torque. This marks a significant upgrade from the now-discontinued India-spec Carnival, which was equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine.
Inside, the Carnival is set to impress with its tech-laden cabin, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, a head-up display, a rear entertainment system with a 14.6-inch HD screen, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The MPV is also expected to offer eight airbags, ensuring top-notch safety for all occupants. Pricing for the new Carnival is anticipated to start above Rs 40 lakh, with the top-spec variant potentially nearing Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia EV9
Joining the Carnival on the same day will be the Kia EV9, an all-electric SUV that represents Kia’s most premium offering in India to date. Unveiled globally in 2023, the EV9 is built on Kia’s dedicated e-GMP electric platform, which it shares with the EV6. The EV9 will not only be Kia’s second electric model in India but also its most advanced, featuring cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities.
The EV9 boasts an impressive wheelbase of 3,100 mm, making it 200 mm longer than even the Kia Telluride, the brand’s largest combustion-engine SUV. This substantial size, combined with its futuristic design and advanced electric drivetrain, positions the EV9 as a formidable competitor in the luxury electric SUV market.
Globally, the EV9 is available with two battery options—a 76.1 kWh unit on the Standard variant and a 99.8 kWh battery on the Long Range model. The Standard variant is equipped with a single motor driving the rear wheels, while the Long Range model offers both single- and dual-motor configurations, the latter providing all-wheel drive capability. The dual-motor version of the EV9 delivers nearly 380 bhp and 600 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just six seconds. An over-the-air (OTA) software update can further enhance this performance, boosting torque to 700 Nm and reducing the 0-100 km/h time to just 5.3 seconds.
With a WLTP-rated range of over 541 km on the Long Range model, the EV9 offers both performance and practicality, making it an attractive option for luxury electric vehicle buyers. Expected to be priced around Rs 80 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia EV9 could serve as a more accessible alternative to high-end electric SUVs like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.