The Kia EV9 has finally been unveiled and this is their all-new electric family SUV that will take on the likes of the Volvo EX90. The Kia EV9 is set to make its global debut on 29th March and we have more details of this large-sized EV thanks to the reveal of its exterior and interior design.
Largest EV yet built on Hyundai/Kia E-GMP platform
The Kia EV9 is the largest EV yet that’s based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP EV dedicated platform. The production EV9 retains most of the boxy elements of the concept vehicle which was unveiled during the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. The EV9 is said to be close to 5 metres long, and over 2 metres wide and it has a taller ride height to provide greater ground clearance. From early previews, the EV9 rides on 21″ 285/45 R21 tyres that are wrapped around cool-looking chunky rims with matching boxy elements.
With a larger size and the capacity to carry up to 7 passengers, you can expect a larger battery of more than 100kWh which should provide sufficient range for long-distance trips. As a reference, the 7-seater Volvo EX90 has a 111kWh battery with a rated range of up to 600km on a single charge. Kia has not provided any power figures yet but you can expect them to offer single and dual motor options, similar to the Kia EV6.
Like the rest of the E-GMP models, you can expect the EV9 to use an 800V electrical architecture which will allow you to get from 10-80% quickly when it’s plugged into a 350kW DC fast charger.
Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with Star Map LED DRL
Being a large SUV, the EV9 gets a bold front-end design to give it more presence on the road. It gets a wide closed-off grill with subtle elements to form Kia’s Digital Tiger Face. The narrow vertical array of cube LED lamps forms the headlamps on each end. In addition, it also gets an L-shaped Star Map LED daytime running lights for the front while the rear tail lamps get distinctive Volvo-ish style vertical lights with an additional extension that flows inwards.
For a more futuristic appearance, there’s also a hidden Digital Pattern Lighting Grille that can be animated as shown in the earlier teaser video. The EV9 also gets flush door handles but unlike the EV6 or the Ioniq 5, it features a full pop-out grab handle design similar to what you get on the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Drive selector and push button start are mounted behind the steering wheel
To maximise space and practicality for the centre console, Kia has moved the drive selector and also the push button start to a stalk behind the steering wheel. As a comparison, the EV6 has a more driver-focused design with a rotary gear selector and power button positioned practically on the floating centre console. Matching the chunky SUV design, the EV9 gets a four-spoked steering wheel and it has the drive mode and terrain mode buttons placed below the horn.
Three displays on the dashboard
The Kia EV9 gets not just two, but a total of three displays on the floating dashboard panel. Besides the typical two 12.3″ screens for digital instrument cluster and infotainment, this family SUV has a third 5″ screen in the middle which is dedicated to displaying vehicle functions such as the airconditioning.
Another nice touch is chunky physical toggles for climate control which is more practical to use than tapping on the screen. There’s also a scroll wheel in between the central aircon vents for volume and power for audio. The EV9 also features hidden touch controls for audio/media which are placed below the central display. It has individual illuminated icons and it looks similar to what you get on the Nissan Ariya.
Available as a 7-seater or 6-seater with swivel seats
Depending on trim and spec levels, the EV9 is offered with either a 7-seater with a bench for the second row or a 6-seater that offers two swivel seats for a lounge experience. With the 6-seater option, the two second-row occupants can turn their seat 180 degrees to interact with third-row occupants or simply face outwards to enjoy the view.
Practical and spacious interior
With a flat floor and an extended wheelbase, the EV9 promises to offer enhanced comfort levels for third-row passengers. The second and third-row seats can be folded down flat electronically from the rear boot. Like other Kia and Hyundai EVs, it also offers a power socket via the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature which is great to power a mini fridge and various home appliances during camping trips. If you need more storage, there’s also a frunk (front trunk) under the bonnet that looks big enough to store a backpack.
The full specs and details of the Kia EV9 will be announced during its digital global premiere at the end of this month.
