Barely straying from the idea mannequin first proven in Los Angeles in November 2021, the three-row mannequin will probably be supplied in a wide range of configurations and supply the brand new hands-free Freeway Driving Pilot expertise.

Kia has large aspirations within the EV market, with plans to launch seven all-electric fashions by 2027. It’s already scored large with its first entry into the section, the EV6 crossover not too long ago named North American Automobile of the Yr. Now, it hopes to ship one other large hit with the debut of the EV9.

First unveiled in idea type on the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Present, EV9 shares the identical underlying “structure” because the EV6, although right here it’s stretched to permit for a 3rd row. With its excessive roofline and key drivetrain parts mounted below the load ground, the again row will supply greater than sufficient room for adults — because the 6’2” design chief Karim Habib demonstrated throughout a media webcast on Monday.

Kia EV9: Prolonged Vary

Kia has but to disclose full particulars in regards to the new mannequin’s drivetrain expertise, however President and CEO Ho Sung Tune famous it is going to be supplied in a wide range of totally different configurations, together with each entrance and all-wheel-drive. There additionally will probably be each customary and extended-range battery packs.

The bigger pack could have a capability of 99.8 kWh, sufficient, he mentioned, to ship as much as 541 km, or 336 miles, per cost. Nonetheless, that’s primarily based on the worldwide WLTP customary. The U.S. EPA scores usually are available in about 25% decrease.

EV9 makes use of an 800V electrical system which allows quicker charging. Although full particulars additionally will probably be launched later, Kia mentioned motorists will have the ability to add as a lot as 239 km, or about 150 miles, of vary in simply quarter-hour. 

EV9 GT Mannequin Coming

Nonetheless different powertrain choices will observe, in accordance with Tune who mentioned, “We’re conscious of the demand for high-performance electrified automobiles.”

An EV9 GT mannequin is within the works and can debut in 2025, he revealed.

I beloved the EV6 GT, so I’ve excessive hopes.

GT Will get Freeway Driving Help

The EV9 GT mannequin will add extra than simply larger efficiency. It is going to be the primary Kia to supply the automaker’s new Lidar-based Freeway Driving Help.

In technical phrases, it is going to be a Degree 3 semi-autonomous system that can transcend present applied sciences like Normal Motors’ Tremendous Cruise or Tesla’s Autopilot. Motorists not solely will have the ability to drive hands-free however they’ll additionally divert their consideration away from the highway, maybe texting or watching movies on the infotainment system. They’ll, nevertheless, be required to remain on the able to retake management of the car in an emergency.

Presently, Mercedes-Benz is the one automaker promoting a real Degree 3 system — however its Drive Pilot is restricted to speeds beneath 35 miles an hour. It’s unclear what the working vary for Kia’s system will probably be.

Kia Digital Updates

Like most new automobiles, the Kia EV9 can deal with smartphone-style over-the-air updates. That can be utilized to revise onboard software program, and even handle some remembers. However Kia has different plans in retailer.

House owners will have the ability to remotely add new options to their automobiles, together with some they won’t have chosen on the time of buy, defined Spencer Cho, head of world enterprise planning. Different options may be launched later, he defined, including that they are going to be supplied “both as a one-time buy or on a subscription foundation.”

The EV9 will characteristic an array of lights constructed into the entrance fascia, and motorists would possibly select to obtain new lighting patterns to provide their EV9 a singular look.

Kia EV9 Design

The brand new SUV picks up on Kia’s “opposites united” design language, defined Habib. That’s obvious in a profile view. EV9 options crisp angles round its low-drag wheels, however the remainder of the physique adopts a easily sculpted form with solely probably the most delicate of character strains.

Up entrance, EV9 introduces a brand new method to the trademark Kia “tiger nostril” grille. Right here, it integrates the entrance lighting and small intakes wanted to chill the motor drive and battery pack — one thing Habib calls a “tiger masks.”

EV9 contains a lengthy, flat roof that flows into the longest built-in spoiler on any Kia mannequin, and in contrast to most trendy battery-electric automobiles, it will get a rear windshield wiper.

Sustainable Inside

With its flat load ground and recessed instrument panel, the cabin is designed to emphasise EV9’s roominess. However there’s additionally a give attention to expertise, with massive twin digital shows.

A excessive precedence for this system was sustainability, mentioned Marilia Biill, who oversaw the event of inside materials and finishes. As an alternative of utilizing leather-based, it contains a material utilizing corn and different sustainable supplies to create an identical feel and appear. Recycled supplies from pop bottles and fishing nets are also used for textiles and different surfaces.

“Our actual objective was to have sustainability at scale,” mentioned Biill, noting that these supplies will probably be used on all EV9 trim ranges.

2024 Kia EV9: Pricing & Availability

Anticipate the EV9 to be the costliest mannequin within the Kia lineup, in accordance with business analysts. That displays the premium most producers cost for his or her all-electric fashions.

Kia plans to disclose pricing nearer to launch, in accordance with CEO Tune — who acknowledged that it’s following what opponents are as much as earlier than locking down agency numbers.

That mentioned, it gained’t take lengthy. The automaker will start taking orders for the 2024 Kia EV9 within the South Korean market throughout the second quarter of this yr. It can open up orders in North and South America, in addition to Europe and another markets throughout the second half of 2023.

An Inspiration

Anticipate to see the EV9 strongly affect the subsequent technology of Kia battery-electric automobiles. It is going to be “a supply of inspiration for future EV fashions,” mentioned Tune, and “will play a key function in how the Kia model is outlined going ahead.”