The Korean manufacturer Kia has just presented its very first 100% electric six-seater SUV with the EV9. It is a large electric SUV with a design straight out of a science fiction film and rather interesting habitability, with a second row of swivel seats.
Here is the new flagship of the Kia range and, unsurprisingly, it is an electric SUV, namely the Kia EV9, a model announced by the Korean manufacturer for several months already.
As you can see in the photos, the Kia EV9 is a beautiful baby and overall retains the aesthetic codes inaugurated on the concept car presented in 2021.
Finally an electric SUV for (large) families?
Also on the positive side, Kia does not bring out the photocopier for each of its models, this EV9 overall does not have much to do aesthetically with an EV6 for example, even if we recognize some similar traits at certain levels.
Overall, the lines are quite cubic, with some rough-hewn bodywork. We can’t help but see a small connection with a certain Volvo EX90.
While there’s no official sizing information yet, the Kia EV9 is expected to retain the concept’s proportions. As a reminder, the latter measured 4.93 meters long1.79 meters high and had a wheelbase of 3.10 meters.
Note the presence of “normal” mirrors, unlike the cameras present on the concept and on certain prototypes observed during the tests. However, it is very likely that they will be offered as an option at a later date, much as is the case (in certain markets) for the Genesis GV60 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, two other models based on the E-GMP platform, such as this Kia EV9.
Like in his living room
Inside, the Kia EV9 can board up to six passengers thanks to three rows of seats. But why not seven? Quite simply because Kia has chosen to opt for a second row equipped with swivel seats.
This system makes it easier for passengers to get on board, but also to be face-to-face with the occupants of the third row, in a sort of mini-van style.
The dashboard is quite classic, at least for a model from Kia since we generally find the minimalist aspect inaugurated on the Kia EV6. There is therefore a double screen, one for the digital instrumentation and the other, touchscreen, to manage the infotainment system.
Despite the presence of a touch screen, there are many physical controls, not on the center console, but rather on the steering wheel and the door panels.
Towards record charging power?
As often for the models of the Kia-Hyundai group, the information concerning the engines, the powers and the sizes of the batteries (and therefore the autonomy) are not revealed from the outset. If we refer to the concept car of 2021, the car embarked a battery with a capacity of 100 kWh and was based on an 800 volt architecture.
This certainly suggests a record charging power, around 350kW as some Ionity terminals can accept today (of which Kia is part of the consortium).
The Kia EV9 should have the right to several engines. A version with a single engine is probably in the cards, which would therefore make it a propulsion. It should develop, like the Kia EV6, 229 hp. A variant with two engines and four-wheel drive will also certainly be there, and if we still refer to the Kia EV6, it should be entitled to 325 hp.
As far as autonomy is concerned, we have no information yet, but it is hard to imagine such a beautiful baby having less 500 km rangeeven in the basic version.
Regarding the prices, they too will be known later. The entry ticket should be, in France, probably above 60,000 euros for the basic version, and approach 75,000 euros for a high-end version.
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