The new Kia EV9, its first three-row seat electric SUV, will run 541 kilometers on a single charge and 239 kilometers after just 15 minutes of ultra-fast charging.
The EV9 is being hailed as a milestone model in the Korean carmaker’s transformation to sustainable mobility. Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s all-electric range of 541 kms is according to the World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP).
The GT-Line model will also feature the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, enabling conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. It also introduces the Kia Connect Store, which enables customers to purchase digital features and services on demand, giving them the flexibility to choose the features they want and continuously upgrade the capability of the EV9 with Over the Air (OTA) updates at any time.
The Kia EV9 will be available to pre-order in the Korean market in the second quarter of 2023, and is expected to go on sale in selected global markets from the second half of the year.
Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, Kia, 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, it 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.”
The exterior of EV9 has an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28, achieved through the implementation of several advanced features. These include Kia’s first-ever 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear, along with aerodynamic wheels, and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper.
The car has a range of seating options for different needs. It offers seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options. The first-row features relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row, for the first time among global EV models, offers four seating options, including 3-seater bench seats, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats.
In its strategy to become a carbon-zero company by 2045, the Kia EV9 has several sustainability features. The company is phasing out the use of leather and increasing the use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils.
0 to 100 kmph in 5.3 seconds
The most impressive feature of the EV9 is its drivetrain. It comes with a broad choice of electric powertrain configurations. A 76.1-kWh battery is offered exclusively with the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) standard model, while a 99.8-kWh battery is fitted in both the RWD Long Range and All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants.
The RWD has a 150 kW/350 Nm electric motor, helping the SUV to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, while a more powerful 2830 kW/600 Nm variant in the AWDs enables it to surge from 0-to-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds.
Even greater levels of performance are available with an optional Boost feature, available for later purchase at the Kia Connect Store. The combined torque is increased to 700 Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Autonomous driving
The Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system will provide the EV9 with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving. It comes equipped with 15 sensors, including two lidars, to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view.
The HDP system will meet the criteria required to deliver Level 3 autonomy in certain areas of the world. The car will be capable of conditional driving automation where conditions permit, enabling the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.
Customers can select the equipment specification with the newly introduced Kia Connect Store, which offers a wide array of options. This enables them to keep their EV9 constantly updated by upgrading its digital features and services without any need to take the vehicle to a dealership.
Kia Digital Key utilises Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, allowing users to open and start their car using their smartphone, even when the key is in their pocket or bag.
The EV9 is set to make its inaugural physical debut at the Seoul Mobility Show 2023. It will then be showcased at the New York International Auto Show in early April.
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