Kia has commenced the delivery of its flagship electric SUV, the EV9, as part of its expansion strategy in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The EV9, which received accolades for its design and features following its official unveiling in March, is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, also utilized in the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models. Serving as Kia’s second dedicated electric model after the EV6 crossover, the EV9 signifies the automaker’s transition from offering affordable vehicles to producing powerful and stylish EVs.
Kia’s foray into the SUV segment aims to provide consumers with a genuine SUV experience. Boasting a ground clearance of 7.8 inches, the EV9 offers up to 82 cubic feet of cargo space, all-wheel drive (AWD), and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Propelled by two electric motors, the EV9 generates an impressive 379 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Its 99.8 kWh battery enables a driving range of up to 311 miles (501 kilometers).
The EV9’s exterior design exhibits muscular and dynamic lines, reflecting Kia’s revamped logo and embracing simplicity of form. Kia Design Center America’s chief designer, Tom Kearns, described it as a “master class in simplicity of form and expression.”
With the EV9, Kia is embarking on the Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) journey. It will be the first model to offer an array of digital features and software through the Kia Connect Store. This includes over-the-air (OTA) updates to continuously enhance the driving experience. Noteworthy features available through the store include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and Lightning Pattern, allowing users to manually adjust the small cube lamps within the vehicle’s headlights.
To ensure the EV9’s capability in extreme weather conditions, Kia conducted rigorous tests in Arjeplog, Sweden. These tests encompassed evaluating features like battery conditioning for pre-heating the battery and route planning to ensure the EV could withstand freezing temperatures. Apparently satisfied with the results, Kia has announced the commencement of deliveries of the EV9 to customers in South Korea on June 19.
According to a Kia official, 55% of the pre-orders for the EV9 are from new customers, which is an encouraging sign for the company. The official stated, “We are very encouraged to see new demand for our flagship model, which has a high brand repurchase rate.”
The EV9 is available in three trims: Air, Earth, and GT-Line, with the GT-Line offering a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Air model boasts features such as highway driving assist and a wide panoramic display, while the Earth trim offers a luxurious interior with first-row reclining comfort seats and a 12-inch interactive head-up display. The high-performance GT-Line trim delivers the maximum horsepower of 379, allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds.
Kia plans to introduce the EV9 in the United States during the fourth quarter of this year. Notably, it will be the first Kia EV to be manufactured in the United States, specifically at the company’s facility in West Point, Georgia.
