Kia Motors has revealed more information about its upcoming electric flagship SUV, the EV9, following a design preview two weeks ago. The EV9, which is based on parent company Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), will be Kia’s first three-row electric SUV. The car comes with three powertrain configurations, featuring fourth-generation battery technology.
Specifications
The base model, EV9 RWD Standard, is powered by a 76.1-kilowatt-hour battery that drives an electric motor producing 160 kilowatts (215 horsepower) and 258 pound-feet (350 Newton-meters) of torque. According to preliminary data, the EV9 RWD Standard can go from 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds.
For those more concerned about range than performance, the Kia EV9 RWD Long Range model comes with a 99.8-kWh battery and a 150-kW (201-hp) motor. The car can reach 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds, and Kia estimates that it can travel more than 336 miles (541 kilometers) on a single charge, according to the WLTP test cycle, when fitted with 19-inch wheels.
The EV9 AWD range-topper is powered by the same 99.8-kWh battery and features two electric motors that together produce 283 kW (380 hp) and a combined 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. The EV9 AWD can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.0 seconds. The optional Boost feature can reduce the acceleration time to 5.3 seconds, and the Kia Connect Store will offer the Boost feature as an optional purchase. The Boost feature increases combined torque to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm).
Kia did not disclose the expected range for the EV9 RWD Standard and EV9 AWD models. However, the company stated that the EV9 will be equipped with an ultra-fast 800 Volt charging system, which can add 148 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
The EV9, like other E-GMP vehicles, will also have Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality via its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which provides up to 3.68 kW of power. This feature enables users to charge laptops or power camping equipment, among other things.
Kia’s EV9 promises to be a versatile and powerful SUV that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers. With its advanced battery technology, impressive acceleration, and long-range capabilities, the EV9 is poised to compete with other top electric SUVs in the market.
Features
The most significant technological highlight for the EV9 is its Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which will enable conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets where conditions permit. The HDP system uses 15 sensors, including two lidars, to scan and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view to prevent potential collisions. The HDP system will be available in the EV9 GT-Line model in the future.
Kia has also introduced the Kia Connect Store, allowing customers to purchase digital features and services on demand. This enables customers to continuously upgrade the capability of the EV9 with over-the-air (OTA) updates at any time. For instance, the EV9 GT-Line’s “Digital Pattern Lighting Grille” technology can be further enhanced with the “Lighting Pattern” feature.
The EV9 also comes with Kia’s Digital Key 2, which utilizes 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.
In terms of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the EV9 offers a long list of features, including Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), and more.
The EV9 also introduces Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) as a digital feature, as well as content streaming through the vehicle’s Audio Visual, Navigation and Telematics (AVNT) system.
Dimensions
The Kia EV9 shares similar dimensions with the Telluride, measuring 197.2 inches (5,010 millimeters) in length, 77.9 inches (1,980 mm) in width, and 69.1 inches (1,755 mm) in height. However, the EV9 has a longer wheelbase of 122 inches (3,100 mm). The interior is spacious, offering three rows of seats in six- and seven-seat configurations, with four options for the second row, including a 3-seater bench seat, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats. Kia claims an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28, aided by advanced features such as a 3D-sculpted underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, and air curtains integrated into the front bumper.
The Kia EV9 will also come in a GT-Line trim with distinct styling tweaks such as unique bumpers, wheels, roof rack, and color options. The EV9 will make its debut at the Seoul Mobility Show 2023 and the New York International Auto Show in early April. Pre-orders for the Korean market will open in Q2 2023, with sales starting in selected global markets in the second half of the year. Pricing details will be announced at a later date.
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