Owing to its massive size, we can expect around 80 kWh of battery, with either a single or dual motor layout on upcoming Kia EV9
At 2023 Auto Expo, Kia EV9 concept was showcased. It drew a lot of attention owing to its attractive design and presence. Production version of the same is set to make its global debut on 15th March, that is tomorrow. Ahead of that, first images of the Kia EV9 electric SUV have leaked online.
Kia EV9 Electric SUV First Images
One look at Kia EV9 is enough to wow you. Kia has formulated an edgy, yet subtle design language. It borrows a lot of ques from Hyundai’s Ioniq range reflected in aggressive lines and creases on its wheel haunches. From the images it is clear that Kia has retained most of the design elements of the concept.
As a whole, Kia EV9 looks like a giant version of a culmination of Soul EV and Carens. How giant, you might ask. Kia EV9 will measure around 5m in length, 2m in width, and 1.7m in height and have a wheelbase of around 3m. Speculations are in place suggesting Kia EV9 will be close to Kia Telluride in wheelbase, which is 2900 mm.
The boxy silhouette neatly merges into its rear which gets a kink at the very end, just like we observed with the concept model. Alloy wheels look futuristic too and are likely to be around 20” with lower trims and 21” with higher trims. Kia has showcased both on stage, lower-spec trim doesn’t get any sunroof, vehicle higher-spec trim gets a single pane sunroof at the front and a larger one for 2nd and 3rd row.
Interior Features Loaded With Tech, Safety And Luxury
There will be a third row as indicated by leaked images. These images also show cavernous luggage carrying capacity when all seats are folded down. Second-row gets individual chairs, making the Kia EV9 a six-seater with 2+2+2 seating layout. Interiors are kept mostly minimal, similar to Kia EV6.
Two horizontal screens take center stage, one for driver’s instrumentation and the other for infotainment. It features a discontinued center console with two cup holders and a few buttons to change driving modes. 2nd-row passengers get a boss mode function too, where they can move the front passenger seat forward at their discretion.
Battery and Range Specs, Launch Price
Kia EV9 is based on the E-GMP platform. Given the size, we expect around 77.4 kWh of battery, which could be good for around 500 km of range. Single motor or dual motor setup is very likely too. Kia EV9 would logically be launched in South Korea, China and North America first and then in Europe and Asian markets like India.
Since Kia and Hyundai are sister companies, the latter is also developing a similar-sized electric SUV, concept of which was showcased as SEVEN concept. It will spawn a production model named Ioniq 7. More details will be revealed on launch tomorrow. Rivals are likely to be in the form of Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Audi e-tron, and the likes.