On Kia EV9 AWD variants, additional 100 Nm of torque can be summoned by paying additional money via Kia Connect Store
Electric car space is heating up significantly with a slew of new entrants. Newest of the bunch is Kia EV9 whose concept was showcased at 2023 Auto Expo in India as well. Kia EV9 globally debuted on March 15th and now, specs are out as well. Kia seems to have left no box unchecked in pursuit of offering an all-round EV.
It is big in size and big in appeal and features as well. For starters, it measures 5010 mm in length, 1980 mm in width, 1755 mm in height and has a 3100 mm wheelbase. This makes it in line with Kia Telluride SUV in terms of size. Kia has used its “Opposites United” design language with Kia EV9.
Kia EV9 Gets A New Age Design
It has a vertical headlight arrangement flanked by smart-looking animated LED DRLs. Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille is renamed “Digital Tiger Face”, lending it a unique look. GT-line gets more sportier front and rear bumpers, 20” alloys as opposed to 19” on regular model, and more.
On the inside, we have twin horizontal displays taking the center stage. One for infotainment and the other for instrumentation. There is a new steering wheel along with a center console which is smartly and logically designed and laid out. Seating seems to be limited to 6, with a 2+2+2 arrangement.
2nd and 3rd row seats are foldable, leading to a cavernous flat loading area. Kia claims a 2.8 Cd air drag coefficient, which is respectable considering how boxy EV9 is. To aid aerodynamics, Kia is offering a convex underbelly panel at the front and a concave panel at the rear. This should smoothen air flow significantly and also act as a giant spoiler.
Kia EV9 Specs, Battery & Powertrain
This is the juiciest bit of this article as this is what was missing from previous coverage. Kia EV9 is based on E-GMP skateboard that will spawn Hyundai Ioniq 7 in the future. EV9 gets a choice between a 76.1 kWh battery with RWD model making 215 bhp and 350 Nm sprinting to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds.
There is a 99.8 kWh battery option with a Long Range model offered with RWD and AWD options. Long Range RWD makes a lower 201 bhp of power and 350 Nm, capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. It delivers a range of 541 kms. The AWD model gets two motors with a combined 380 bhp of power and 600 Nm of torque, capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in 6 seconds.
That’s not all, though. There is an optional Boost mode which unlocks an astounding 700 Nm of torque with AWD models, sprinting to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. This Boost mode is an additional purchase in Kia Connect Store and is not offered as standard even though software and hardware are. Welcome to the world of connected cars with subscriptions, ladies and gentlemen.
Loaded with New Age Features
Apart from all the usual features expected in this segment, Kia EV9 packs in Highway Driving Pilot. It is Level 3 autonomous driving system capable of detecting objects in full 360-degree FOV. Kia’s Remote Park Assist 2 is part of additional Kia Connect Store along with various lighting patterns for DRL and grille, among others. Take a look at the detailed presentation of the new Kia EV9 below.
Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, 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, the EV9 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.”
