Korean manufacturer Kia officially unveils its future flagship, the 100% electric EV9 seven-seater SUV. Few technical details are available at the moment (Kia will present it on March 28, 2023), but this SUV is based on Kia’s E-GMP dedicated electric vehicle platform. In addition to an 800-volt architecture to enable rapid charging, the EV9 offers occupants of all three rows of seats generous interior space and “lounge“.
The EV9 will be available in six- and seven-seat versions. The occupants of the first and second row seats can simultaneously recline their seat to relax and rest while the vehicle is charging. Second-row passengers can rotate their seat 180° to interact with third-row occupants. The third-row seats have cupholders and charging outlets for mobile devices.
The very refined dashboard is distinguished by its open structure, which stretches from the steering wheel to the center of the cabin. The two 12.3-inch touchscreens include on-board instrumentation and infotainment. On the manufacturer’s photos, we see that the air conditioning control panel has been moved closer to the steering wheel. Under the central screen, there are shortcut keys that allow access to navigation, media but also to directly manage the heating.
The floating center console incorporates USB-C ports, a 12 V socket and shortcut keys for parking radars and 360° cameras.
The design of the SUV is based on the philosophy “Opposites United” from the manufacturer, offering an impression of robustness on one side and serenity on the other. The front end of the EV9 is distinguished by sharp, clean lines as well as large smooth surfaces. , the EV9 features the ultimate evolution of the brand’s signature Tiger Face grille, vertical headlamps and tapered daytime running lights stretching horizontally to the rear, above the vehicle’s front fenders, and accentuate the width of this SUV visually.The minimalist air intakes in glossy black finish and the front skid plates enhance the character of this SUV and testify to its ability to face all roads, whatever the conditions. meteorological.
The triangular structure of the fenders and the prominent wheel arches combine to offer a game of polygons that is also reminiscent of the Toyota RAV 4, bestseller among SUVs. At the rear, the vertical slender lights establish an adventurous design.
We will have to wait until March 28 to know the engine, but we can think without taking too many risks that we will find at least under the hood the powertrain of the 325 hp Kia EV6 4×4, powered by a 77.4 kWh battery. We also hope to know the prices to see how the range will be structured and to assess the chances of success of this SUV dedicated to families wishing to travel in electric.