The Kia EV9 is not just a large electric SUV, it is also a good competitor for German brands. Mercedes will no longer have the monopoly of level 3 autonomous driving, Kia is entering the niche, with many other arguments to make.
With the Kia EV6 model, the Korean brand has already succeeded in stealing customers from premium brands. The Kia EV9 is clearly aiming for a similar goal and should achieve it without too much difficulty. The style, positioning, embedded technology are all arguments in its favor. Its price, although it is still too early to know, should also weigh in the balance.
The Kia EV9 is unlikely to be a high-volume vehicle in Europe. He is big, far too big with his 5 meters long, to be adopted en masse. Its profile is rather aimed at other markets, such as the United States. It could in any case overshadow the large electric SUVs developed by other brands including Audi, Mercedes or BMW. Several elements deserve particular attention.
Level 3 autonomous driving
Mercedes is not the only manufacturer to have level 3 autonomy driving technology available, but it is the only one to offer it in Europe on its very high-end models. This could change with the arrival of the Kia EV9, which offers this technological equipment on its GT-Line finish. Under the name of “Highway Driving Pilot”, Kia is developing its autonomous driving equipment. The driver will be able to drive on the motorway without having to keep his hands on the wheel, under the conditions defined by the regulations in force.
The Kia EV9 is also equipped with a lidar to detect obstacles upstream of the vehicle and around fifteen sensors all around the vehicle. Kia relies heavily on safety in this family-oriented vehicle.
3 rows of seats, with a pivoting second row
The Kia EV9 offers 3 rows of seats for 6 places on board, like the Tesla Model X. This last row is not reserved for children, as sometimes happens with 6/7-seater vehicles. Like the Model X, an adult can sit comfortably in the back. The glazed surfaces of the vehicle also provide pleasant light for all occupants.
The little extra in this new model, which will arrive in the second half of 2023, is that the second row of seats can be swiveled individually so that the occupants in the back of the vehicle can interact with each other. This will remind nostalgics of the heyday of the first Renault Espace. The manufacturer scores a point for the user-friendliness that this provides for families.
Activating options from remote updates
Here again, Kia may have taken a little inspiration from Tesla and the German brands. Over-the-air (OTA) updates will no longer only concern technical system updates. It will also enable optional options and equipment to be activated via the “Kia Connect Store”. Kia, during its presentation, took the example of a “boost” acceleration that could be requested as an option for the vehicle. We will have to wait a little to know the full potential of this feature.
A “Performance” version is planned for 2025
Kia offers a large family SUV, which does not a priori intend to be available in more sporty versions. However, this does not prevent the manufacturer from imagining a more efficient version. Kia clarified that it is still necessary to define what is meant by “performance”, nothing is fixed yet. The brand is still considering this version for 2025.
It will certainly have nothing to do with the Model X plaid, but it could well put the model on the same level as equivalent German vehicles.
Comfort, space, recycled materials, what more could you ask for?
Kia has imagined a comfortable vehicle for all occupants. The space on board is really welcoming, even if one can imagine that the capacity of the trunk may, on the other hand, be a little disappointing in a configuration with 3 rows of seats. The Kia EV9 will offer a trunk in the front under the hood, even if it cannot compete with that of a large Ford F-150.
Kia insists a lot on the recycled materials that invite themselves inside the model. The feeling will probably be less premium than in Mercedes or BMW vehicles, but customers sensitive to sustainable development should appreciate the approach.
The Kia EV9 won’t beat the range record, even with its optional camera mirrors that will save it a few miles, but it will make up for it on its fast charging capabilities. Depending on the configuration, the Kia EV9 can be equipped with a 99.8 kWh battery. The advertised maximum autonomy is 541 km. On the other hand, thanks to the 800-volt architecture, the Kia EV9 has access to the same rapid recharging as Kia EV6. The brand communicated the figure of 239 km recovered in 15 minutes. The model will also have V2L to connect any electrical equipment, anywhere, and the ability to tow a large caravan. The Kia EV9 should therefore be appreciated by fans of open-air weekends.
Kia has been able to take advantage of the technical know-how already deployed on Kia EV6, while further developing technological capabilities on EV9. Kia is no longer there to make up the numbers in the electric car market. It is a serious new competitor for European and American brands.
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