Kia has revealed details of the EV9, its three-row seat electric flagship SUV.

Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) designed specifically for electric vehicles (EVs), several variants of the EV9 are on the cards, with the imposing and boldly designed SUV featuring a range of powertrain configurations.

A 76.1kWh battery is offered with a Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) standard model, while a 99.8kWh battery is to be fitted in both the RWD Long Range and All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) models.

The RWD Long Range has a 150kW/ 350Nm electric motor, while the standard RWD model gets a single motor too, but one that kicks out 160kW and 350Nm.

The AWD variant is equipped with two motors delivering 283kW and a combined torque of 600Nm. Kia says they can push the AWD model to 100km/h in 6 seconds.

A Boost feature, available for purchase at the Kia Connect Store, can increase torque to 700Nm and get the EV9 to reach 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Using an 800-volt charging system, the vehicle’s battery pack can, Kia says, be replenished with sufficient charge to power the vehicle for 239km in approximately 15 minutes, and the EV9 Long Range has a targeted range of 541km (WLTP) on a single charge.

The vehicle features a 3,100-mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5,010 mm. It stands at 1,980-mm wide and 1,755-mm tall. 21-inch, 20-inch or 19-inch wheels are set to be available.

As well as the regular model, Kia revealed a GT-Line model design which features stylistic flourishes that distinguish it from the standard variant. These include a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’.

The EV9 offers a range of seating options. Seven-seater and six-seater set-ups will be available with a variety of second-row seat options – including 3-seater bench seats, relaxation seats, and swivel-type independent seats.

There’s no surprise to discover the EV9 is jam-packed with technology and safety features. Kia says the SUV takes ‘a significant step towards full autonomy’ with a key piece of tech enabling this being the company’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system (which may be available depending on trim level and the market). The system, if installed, provides the EV9 with ‘conditional Level 3 autonomous driving’. 15 sensors enable the SUV to scan for and detect objects in full 360-degree field of view, allowing it to detect and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions.

Kia says that by providing proactive, real-time assistance across a wide range of conditions, its HDP system will meet the criteria required to deliver Level 3 autonomy in certain areas of the world.

EV9’s other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Remote Smart Parking Assist, which Kia says enable the EV9 to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle, with the driver initiating the procedure with a smart key called Digital Key 2.

Digital Key 2 also enables users to open and start the SUV using their smartphone.

Other ADAS features are Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Highway Driving Assist, amongst many others.

Kia says the EV9 will also have Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality that puts out 3.68kW of power.

Via the Kia Connect Store, Kia says owners will be able to select the equipment specification of their EV9. Beyond standard features, the store offers options that enable owners to update and upgrade the SUV’s digital features and services. The Boost feature, for example, is available through the Connect Store, as is the Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The cabin of the EV9 includes a panoramic wide display that reaches over the centre line and which integrates two 12.3-inch touchscreens with one 5-inch screen. The displays offer all the driver info – from instrument cluster to infotainment features as well as heating and air conditioning control.

While specifications and models available in Australia will have to be confirmed, the EV9 looks to be an absolute ripper.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2023)

12 April 2023