After the tremendous success of the Kia EV6 (and the lightning-quick GT iteration) the Korean automaker has now revealed the next step in its electrified future with the Kia EV9 SUV – which is due to arrive in Australia before the end of 2023.
Where the EV6 was praised for its sporty Sedan-SUV lines and affordable price point compared to much of its competition, we can think of the new flagship EV9 as the older sibling, offering more space, extended range, and a helluva lot more presence on the road. While we’re waiting on Kia to announce the suite of updated technical specs for the EV9, today gives us a look at exactly what we can expect to see on the road, as well as a peek inside at its impressively dynamic interior.
The design of the EV9 has been informed by the automaker’s “Opposites United” design philosophy with a polygonal shape that aims to inspire confidence in an electric vehicle that can handle anything you might throw at it. The clean lines begin with its articulate front grille and striking vertically arranged LED headlights, continuing along the length of the SUV with triangular fenders and angular wheel arches; details such as the flush door handles complete its sleek visual impression.
RELATED: Zero To Hero On A Racetrack With Kia’s EV6 GT
With a notable flat floor, long wheelbase, and low beltline, the wheels themselves immediately catch the eye, while also serving to create an impressive amount of headroom inside. The interior has been carefully considered to cater for the family. Both six and seven-seat options available are arranged in three rows of seats, and the first two rows are able to recline significantly to relax while charging on the road.
The second row is also able to rotate 180 degrees to face the third row and the third row enjoys the benefits of cupholders and ports to charge your phone. Up front, the driver will enjoy the sizable floating panoramic dashboard that features twin 12.3-inch touch screens and an additional 5-inch segment display, while there’s also easy control of the audio and climate in the front console.
“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, in a statement.
“The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector. This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design.”
We’re keenly waiting to hear about the technology packages featured in the Kia EV9, including its range, power, sprint time, and battery size, but Kia has previously said it had a 540km range target for the EV9. Given that’s an increase on the EV6 and the EV9 is a comparatively larger vehicle, the battery almost certainly has been upgraded. The Kia EV9 is expected to arrive in Australia by the final quarter of 2023 with deliveries most likely starting in early 2024.
