Korean automaker Kia has officially teased the concept EV9 ahead of its India debut at the 2023 Auto Expo. The production version of the Kia EV9 7-seater electric SUV is reportedly to be launched sometime in 2023 or 2024. This electric concept was first unveiled at the LA Motor Show in November 2021. It previews the brand’s new range-topping flagship model in the electric car range.
The Kia EV9 concept previews a full-size SUV, measuring closer to 5 meters in length. The concept measures 4,929mm in length, 2,055mm in width and 1,790mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,099mm. It is marginally smaller than a Range Rover, which will also have its own electric version in the near future.
The Kia EV9 concept is designed on the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy. The rugged EV comes with evolved Kia’s Digital ‘Tiger Face’ front grille that allows for a new air vent design at the front. This reduces the front mass of the vehicle and improves aerodynamics. The hood vent duct area is utilized as a solar panel that helps recuperate some of the electric energy that the Concept EV9 uses. This gives BEV owners an alternative source of energy when they are not close to a charging station.
The Kia EV9 comes with retractable roof rails that close inward into the roof of the Concept EV9 when not in use. When needed, the roof rails can be raised by a simple touch of a button. A camera monitoring system is placed instead of the conventional wing mirrors. The SUV has triangular d-pillar treatment, which creates a unique Daylight Opening (DLO) signature. The EV9 concept was fitted with machined 22-inch wheels. The Kia EV9 concept comes with a huge panoramic roof and a 27-inch ultra-wide display, which has controls for media, climate control & comfort functionality features. The SUV also comes with the pop-up steering pad.
The Kia EV9 concept is based on the modular E-GMP electric car architecture, which also underpins the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq 6. It features the EV6 largest lithium-ion polymer battery pack that’s 77.4kWh. The company claims that the all-electric SUV delivers a driving range of up to 483km or 300 miles on a single charge.
It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350-kW charger that allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to replenish energy from 10% to 80% in 20-30 minutes. The concept EV9 features twin motors for four-wheel drive setup and is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph acceleration in less than 5 seconds.
