The Korean automaker, Kia has showcased the EV9 SUV EV concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. The company has also showcased the fourth generation Carnival (Codenamed KA4) and the Sorento 7-seater SUV at the 16th edition of Indian Auto Expo. First unveiled at the 2021 LA Motor Show, the EV9 concept based electric SUV is set to go on sale in global markets before the end of this year or early next year. It will be the brand’s flagship model in the electric range.
The new Kia Concept EV9 is based on a dedicated EV platform, called the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also underpins the Kia EV6 on sale in our market. Kia claims that the “design of the concept was inspired by nature and uses uncycled materials developed from waste deposited into the fragile marine ecosystem.”
In terms of size, the Kia EV9 SUV Concept is similar to that of the Range Rover which will also have its own electric version in 2024-25. The electric SUV measures 4,929mm in length, 2,055mm in width and 1,790mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,099mm. Read – Kia Cars Get Expensive By Up To Rs 1 Lakh
The Kia EV9 comes with boxy design, featuring bold creases and striking front end which makes it look significantly different from the current Kia models on sale. It is designed on the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy. The electric SUV features evolved Kia’s Digital ‘Tiger Face’ front grille that allows for a new air vent design at the front. The hood vent duct area is utilised as a solar panel that helps recuperate some of the electric energy that the Concept EV9 uses.
Another fine touch is the 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. However, the production model will come with ORVMs in traditional form. 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 production ready model will come with a clean look up front with blanked-off griille and more realistic design elements. The concept has a pillar-less design, which won’t be offered on the production model.
Following the exterior theme, the Kia EV9 Concept has a striking and futuristic interior which will receive major changes before going into production model. The interior configuration of the EV9 concept has 3 modes – Active, Pause and Enjoy. Active mode is activated when the car is on the move, while Pause mode will rotate the seats to face each other when parked for a more lounge-like experience. The concept has a huge panoramic roof and a 27-inch ultra-wide display, which has controls for media, climate control and comfort functionality features. The SUV also comes with the pop-up steering pad.
The Kia EV9 concept is fitted with a 77.4kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack that is also fitted in the EV6 electric sedan. The all-electric SUV is claimed to offer a driving range of up to 483km or 300 miles on a single charge. It also features next-gen ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW 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.
