Kia has unveiled the production model EV9

Kia has officially unveiled the production model EV9. Before March ended, Kia hosted a global premiere for their EV9 SUV, which gave us more information on the highly-anticipated electric SUV. 

Since Kia presented the concept version of the EV9 back in 2021 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, we’ve seen it evolve from the concept into the production model design earlier this month through a set of photos released by Kia. Although we’ve seen the EV9 inside and out, Kia hasn’t revealed any technical specifications about the EV, until now. During a live-streamed global premiere, Kia provided all the juicy details about the electric SUV, which is set to make an appearance at the Seoul Mobility Show later this month.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the EV9’s size. In terms of dimensions, the EV9 is almost the same size as the Telluride, with a length of 5,010 millimeters, a width of 1,980 mm, and a height of 1,755 mm. The similarities end when it comes to the wheelbase, which is nearly 8 inches longer in the EV9, measuring 3,100 mm.

According to Kia, the EV9 has an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28, which they achieved by incorporating sophisticated features such as a 3D-shaped underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels (available in 19, 20, and 21-inch sizes), and revolutionary air curtains that are integrated into the front bumper.

Inside the EV9, the designers have taken great care to create a futuristic and luxurious environment, while also using eco-friendly materials to minimize the car's impact on the environment. Kia is actively phasing out leather in their vehicles and increasing the use of sustainable resources such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils. It's worth noting that the EV9's interior features 70 upcycled PET bottles. Additionally, the car's use of the E-GMP platform has allowed for the incorporation of swivel seats on the second row, enabling passengers to face the third row by simply rotating the seats by 180 degrees.

Moving on to the EV9’s powertrain and chassis, Kia's inaugural three-row electric SUV utilizes Hyundai Motor Group's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and comes with three different powertrain options, all of which feature fourth-generation battery technology.

The entry-level variant is the EV9 RWD Standard, which comes equipped with a 76.1-kilowatt-hour battery and an electric motor that produces 215 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. According to initial data, the Kia EV9 RWD Standard can reach 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The second variant after the base model is the Kia EV9 RWD Long Range model, designed for drivers who prioritize range over performance. It comes equipped with a 99.8-kWh battery and a 201 hp motor, achieving a 0 to 100 km/h time of 9.4 seconds. When outfitted with 19-inch wheels, this model is estimated to have a range of over 541 kilometers on the WLTP test cycle.

At the top of the range sits the Kia EV9 AWD Long Range variant which features the same 99.8 kWh battery in the RWD Long Range model, but has two electric motors that have a combined output of 380 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The range-topping EV9 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds with this setup.

The EV9 comes with various driver aids, including an Advanced Traction Control System, and in certain markets, an optional Auto Terrain Mode. 

The main party piece of the EV9 however, is the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which, in eligible markets, will allow for limited Level 3 autonomous driving. The system relies on 15 sensors, including two lidars, to provide a complete 360-degree view and identify objects to prevent potential collisions.

One notable feature of the EV9's autonomous driving system is that the driver does not need to keep their hands on the wheel. While we’re not sure how this may affect driving habits in the future, this feature sets the EV9 apart from other vehicles currently on the market. 

Moreover, the EV9 is equipped with an automated front-vehicle overtaking feature and Remote Parking Assist 2, and other driver aids such as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC)

Later this year, the Kia EV9 will be available for pre-order in the Korean market. However, the brand's global sales target is relatively modest, aiming for only 100,000 units.