Kia has shared first renders of its next electric concept, the EV9, ahead of an official debut at the LA AutoMobility show on Wednesday.
The EV9 is the larger stablemate of Kia’s EV6, a sleek electric crossover that like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is built on a dedicated e-GMP electric platform shared by the two carmakers.
But where the EV6 is sleek, the EV9 – said to be commensurate with the Sorento – appears at first glance to be an absolute beast.
Instead of the smooth lines of the EV6, the EV9 boasts large proportions and hunky angles, with equally ample wheels. While there are scant details on the EV9 it appears to appeal to those after a robust vehicle with the ability to deal with anything the road can throw at it.
The render shows – as we’ve seen in previous concepts from carmakers – no side mirrors. Instead, there are two wing-like protrusions that Kia no doubt intends to embed with cameras.
But perhaps the most eye-catching detail is what appears to be a yoke steering wheel, as has been introduced in the 2022 Tesla Model S. Whether this will manifest in a production version may depend on the practicality of using a half-wheel to drive a tank.
The interior of the EV concept is very futuristic and – as is usual with a study vehicle – anything but close to series production. However, the modular, minimal feel and expansive dash make for a promising start; getting into any new vehicle adorned with knobs and dials these days seems so passé.
Also conspicuous is the wide interactive touchscreen display, which extends from the driver’s side almost all the way to the front passenger.
Likewise, the centre console is completely bare of controls, with what appears to be a sliding lid that hopefully hides a generous storage space.
While details and specifications are a long way off being revealed, it is very likely the EV9 will draw from its smaller stablemate.
In this case, a 77.4 kWh battery could be used, which could enable a range of almost 480 kilometres. The battery will likely power a dual-motor four-wheel drive, but don’t expect the same insane 585 horsepower found on the Kia EV6 GT.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.