Kia has formally revealed the design details of its largest electric vehicle to date, the seven-seater EV9, which showcases a bold design that sets it apart from its smaller e-Niro and EV6.
Based on Kia’s E-GMP platform – which it shares with sister company Hyundai (Ioniq 5) the EV9 offers a flat floor EV design on the interior giving the large SUV a more spacious feeling for all passengers.
“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” the head of Kia’s Global Design Center, Karim Habib, said.
“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.”
Speaking of the design, EV9’s headlights steal the show with its innovative ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)’ which produces various lighting patterns to wow those around.
The brand calls this new external design’s lighting pattern “Kia’s Digital Tiger Face” for the brand’s future EV models.
Continuing with the design, the door handles are flush when the large SUV is in motion. This gives it a more streamlined approach as it travels on the road, reducing drag and increasing efficiency.
On the back, a simplistic rear-end design is found with slim tail lights. These look like an extended version of the light’s found on the Kia’s smaller electric Niro.
The interior features two screens at the front.
This includes a pair of 12.3-inch touch screens which are integrated with one 5-inch segment display. This provides a holistic driving and in-car entertainment experience.
The screens can display HD audiovisuals, navigation, telematics and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls right at the driver’s fingertips.
The EV9 is available in six or seven-seat versions. The second row of seats can be swivelled 180 degrees to turn back into an on-the-go meeting room.
So far, Kia’s EV6 which is available in Australia has sold 84 vehicles so far and with extended wait times on new orders, Kia’s EV6 will continue to sell well as the EV9 launches globally in the coming months.
Pricing-wise, the details are yet to be finalised but the EV6 in the US starts at $US48,700 before on roads with many on the Kia US Forums expecting the EV9 to be starting at $US75,000, which would be closer to $A110,000.
More details will be released closer to when the Kia EV9 has its official global debut later in March.
Video from Fully Charged Show on YouTube showcasing the new Kia EV9
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.