The Kia EV9 Electric SUV Breaks Cover
It packs a neat and clever interior while boasting head-turning looks.
After a long wait, Kia has finally given in and unveiled the EV9 in production guise. At first glance, it doesn’t seem all that different from its concept form. But, of course, things have been tuned down a bit to keep the accountants happy. Nevertheless, it is a head-turner for sure. And courtesy of Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 benefits from a long wheelbase.
The exterior is attractive and, to my eyes, at least, intimidating at the same time. Bolstering the former observation are the sharp yet refreshing LED lights at the front and rear, dual-tone and aerodynamically optimised wheels, flush door handles and the “Digital Tiger Face” implementation. See how those DRLs, which Kia calls ‘Star Map LED DRLs’, blend with the grille. And why intimidating? The EV9 looks massive in profile, particularly from the side profile. That roofline stays true without any slope until it tapers sharply at the rear. Also, the body panels aren’t lost in any over-the-top protective cladding or stretched lights, which further adds to the intimidation.
The low beltline and a completely flat EV architecture gift an enormous amount of room indoors. And because of that, the EV9 claims the title of its maker’s first three-row electric SUV. Kia will offer a six- or seven-seat layout indoors, depending on the market. The second-row seats are especially clever as they offer folding and tilting flexibilities and can rotate 180 degrees to face occupants in the last row.
The EV9 also has a neat dashboard layout, dominated by the glass slab that stretches from behind the multifunction steering wheel to the centre. Integrated within that are three displays – two 12.3-inch touchscreens are separated by a 5-inch portrait display. Thankfully, there are physical buttons to operate the EV’s various features. Besides that, the EV9 has several storage options for all three rows and charging points for mobile devices.
Unfortunately, that’s all we know at the moment. However, we won’t have to wait too long to see the story unfold completely. Kia has confirmed that the EV9 will premiere globally in late March 2023.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Green
