Kia has showcased the EV9 concept SUV at Auto Expo 2023. It previews Kia’s flagship all-electric SUV which will be almost as large as the Range Rover. Globally, the EV9 is expected to go into production towards the end of 2023.
- Kia EV9 concept gets a rugged, upright design
- Production-spec model to be based on E-GMP architecture
- Global launch expected towards end of 2023
Kia EV9 concept sports a rugged look
The new EV9 has an overall squarish look and features a new interpretation of the brand’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, with a blanked-out panel that sports LED light modules and a Z-shaped headlamp cluster. It has an upright stance with crisp lines, flat surfaces and a large glasshouse with a sharp kink post the C-pillar. The rear features quirky, vertical LED tail-lamps and a pronounced bumper.
However, certain design features like rear-hinged doors, lack of a B-pillar, the headlamp cluster and flared wheel arches won’t make it to the production model.
The EV9 measures 4,929mm in length, 2,055mm in width, and 1,790mm in height, making it almost the same size as the Range Rover. It has a wheelbase of 3,100mm, which is also the largest that can be achieved on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform – the same one that underpins the Kia EV6 sold in India.
Kia EV9 concept: interior and features
On the inside, the EV9 concept has a rather minimalistic dashboard with a twin-screen infotainment layout, spoke-less flat-bottom steering wheel and an absolute lack of physical controls. Decked up with funky ambient lighting all around, the concept features a three-row layout where the second-row seats can be folded completely flat and the first row of seats can swivel around to create a lounge-type space.
However, these too, will likely be toned down for the production model. It will come with autonomous driving features, over-the-air software update compatibility and feature-on-demand (FOD), where owners can buy just the specific functions they want.
Kia EV9 concept: powertrain and battery
The EV9 concept gets a 77.4kWh battery pack. Official range and output figures are yet to be revealed and expect those details closer to the debut of the production-spec model.
The E-GMP platform also has an 800V electrical architecture, allowing rapid charging at rates of up to 350kW. A fast charge of the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent takes around 20 minutes. The production version of the EV9 concept is expected to get a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive range-topper, as well as an entry-level variant fitted with a single motor powering the rear axle.
What else has Kia showcased at Auto Expo 2023?
Apart from the EV9, Kia has the EV6 on display at Auto Expo 2023 and has also debuted the KA4 (fourth-gen Carnival) for India.
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