Kia EV9, flagship electric SUV, to debut on November 11

Preview image hints at an electric equivalent of the brand’s Telluride SUV.

Published On Nov 09, 2021 12:29:00 PM

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Kia EV9, flagship electric SUV, to debut on November 11

Kia EV9 teased

Kia Telluride

Kia is readying a large SUV to top its new family of electric cars and will provide a first glimpse of it on November 11. Badged the EV9 (so expected to be significantly bigger than the existing Kia EV6), the new arrival has been previewed in silhouette form in a recently released teaser.

Teaser shows EV9’s resemblance to the Kia Telluride
Will be based on the 800V E-GMP architecture
Kia to launch three EVs in India by 2024

Kia EV9: electric equivalent of the Kia Telluride

First impressions are that it looks to bear a resemblance to the Kia Telluride large SUV, which has been on sale in the US for two years. A relationship with that car would tally with its numerical designation, which suggests it will be the largest member of the EV family. The timing makes sense, too, given that the Los Angeles Motor Show opens next week, providing a likely venue for the car's official unveiling.

Sibling brand Hyundai is also gearing up to unwrap a new electric SUV and has confirmed that it will make its appearance in LA. The show car, badged the Seven, will feature a raft of concept-specific styling cues, but is expected to make it to production with only light changes, becoming the Ioniq 7.

Kia EV9: expected powertrain

Both the Seven concept and EV9 show car will use the Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) new E-GMP architecture. Capable of 800V charging and accommodating rear- and four-wheel-drive powertrains, this will be used for 23 bespoke EVs from the HMG by 2023, having made its debut with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and the Genesis GV60.

If Kia's new EV9 is a similar size to the Telluride, four-wheel drive will likely be standard to all variants. The EV6 currently offers a pair of dual-motor layouts, with power ranging from 325hp in the GT-Line S AWD to 585hp in the upcoming GT range-topper, both of which would theoretically suit a large electric SUV.

Kia’s EV plans for India

The EV9 has been previewed on Kia's Worldwide Instagram page, suggesting that it won't be a US-only proposition, unlike the Telluride. However, an India launch of the upcoming model remains unconfirmed for now.

Still, Kia does have sizeable EV ambitions for our market. As we have previously reported, Hyundai and Kia, together, will bring 6 electric vehicles to India by 2024. Kia India is looking to launch an EV every year, for the next three years, including the EV6, the e-Niro and a low cost model to take on the Tata Nexon EV.

Also see:

Upcoming Hyundai and Kia electric cars for India video

Hyundai's Genesis brand to launch only EVs from 2025