Kia EV9 SUV global debut by mid-March

Kia will finally take the wraps off the production-spec flagship EV9 SUV this month. First unveiled as a concept in November 2021 at the LA Motor Show, the Kia EV9 SUV has been under development for 44 months, according to the manufacturer. The EV9 will be positioned above the Kia EV6 (also on sale in India).

• EV9 to be the biggest SUV on E-GMP platform
• Expected to get two powertrain options
• Will be aimed at premium SUV buyers

Kia EV9 to use E-GMP skateboard platform

Like almost every other Hyundai and Kia EV, the upcoming EV9 will also sit on the group’s modular skateboard architecture that the brand calls E-GMP. The upcoming EV9 SUV has been undergoing rigorous testing on European roads for many months.

The EV9 concept was also shown in India recently at Auto Expo 2023. The production-spec EV9 SUV will be targeted at buyers of premium SUV buyers and Kia says it doesn’t expect the SUV to be sold in big numbers, thanks to its enormous size.  

The latest official teasers of the EV9 SUV show off its significant size, wide front end and tailgate width, and horizontal headlights that are reminiscent of the all-new Volvo EX90 EV SUV that has replaced the XC90 overseas.

Kia EV9 SUV: Powertrain options and other details

The EV9 has a long, 3,100mm wheelbase – the largest that can be achieved on the E-GMP platform. This platform also has an 800V electrical architecture, enabling rapid-charging at rates of up to 350kW. With a 64kWh battery, cars supporting this architecture can charge from 20 percent to 80 percent in a little over seven minutes. Two specifications are expected to be available from launch including a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive range-topper and an entry-level variant fitted with a single motor powering the rear axle.

Significantly, the EV9 will be the first Kia to be offered with the firm’s 'Automode' autonomous driving technology. It has also been designed to utilise both over-the-air software updates and feature-on-demand (FOD). Kia hopes this function will become a key part of its future business model, and will allow for cars to be sold in fewer variants, with owners then buying the specific functions they want. This is something other carmakers are also looking at.

Further details of the EV9, such as range and price, will be revealed at its world premiere at the end of March. In India, Kia is expected to introduce an updated Seltos later this year. Read more about it here.

Should Kia bring the EV9 SUV to India? Let us know in the comments section.