Kia is giving us our first glance inside and outside of its eye-catching EV9 midsize SUV, while saving key specs like battery size and powertrain for an official debut early next month. The market-ready version closely resembles the original EV9 concept we first saw in November 2021, albeit with the blocks toned down. Still, like the EV6, it’s a spectacular and interesting design.
The upcoming model has triangular windows in the rear quarter panel much like the EV6, but otherwise seems to take cues from boxy SUVs like older Range Rovers. Kia said it is “formed from a polygonal design language” using “triangular fender structures and very pronounced geometric wheel arches that blend into the fuselage body.” Yet despite all the lines and edges, Kia says the EV9 is still very aerodynamic.
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It offers three rows of seats and thus becomes one of the first electric vehicles to enter the popular mid-size SUV category. That means it’ll be up against ICE vehicles like Kia’s own Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and other models. The boxy shape and square rear mean it should offer good headroom.
A fun touch is that the middle row uses swivel captain’s chairs, so they can be turned to face the back seats, Orient Express-style. It will be sold in 6- and 7-passenger configurations, depending on whether the rear seats are individual or bench.
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Up front, Kia has ditched the concept’s huge wraparound display in favor of two 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system. The number of physical buttons has been reduced, and touch-sensitive dash controls have been added. The interior uses mesh and other materials designed to further enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
Other details, including infotainment system features, are being kept under wraps until the vehicle’s official reveal in early April. We know it will be built using the EV6’s E-GMP platform, but Kia has yet to say anything about the EV9’s power, battery size, range, and price. With the EV6 starting at $45,000 or so, the EV9 is likely to be considerably above that, but as we’ve seen with Kia, it’s likely to be affordable for its category.
Come on
