In Seoul earlier this week, Kia revealed its EV9 three-row electric flagship SUV, extending the Hyundai Motor Group’s game-changing Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to new lengths, widths, and heights. The brand released a video with details of the model at https://worldwide.kia.com/int/ev9.

“The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. “Created to meet the needs of all family members, the EV9 also spearheads Kia’s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.”

In line with Kia’s strategic commitment to become a leader in sustainable mobility, which is centered around a declared roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, “we are on track to complete a full EV lineup of 15 models by 2027,” said Song.

The EV9 is the first model to embrace the brand’s three-step Design Sustainability Strategy, initiated to phase out the use of leather, apply ten “must-have” sustainable items to all new Kia models, and continuously increase the use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils.

Kia’s target is to increase the proportion of recycled plastics it uses to 20% by 2030. For the EV9, more than 70 “upcycled” PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are used in the interior.

 

Design and packaging

The EV9 was shaped under the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy “with a unique balance of natural and modern elements.” A “Bold for Nature” design pillar was said to play a pivotal role in forming the design.

A GT-line model will feature a distinctive black color palette from the standard model with modified front and rear bumpers, wheels, and a roof rack.

In front, the EV9 features a Kia’s Digital Tiger Face and a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille (available in select markets) on the GT-line. Two clusters of small cube lamps adjacent to each vertical headlamp make up the Star Map LED daytime running lights with an animated lighting pattern that will feature on Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for future EV models.

“Despite its unique upright profile, and with the help of our engineering colleagues, who spent tireless hours in the wind tunnel, the EV9 achieves very efficient aerodynamic performance,” said Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design Center. “Minimal airflow openings and vertical headlamps seamlessly mesh in with the Digital Tiger Face.”

To achieve its 0.28 aero drag coefficient, the angular EV9 features Kia’s first 3D-sculpted underbody cover, with front convex and rear concave shapes, supplemented by aerodynamic wheels and air curtains integrated into the front bumper.

“With clean, pure surfaces and a distinctive three-branch light signature, the rear stance, reminiscent of a boat tail’s cabin, is at once both strong and sophisticated,” added Habib.

Kia’s choice of colors and materials for the EV9 “aims to reconnect us with the beauty of nature,” said Marília Biill, Head of CMF Design at Kia Worldwide. “Therefore, we took inspiration from four key elements: light, air, earth, and water. From the refined Ivory Silver in matte to the bold Ocean Blue, the EV9 exterior colors are a tribute to our natural environment.”

The interior features a total of six different design combinations, from a light modern grey to natural tones and a “more sporting” version for the GT-line.

Interestingly, the EV9 has nearly identical dimensions to Kia’s Telluride at 5010 mm (197.2 in) long, 1980 mm (78.0 in) wide, and 1755 to 1780 mm (69.1 to 70.1 in) tall—the latter for the GT-line trim. However, its wheelbase is about 8 in (203 mm) longer at 3100 mm (122.0 in). The electric SUV comes with a choice of 21-, 20-, or 19-in wheels.

Passive safety is figured prominently in its updated E-GMP platform design.

“Kia‘s engineers designed the EV9‘s frame structure with the goal of offering class-leading levels of occupant protection and battery safeguarding, thanks to the world’s first patent-pending B-pillar connection structure technology and a chassis with high-torsional stiffness,” said Sang Lee, Senior Product Strategy Manager, Kia Motors America. “What‘s more, the EV9 is engineered to maximize the energy dispersion generated during any potential impact, while a specially designed battery housing helps to ensure high levels of safety.”

The EV9 offers a range of seating options in seven-seater and six-seater configurations.

“Inside the EV9, we focused on improving the interaction between user and vehicle, but also between occupants,” said Habib. “We want to provide the technology and the space to make every journey meaningful. The wide display extends from the driver to the passenger. This horizontal layout works naturally with a long, light, and minimal dashboard. We simplified commands and focused on the essentials to provide a clear interface for our users. We used the best attributes of our innovative E-GMP platform to create a flexible seating arrangement and a generous sense of space.”

The first row features “relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture.”

The second row offers four seating options with three-seater bench seats and basic, relaxation, and swivel two-seater independent seats. When equipped with second-row relaxation seats, the EV9 allows first- and second-row occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging. With the swivel-seat option, the second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to enable conversations with those seated in the third row.

 

Electric drivetrain and charging

The EV9’s E-GMP electric powertrain uses Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology.

A 76.1-kW·h battery is offered only with the RWD (rear-wheel drive) Standard model offered in select markets, while a 99.8-kW·h battery is fitted in both the RWD Long Range and All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants. The RWD Long Range model with 19-in wheels offers an estimated range of over 541 km (336 mi), according to the WLTP standard.

The RWD Long Range model uses a 150-kW, 350-N·m (258-lb·ft) electric motor, with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9.4 s from preliminary data. The RWD Standard has a single electric motor that’s slightly more powerful at 160 kW/350 N·m for 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.2 s.

The AWD variant with two electric motors having combined outputs of 283 kW and 600 N·m (443 lb·ft) provides 0-100 km/h in just 6.0 s. An optional Boost feature, available for later purchase at the Kia Connect Store, increases torque to 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) for 0-100 km/h in 5.3 s.

“Robust dual-motor performance and a towing capacity of up to 2500 kg, depending on the market (5000 lb in North America), ensure power and real-world utility,” said Lee. “And the EV9 is ready for your adventures, thanks to the highly advanced traction control system and, in certain global markets, Auto Terrain Mode.”

The platform’s 800-V electrical system enables a charge of 239 km (149 mi) in about 15 min, based on Kia’s preliminary data.

The EV9 comes with V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality through its ICCU (integrated charging control unit (ICCU). This enables the discharging of energy from the vehicle battery, offering up to 3.68 kW at the European market standard voltage is 230 V for powering devices like laptops and camping equipment.

 

Next-level driving assist

EV9 tech highlights include the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, enabling the GT-line with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in select markets. In North America, Kia’s “autonomous driving” technology will be introduced under the name Advanced Highway Drive Assist as a Level 2+ system.

With HDP, the EV9 will take a significant step towards full autonomy, first with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving. By providing intelligent, proactive, real-time assistance across a range of conditions, the system will enable the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.

“Under certain conditions, and when properly equipped, the EV9 is designed to maintain a set distance from the car detected ahead, while also keeping the vehicle within detected lane markers, all without having to touch the steering wheel,” said Lee. “Thanks to advancements in lidar technology, the Kia EV9 is available with remarkable environment scanning technology. Our engineers focused on how to intelligently combine captured images so that the vehicle can better detect potential hazards ahead long before the driver might be able to see them.”

Fifteen sensors, including two lidars, enable the HDP to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions. The system will be offered “in the future,” with further details disclosed nearer market availability.

The EV9 is the first vehicle to have access to the Kia Connect Store, which extends how customers can select functional upgrades and services beyond having to go to a dealership. The store enables customers to purchase digital features and services on demand and continuously upgrade the capability of the EV9 with OTA (over-the-air) updates.

One example of this is the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille technology that can be further enhanced with a Lighting Pattern feature. Another is the AWD EV9’s optional Boost feature, unlocking an extra 100 N·m (74 lb·ft) of torque for the electric motor package. Other store “digital features” are the RSPA 2 (Remote Smart Parking Assist 2) and content streaming through the vehicle’s AVNT (Audio Visual, Navigation, and Telematics) system.

The RSPA 2 enables the EV9 to park itself without needing driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle, with the driver initiating the procedure via the Kia smart key called Digital Key 2. The system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles; controls the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift; and automatically maneuvers the EV9 into a designated parking space. It automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in the vehicle’s path.

Other advanced driver assistance systems include RCCA (rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing. NSCC (navigation-based smart cruise control) ensures safe driving on highways and automobile-only roads. Digital Key 2 uses UWB (ultra-wideband) technology to allow users to open and start their car using their smartphone, even when the key is in their pocket or bag—a first for Kia.

 

Coming to market in 2023 H2

Kia’s series of global campaign activities for the EV9, under the slogan “here to reshape the way we move,” is meant to emphasize the company’s commitment to innovation and its vision for a future that is more sustainable, efficient, and convenient.

The SUV is making its physical debut at the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show starting March 31st followed closely by an appearance at the New York International Auto Show starting April 7th.

Kia will begin offering pre-ordering for the Korean market in the second quarter of 2023. The SUV will go on sale in select global markets in the second half of the year.