The Kia EV9 electric SUV will make its world premiere tomorrow (March 15). However, ahead of its official launch, Kia’s latest EV has been leaked online via social media. Leaked images of the Kia EV9 have surfaced on Instagram, showing the three-row electric SUV’s exterior and interior. The images also confirm that the production version of the EV9 looks nearly identical to the concept version shown at the 2023 Auto Expo about a few months ago. The EV9 will be Kia’s second electric vehicle based on the eGMP platform that also underpins the EV6 crossover launched in India last year.
According to the leaked images, the Kia EV9 will receive minor changes on the exterior, with the front fascia now equipped with similarly designed LED headlight units as seen on the concept version. The mirrors are now more conventional, while the doors will feature flush handles. The taillights remain similar but get bigger. The alloy wheel design is also largely similar to the concept version. The EV9 is likely to ride on 21-inch alloy wheels, while lower trims will get 19 or 20-inch wheels.
The images also offer a clear look at the EV9’s interior for the first time. There will be six- and seven-seat configurations with three rows of seats. The dashboard is simple in design, with a large digital touchscreen display. There’s an armrest between the seats, with two cupholders and a wireless charger. There is also a large storage box underneath. The steering wheel is circular with mounted controls.
The Kia EV9 will be equipped with advanced technologies in terms of connectivity, safety, comfort and automation. Kia is expected to debut its AutoMod self-driving system on the new EV9.
WATCH: Kia unveils EV9 concept electric car at Auto Expo
The Kia EV9 is expected to feature a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Depending on trim, the EV9 is expected to deliver between 200 horsepower and 400 horsepower. Torque figures may be between 338 Nm and 652 Nm. The top trim of the Kia EV9 will also be noticeably quicker, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.2 seconds. The 0 to 100 km/h time on other trims is between 6 and 8.9 seconds. Kia is likely to offer rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the EV9 as well. The Kia EV9 is expected to offer a range of up to 500 kilometers on a single charge.
First published date: March 14, 2023 at 19:16 PM CST
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