Kia unveiled its much-hyped all-electric SUV, the EV9, on Wednesday, just before it goes on sale later this year. The zero-emission SUV looks identical to the concept car shown at the 2023 Auto Expo in Delhi in early January this year. The production-spec model unveiled Wednesday looks identical to the Kia EV9 concept car that was first revealed in late 2021.
While most of the Kia EV9’s design remains the same on the outside, Kia has completely reworked the interior of the new EV. Speaking of exterior design elements, the EV’s front profile takes on a digital theme, with closed panels replacing the traditional radiator grille. It also features vertically positioned sharp LED headlamps and “star map” LED daytime running lights that, as Kia claims, create a lighting experience.
Also Read: Kia EV9 Concept revealed in India for the first time
Other design elements on the exterior include unique wheel designs, and a refined, clean side profile with no protruding door handles as they are integrated into the body panels. A blacked-out greenhouse with a body-color roof gives the impression of a floating roof when moving in the rear; it has large, clear LED taillights positioned vertically.
Kia claims the new EV9 has been influenced by the automaker’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. The Korean auto major also claims that the EV9 combines natural and modern contrasting qualities in its character. Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) flat-bottom electric vehicle architecture, the Kia EV9 is both stylish and bold, the automaker also said.
Talking about its cabin, Kia claims the platform enables it to expand space and improve occupant comfort with the third-row seating arrangement. The interior is said to be themed on “life science and technology”. It is available in six-seater and seven-seater versions. Design elements in the cabin include an open floating panoramic instrument panel and dual 12.3-inch touchscreens integrated into a 5-inch segment display. Kia has tried to make it as sophisticated as possible by keeping physical buttons to a minimum. The automaker claims the extended display provides a high-definition audio-visual navigation and telematics (AVNT) experience.
While the EV9 is charging, first- and second-row passengers can recline their seats at the same time. The second row of seats can be rotated 180 degrees, and the third row of seats is equipped with cup holders and charging ports for mobile devices.
Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia’s Global Design Center, said the Kia EV9 aims to redefine the standards of design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility. “The Kia EV9 offers customers an extremely high-quality proposition and a new EV perspective in the family SUV segment. This new vehicle type offers an intuitive experience not only for the driver but for all occupants through the innovative use of space, technology and Excellent comfort and design,” he further added.
First published date: Mar 15, 2023 at 09:34 AM CST
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