The next Kia EV series, the Kia EV9, has been officially unveiled. But the so-called reveal is really just a first look with little to no technical details. The EV9 is described as Kia’s first three-row electric flagship SUV. While do not have information on the drivetrain, we do know that it shares the same Kia’s E-GMP flat-floor architecture as the IONIQ 6, EV6, and a couple of electric concepts.
The Kia EV9 has what Kia referred to as “polygonal design language” which is sleek and bold but not something we have not seen from the Korean automaker or the auto industry – only a lot more angular (which is kind of nice, actually). The geometric nature of the polygonal design language extends to the fender structures and the wheel arches. Overall, it has a very Range Rover-meet-Landcruiser appearance, IMHO.
It has a long wheelbase, low beltline, and by the virtue of the E-GMP, a completely flat electric vehicle architecture. In other words, a generous interior that allows “lounge-style comfort” in all three rows of seats. Kia said occupants in the first and second-row seats can simultaneously recline their seats to relax and rest when the EV9 is charging. Ermmm, who chills in the car when charging?
Anyhoo, the second row can rotate 180 degrees to face the third row which boasts cup holders and charging points for mobile devices. It will be offered in both six or seven-seat formats.
Expect to find an open, floating panoramic dashboard that extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s center, featuring two 12.3-inch touchscreens integrated with one 5-inch segment display which kept physical buttons to the minimum.
Beyond those details, I don’t believe we have more to share until the Kia EV9 official digital global premiere later this month (March).
All images courtesy of Kia Corporation.