KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia EV9 3-Row SUV Indian launch soon
- Prices to be revealed on October 3; Unofficial bookings already underway
- Claimed range of up to 561 km on a single charge
The Kia EV9 3-row electric SUV is a very hyped-up vehicle that has all the attention towards it. Slated for launch soon in India, the delivery timeline is now out where you will get this CBU electric mover to take home. But what all it has to offer? What is the expected range and the features on offer? All this as you continue reading forward, but firstly, make sure you are a part of our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads to never miss out on any automotive updates.
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Kia EV9 SUV Deliveries By March 2025
Select Kia dealerships have begun accepting pre-orders for the highly anticipated Kia EV9 SUV, set to launch on October 3, 2024. This all-electric three-row SUV will be available in a single variant and five color options where customers can secure their booking with a token payment of Rs. 10 lakh. Once the order is placed, deliveries are expected to start tentatively in March 2025. As the Kia EV9 will be fully imported, it will arrive in India through the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route in phases, with the first shipment slated for March next year.
The interior of the EV9 is strikingly futuristic, showcasing a 12.3-inch integrated display that serves both the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. It offers various modular seating configurations, though the locally available model is unlikely to include the global variant's swivel captain seats that rotate 180 degrees. Instead, we can anticipate standard bench seats or ventilated captain's chairs with massage functions. Noteworthy features encompass Level-2 ADAS, providing advanced capabilities such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, intelligent speed limits, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and parking collision avoidance. Additional conveniences include over-the-air updates, a digital key, a Meridian audio system, and a panoramic moonroof, among the few highlighted ones.
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Battery, Range, And Specs
The Kia EV9 for the Indian market will be equipped with a robust 99.8 kWh battery that powers dual motors, generating an impressive 384 PS and 700 Nm of torque, with an ARAI-rated range of 561 km. This model supports rapid charging capabilities, enabling it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger. Additionally, it features Vehicle To Load (V2L) technology, allowing users to power small devices directly from the vehicle's battery. Built on the E-GMP platform shared with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV9 also incorporates an 800-volt charging system that provides a driving range of 239 km after a mere 15 minutes of charging.
While the global variant supports 230 kW DC fast charging, the Indian version is likely to include an 11 kW portable AC charger, resulting in varying charging times. With dimensions of 5010 mm in length, 1980 mm in width, and 1755 mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 3100 mm, the EV9 is undeniably a substantial vehicle.
Kia EV9: Pricing And Rivals
The upcoming EV9, by no means, is an affordable affair, thanks to its importing route and then the underpinnings and the segment placement. Given its status as a CBU import, the Kia EV9 is expected to be priced in the premium range of approximately Rs. 90 lakhs to 1 crore ex-showroom. At this elevated price point, it will compete against other luxury EVs such as the Audi Q8 e-Tron and BMW iX, positioning itself as a comparatively accessible option in the premium electric vehicle segment.
Verdict
As the global electric vehicle market shifts towards hybrids in response to ecological concerns, the Indian EV landscape remains in its early stages. Kia's strategic introduction of the EV9 holds substantial promise for transforming this market. Drawing parallels to the successful Kia Seltos, the EV9s striking three-row design could set new benchmarks in electric SUV aesthetics, offering consumers an enticing choice in this burgeoning segment.
