KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Built on the same e-GMP platform as the EV6
- Gets 541km of claimed range on a single charge
- Level 3 ADAS offered globally
- One of the few three-row electric SUVs to be launched in India
The Kia EV9 made its global debut about a year ago, and it was also present at the 2023 Auto Expo. The Korean car maker has now released an official teaser of the EV9, and it is set to be launched alongside the 2024 Carnival, which we also spoke about.
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Also read: 2024 Kia Carnival Officially Teased; Launch On October 3!
Kia EV9 Design
The EV9 follows Kia's new 'Opposites United' design language, and as such, it gets a modern rendition of the 'Tiger Face' with a digital pattern-lighting grille and 'star-map' DRL lighting signatures.
View the profile of this electric SUV, and you'll realize that the EV9 really is 5010mm long, with a 3100mm wheelbase. Wheel sizes range between 19-inches to 21-inches, although it remains unknown whether Kia will offer all three sizes for the Indian market or not.
The rear of the EV9 is mostly clean and clutter-free, with Y-shaped tail lights and a crease running across the tail gate to break some visual mass.
Kia EV9 Platform and Powertrain
The EV9 shares its platform with the EV6, and while Kia hasn't mentioned the drivetrains that will be offered here, it offers multiple options globally.
The medium-range rear-wheel drive version gets an electric motor placed at the rear axle, producing 214bhp and 350Nm of torque. There is also a 99.8kWh battery pack available in both the the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
The 99.8kWh rear-wheel drive version produces 201bhp and 350Nm of torque, reaching triple digits in just 9.4 seconds. The same takes 8.2 seconds with the standard 76.1kWh battery pack.
The all-wheel drive version is powered by an electric motor placed on both axles. This system puts out a combined 379bhp and 600Nm of torque, and it comes equipped with torque-vectoring.
Kia EV9 Charging
The EV9 gets an 800-volt charging architecture, that gives it 239km of driving range within 15 minutes of charging. Globally, the EV9 supports 230kW DC fast charging. However, we are likely to receive a 11kW portable AC charger, with varied charging times, depending on what we get.
Also read: Hyundai Introduces VENUE E+ with Electric Sunroof: Check Details
Kia EV9 Interiors and Equipment
The interiors of the EV9 are, as you'd expect, futuristic. It gets a 12.3-inch blended screen setup for the infotainment and the digital cluster, along with multiple seating configurations and type of seats as well.
Globally, customers can opt for swivel-type captain seats that rotate upto 180-degrees, although we are unlikely to receive that option here. Instead, we are likely to receive a conventional bench or ventilated captain chairs with a massage function.
Some of the features on the EV9 include a Level-3 ADAS with things such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane keep assist, intelligent speed limit, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, and parking collision avoidance to name a few. Other things include OTA updates, a digital key, a Meridian sound system, a moon roof and more.
Also read: Top 10 Upcoming Cars To Arrive This Festive Season: Details Inside
Verdict
The EV9 is going to be the flagship Kia in the Indian market. With a mix of futuristic yet rugged design, a heavily-packed equipment list, Kia knows pricing will be key, and it is likely to price the EV9 aggressively. However, more shall be known once it is launched.
