Kia accelerates the transition towards the full electrification of its range of cars with the aim of becoming more than just a brand, but a provider of sustainable mobility solutions. And the great novelty for this 2023, revealed yesterday, is the EV9, a large SUV with seven seats that marks a turning point in the Korean manufacturer. An innovative SUV in many ways, both in design and technology.
Built on the basis of the EV6, it uses the same modular platform created exclusively for electric vehicles (E-GMP). The Korean brand has explained that it will have an electric range of up to 541 kilometers, in the current WLTP approval. In addition, the 800 volt ultra-fast charging capability will allow the EV9 to charge electricity to cover 239 km in just 15 minutes.
With a size that places it above the Sorento, which will continue in production, Kia has explained that the EV9 will go on sale during the second half of 2023. It is five meters long and has three rows of seats that allow a configuration for six or seven seats.
Kia will offer two advanced batteries for its new electric SUV: 76.1 kWh in the standard rear-wheel drive version and 99.8 kWh in the RWD Long Range version (extended range) and in the AWD all-wheel drive version.
The RWD Long Range incorporates a 150 kW and 350 Nm electric motor, with which it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Also powered by a single electric motor, albeit a more powerful 160 kW and 350 Nm variant, the standard EV9 RWD can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
For its part, the AWD variant is equipped with two electric motors that develop a combined power of 283 kW and 600 Nm of torque. This powerful combination allows you to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. An even higher level of performance can be achieved with the Boost function, standard on the GT-Line version. Combined torque is then increased to an exceptional 700 Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The EV9 incorporates the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, already known in other electric Kia, which allows its owner to use the car battery for other uses. For example, to charge computers, smartphones, camping equipment or even charge the battery of another electric car.
Kia reinvents the concept of the family SUV with the EV9, with a new design philosophy that seeks a unique balance of natural and modern elements. In this way, the exterior of this advanced SUV conveys a feeling of serenity, as well as robustness. And the long wheelbase allows for a spacious and comfortable interior.
At the clean-surfaced front end, we discover a new version of Kia’s Tiger Face grille and distinctive vertical light clusters. As a novelty, this part integrates two groups of small cubic lamps in each headlight. And the LED daytime running lights create a truly eye-catching animated lighting pattern.
Also, the seats are designed to meet different needs. It can have six or seven seats, depending on the interior configuration. With the relax-type seats in the second row, it is possible to fully recline. And with the option of swivel seats, those in the second row rotate 180º to allow peaceful conversation with the occupants of the third row.
Kia has a commitment to become a leader in sustainable mobility and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. To do this, in addition to manufacturing 0-emission cars, they have also adopted a commitment to the materials used to manufacture them.
And the EV9, in this sense, constitutes a new reference, with ecological materials that establish new standards in sustainable mobility. The Kia EV9 marks a milestone as the first model to adopt the brand’s three-step design sustainability strategy.
For example, phasing out the use of leather, applying ten sustainable must-haves to all new Kia models, and continually increasing the use of bio-based materials, such as corn, sugar cane or natural oils.
One of the EV9 innovations, and a significant evolution, is the Highway Driving Pilot HDP system, available later on the EV9 GT Line. This technology will allow, in some markets, to reach level 3 of autonomous driving.
Up to 15 sensors are capable of scanning objects in a 360º environment. Thus, the system can detect and react based on what is happening around the car and avoid possible accidents.
By providing real-time, proactive and intelligent assistance in a wide range of conditions, Kia’s HDP system will meet the criteria necessary to provide a level 3 range of autonomy, in certain areas of the world. At this level, the car is capable of automating driving when conditions make it possible, allowing the driver to take a temporary break from control of the vehicle.
Kia has designed a wide range of features for customers in its new family SUV. For example, without having to take the car to the dealer, the owner will be able to update all the software in his vehicle remotely and at any time. There will even be the possibility of obtaining an increase in performance through the optional Boost function. Or add digital features and services of all kinds.
In safety and driving assistance systems (ADAS) we highlight the remote intelligent parking assistance 2 (RSPA 2). This technology allows our EV9 to be parked remotely, with the remote control, from outside the vehicle.
