Kia has officially revealed the exterior and interior of its new three-row electric SUV, the EV9, along with more information about its future product.
We’ve been waiting a long time to get a better look at the production version of the EV9 that now, in final form, looks very similar to the initial concept vehicle that debuted in early 2022.
While the production version of the EV9 does not gain the concept’s quirky oblong steering wheel, it retains the same tiger face front exterior design and the prototype’s futuristic LED light design, along with slim rear LED tail lights.
The Kia EV9 has retained a lot of its looks from the concept
Kia says the EV9 benefits from a long wheelbase and completely flat electric skateboard architecture to create a more generous and roomy interior for occupants.
The EV9 will be available with both six and seven seat layouts, with second row seats able to be swivelled by 180-degrees “so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row”.
Up front, two 12.3-inch touchscreens will be standard – as in the smaller EV6 – along with an EV9 exclusive: a smaller 5.0-inch “segment display” to improve the digital experience.
Dual 12.3-inch screens will be standard in the Kia EV9
The Kia EV9, when launched, is likely to rival the likes of the upcoming Polestar 3 and the seven seat electric Volvo EX90, along with combustion SUVs like the Audi Q7.
It will also be a competitor to the Tesla Model X, previously Australia’s largest three-row EV – but the Model X has not been available to local buyers since 2020.
Although unconfirmed, the new electric SUV could cost as much as $100,000 when it launches in Australia.
We don’t know the EV9’s battery size or powertrain yet, but that info should come soon
Do we now know battery size and electric motor power?
Not yet, but it’s expected that this information will come to light later in the month.
The EV9 concept from 2022 had a claimed range of around 480km, however a previous Chasing Cars article has predicted that the EV9 could use the same powertrain and underpinnings as the Kia EV6. After all, both models sit on the exact same platform.
The Kia tiger design has been used for the front of the EV9
We’ve since learned that the EV6’s 74kWh-usable battery will be an entry-level specification for the EV9, and that longer-range models will be available with a battery of between 90-100kWh (usable).
It’s likely that dual-motor versions will make up the launch range but a longer-range rear-wheel drive model could come later.
As for price, it is likely that a range-topping EV9 dual-motor will top the $100,000 mark and become Kia’s new flagship model in Australia.
Cool second-row swivel chairs are available in the EV9
Will the EV9 be offered in single- or dual-motor guise?
Although it’s unconfirmed for now, it’s very likely that the new Kia EV9 will be offered with dual-motors only and could provide outputs of around 239kW/605Nm, much like the current EV6 GT-Line.
More information to do with the powertrain and battery is expected in the coming weeks.
