Kia EV9 is finally out, with the brand giving us our first-ever look at the electric car. The exterior and interior design of the electric SUV can be seen in new pictures and videos. The new EV9 comes as the first three-row electric flagship SUV from Kia Motors. It marks an important step in the company’s journey toward becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
While Kia has taken the wraps off EV9, important information about the flagship EV is still not out. In a statement, Kia states that the EV9 will make its digital global premiere later this month. All product information around the EV9 will be out during this premiere. For now, we know how the electric SUV will shape up, having our first look at its production-ready version.
For those unaware, Kia has been showcasing the EV9 for long now in the form of a concept vehicle. We saw the concept EV on display during the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. It was also seen at the Auto Expo 2023 in India. Now, the production-ready version reveals the practical implementation of the concept, and here is what we can see till now.
Kia EV9 Exterior Design
The shape of the EV9 features Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. This means that a combination of elements, from the natural and material worlds, has inspired its design. For instance, the front of the EV9 carries simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces. This helps exude confidence, clarity, and calmness in equal measure.
The ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ adorns the vertical headlamps, as well as EV9’s signature ‘Digital Tiger Face.’ This imparts a visionary and futuristic look and feel. The Digital Tiger Face features two clusters of small cube lamps within the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp. The EV9’s ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)’ create a new illumination experience that will also be present on Kia’s future EV models.
Formed from a polygonal design language, the side profile of the EV9 combines a strong SUV identity with aerodynamic efficiency. Dynamic triangular fender structures and pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the fuselage body. This unifies the polygonal elements into a cohesive structure that presents a determined look. Flush door handles and a tapered back roofline give a sense of smooth and efficient motion.
At the rear of the vehicle, the simple, clean lines of the tailgate house slim rear lights. These lights mirror the design of those at the front.
Kia EV9 Interior Design
Kia’s designers have prioritized space, comfort, and technology for all passengers, for the new EV9. For this, the EV is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It offers a long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture for lounge-style comfort and space. The electric SUV will come in both six and seven-seat formats.
Occupants sitting in the first and second-row seats can simultaneously recline their seats to relax when the EV9 is charging. The seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row. The third-row seats also offer cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.
The EV9 sports an open, floating panoramic dashboard that extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s center. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display offer digital experiences while ensuring minimum physical buttons. The center console is equipped with storage options, including a spacious compartment located at its base. The centre console doors further add to the overall refinement of the interior space.
The EV9 also comes with an extended display high-definition audiovisual, navigation, and telematics (AVNT) screen. Beneath the AVNT screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control.
Note that the availability of all these features may depend on trim level and/or region. We shall wait for more information on the EV9 from Kia Motors, including its price and availability dates in India and the rest of the world.
