Kia EV9 Electric SUV Breaks Cover: 3-Row Seating, Swivel Seats, And More

Kia EV9 comes with three-row seating, wherein the second row gets swivel seats for a lounge-like experience.

Kia EV9 is finally out, with the brand giving us our first-ever look at the exterior and interior design of the electric SUV through a new set of pictures and videos. The new EV9 comes as the first three-row electric flagship SUV from Kia Motors and 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 has still not been outed. In a statement, Kia states that the EV9 will make its digital global premiere later this month and that all product information around the EV9 will be shared during this premiere. For now, we know how the electric SUV will shape up, now that we have our first look at the production-ready version of the EV9.

For those unaware, Kia has been showcasing the EV9 for long now, but only in the form of a concept vehicle up until the recent images were released on Tuesday. We saw the concept EV on showcase during the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and then at the Auto Expo 2023. 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 has been guided by 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 is denoted by simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces in order to 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,’ which 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)’ are meant to 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, unifying 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 are detailed by the slim rear lights that 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 has been built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture for lounge-style comfort and space. The electric SUV will be offered 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 be swiveled 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 are meant to offer digital experiences while ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum. The center console is equipped with storage options, including a spacious compartment located at its base. The center console doors are further designed to 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.