Kia has officially unveiled their EV9, sharing more details and specs after we got our first official glimpse of the electric SUV a few weeks ago. The EV9 is a three-row electric SUV that will be available in three different configurations and include some of the latest technology.
First up is the base model, the EV9 RWD Standard, which is powered by a 76.1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery that generates 160 kilowatts (215 horsepower) and 258 pound-feet (350 Newton-meters) of torque. Kia says their preliminary data shows this configuration can go from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 8.2 seconds.
Then there is the EV9 RWD Long Range model, which offers increased range thanks to a 99.8kWh battery and a single 150kW (201-hp) motor. This configuration has a 0-100km/h time of 9.4 seconds and a target range of over 336 miles (541 kilometers) on the WLTP test cycle when fitted with 19-inch wheels.
The EV9 AWD also features the larger 99.8kWh powering dual electric motors capable of producing 283 kW (380 hp) and a combined 442 lb-ft (600 Nm). With this configuration, the electric SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.0 seconds. There is also a Boost feature, which reduces the acceleration time to 5.3 seconds and increases the combined torque to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm).
Although Kia did not reveal the targeted range for the EV9 RWD Standard and EV9 AWD models, the automaker did say the ultra-fast 800 Volt charging system can add 148 miles (238km) of range in approximately 15 minutes.
Moreover, the EV9 comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality through its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which can provide up to 3.68 kW of power. Consumers can use this feature to charge laptops, power camping equipment, and more.
On the driver-assist side the EV9 will come with fifteen sensors, including two lidars, all of which will power Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system. The system will provide the EV9 with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving “in certain areas of the world” and “where conditions permit.” HDP will only be available however in the EV9 GT-Line model, which isn’t expected until 2025.
The EV9 will also debut the Kia Connect Store, which allows owners to buy digital features and services on demand. This feature enables them to enhance the EV9’s capabilities continually “without the need to take the vehicle to a dealership.” Some examples provided by Kia include enhancing the ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ technology with the addition of a new ‘Lighting Pattern’ feature, the previously mentioned Boost feature, as well as Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2).
The one big piece of information Kia didn’t reveal was pricing. We shouldn’t have to wait much longer however as the automaker will start taking pre-orders for the EV9 in Korea in Q2 2023, before expanding to “select global markets” in the second half of the year.
You can watch the World Premiere of the Kia EV9 below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tRTctRhe5c
