Kia EV9 Joins the Three-Row SUV Parade

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Kia today in Korea revealed the EV9, its first three-row electric flagship SUV. Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 has a projected all-electric range ~541 km for the Long Range model with 19-inch wheels, according to the World Harmonized Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP). Fast 800-volt charging capability enables the EV9 battery pack to be replenished with sufficient charge to run the vehicle for 239 km in ~15 minutes based on preliminary data. (AutoInformed.com on: Hyundai Motor Group to Build EV and Battery Plant in Georgia)

“The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities. Created to meet the needs of all family members, the EV9 also spearheads Kia’s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO.

The EV9 is set to make its inaugural physical debut at the Seoul Mobility Show 2023 later this month. It will then appear at this year’s New York International Auto Show in early April.

Advanced technology includes the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, eventually optional in theEV9 GT-line enabling conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. It also introduces the Kia Connect Store, which allows customers to purchase digital features and services on demand, giving them the flexibility to choose the features they want and continuously upgrade the capability of the EV9 with Over the Air (OTA) updates at any time.

Kia EV9 has seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options, totaling to four “suitable for different situations such as moving, charging, and resting.” The first-row has relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row, for the first time it’s claimed among global EV models, has four seating options, including 3-seater bench seats, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats.

When equipped with the second-row relaxation seats, the EV9 allows first and second-row occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging. With the swivel seat option, the second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to enable conversations with those seated in the third row. Occupants in the third row are provided with charging points and cup holders.

Kia will begin offering pre-order of the EV9 in the Korean market in the second quarter of 2023. The Kia EV9 will go on sale in selected global markets from the second half of the year.