Taking note of the success of its all-electric crossover EV6 in India and international markets, the South Korean automaker Kia’s Indian subsidiary has now released the first teaser of its all-electric SUV – EV9. Reportedly, the company is planning to debut the concept of this vehicle in the forthcoming Auto Expo 2023 alongside the new Carnival and Sorento. The concept of this SUV which Kia aims to launch as the flagship electric SUV from its brand was first shown to the world in 2021 at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
Recently the first teaser of the EV9 concept was uploaded on Kia India’s YouTube channel. From the video, we can note that this SUV will be mammoth in size and will have an extremely futuristic design mostly inspired by the EV6 crossover. Dimensionally the forthcoming Kia EV SUV will measure in at 4,929mm in length, 2,055mm in width, and 1,790mm in height. It will also have a long 3,100mm wheelbase. As per Kia, the EV9 will be built on the Electric Global Modular Chassis (E-GMP) platform, which also underpins the Kia EV6 that was recently launched in the country.
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As mentioned above, in terms of its exterior design, it will mostly be inspired by the EV6 crossover and will boast a futuristic boxy exterior. In the front, the EV SUV will get the updated version of the Kia’s iconic “tiger nose” grille with a blanked-out panel, individual LED light modules, and a Z-shaped headlamp cluster will also make an appearance. It will be a butch upright SUV with clean lines, smooth surfaces, and a large glasshouse that kinks sharply at the C-pillar. The rear will have a prominent bumper and along with vertical LED tail light units.
As of now, we know that the interior of the EV9 concept will have an extremely simple yet sophisticated design with minimalism being the theme. Reportedly it will come equipped with a twin-screen infotainment system, a flat-bottom steering wheel without spokes, and no tactile buttons at all. The concept will include a three-row configuration with the second row of chairs that can be folded fully flat and the first row of seats that can rotate to create a lounge-like environment, all decked out in quirky ambient lighting.
Regarding the drivetrain, the EV9 concept is expected to be unveiled with a 77.4kWh battery pack, which is also the largest of the two battery packs available with the smaller EV6. The 800V electrical design of the E-GMP platform allows for quick charging at rates of up to 350kW. The battery needs around 20 minutes to quickly charge from 10% to 80%. An entry-level model with a single motor driving the rear axle and a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive range-topper are both anticipated for the EV9.
Just a few months it was also reported that the Kia’s sister brand Hyundai is also planning to launch its flagship electric SUV the Ioniq 7. A report has emerged that Hyundai’s full-size electric SUV Ioniq 7 could be making its debut in 2024. Once launched it will reportedly be competing with the likes of the seven-seater SUVs like the Tesla Model X, Mercedes Benz EQB and the Kia EV9.
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