Kia has today revealed full details of the Kia EV9, its first three-row seat electric flagship SUV. Based on the (E-GMP), the EV9 is claimed to provide a WLTP range of over 541 km. Additionally, the ultra-fast 800-volt charging capability enables the EV9 battery pack to support running for 239 km in approximately 15 minutes of charging.
The EV9 features a broad choice of an electric powertrain, including a 76.1-kWh battery, offered exclusively with the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Standard model. In contrast, a 99.8-kWh battery is fitted in both the RWD Long Range and All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants.
The RWD Long Range model utilises a 150 kW electric motor delivering 350 Nm of torque, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Also powered by a single electric motor, albeit a more powerful 160 kW and 350 Nm variant, the Standard RWD EV9 can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The AWD variant has two electric motors delivering a total power output of 283 kW and a combined torque of 600 Nm. This combination enables the SUV to surge from 0-to-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds.
Moreover, greater performance levels are available with an optional boost feature for later purchase at the Kia Connect Store. The combined torque is increased to an exceptional 700 Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The EV9 is set to make its inaugural physical debut at the Seoul Mobility Show 2023 in April. It will then be showcased at this New York International Auto Show in early April.
Kia will begin offering pre-orders of the EV9 for the Korean market in the second quarter of 2023, and the sales for the vehicle in selected global markets will begin in the second half of the year.
With the EV9, the vehicle maker has started its three-step Design Sustainability Strategy, initiated to phase out the use of leather, apply ten ‘must-have’ sustainable items to all new Kia models and continuously increase the use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils. Its target is to increase the proportion of recycled plastics it uses to 20% by 2030.
Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, Kia, said that the Kia EV9 represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities.
Based on the company’s 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the SUV features 'Digital Tiger Face' at the front, accentuated by the 'Digital Pattern Lighting Grille' and vertical headlamps and 'Star Map’ LED daytime running lights (DRL). The EV9’s ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ technology can be further enhanced by adding the ‘Lighting Pattern’ feature through the Kia Connect Store.
It also gets a 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear, along with a choice of aerodynamic 21-inch, 20-inch or 19-inch wheels.
In addition to the standard model, the company has unveiled the GT-line model design. The front and rear bumpers, wheels, and roof rack have undergone a transformation, and the GT-line features a distinctive black colour palette exuding a strong and assertive presence, setting it apart from its standard counterpart. Notably, the GT-line includes an exclusive ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ that adds an element of dynamism and sophistication to its already impressive design.
Interestingly, the EV9’s chassis frame structure features an exceptionally high-torsional stiffness and the world’s first patent-pending B-pillar connection structure technology featuring an extended overlap between the crash barrier and side sill.
Measuring 5,010 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width and 1,755 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm, Kia claims that the EV9 has an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28.
In terms of seating capacity, the vehicle is offered in seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options, including 3-seater bench seats in basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type and two-seater independent seats.
Besides futuristic design, the vehicle also promises futuristic technology. The carmaker says the EV9 will take a significant step towards full autonomy. Key to achieving this is its Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which will provide the EV9 with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving. Fifteen sensors, including two lidars, enable it to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, enabling it to detect and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions.
By providing intelligent, proactive, real-time assistance across a wide range of conditions, Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system will meet the criteria required to deliver Level 3 autonomy in certain areas of the world. The car will be capable of conditional driving automation where conditions permit, enabling the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.
The company noted that it plans to offer the HDP in the EV9 GT-line model in the future. The EV9’s numerous additional features facilitated by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2). This technology enables the vehicle to park itself without needing driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle. The driver initiates the procedure via the Kia smart key called Digital Key 2.
Using ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, the RSPA 2 automatically manoeuvres the vehicle into the designated parking space, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift. The system also automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in the vehicle’s path. It also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing.
Alongside these features, the vehicle incorporates numerous advanced driver assistance systems to enhance passenger safety, such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), designed to aid drivers in potentially dangerous scenarios.
The Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) ensures safe driving on highways and automobile-only roads, while Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) enables lane changes and uses a hands-on detection (HOD) sensor to ensure driver engagement.
In addition, the EV9 offers pre- and post-driving safety and convenience with features such as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA). The Digital Key 2 utilises Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, allowing users to open and start their car using their smartphone, even when the key is in their pocket or bag.
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