Background car news

Electric Global Modular Platform

Not surprisingly, Kia is producing its new EV9 on the so-called Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) developed in cooperation with Hyundai. Hyundai uses the platform for models such as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Kia is already building its EV6 on it. The platform is also the basis for the Kia EV9. You don’t have to think of the EV9 as the Sorento’s replacement. Both cars continue to coexist.

Opposites United

Kia opts for a distinctive design language for the EV9, dubbed “Opposites United” by Kia itself. This design language will also be applied to future models. Features of this new design philosophy from Kia include a Digital Tiger Face and vertical Matrix LED headlights. The Star Map LED daytime running lights with distinctive light patterns will eventually be found in future Kia EV models as well.

Dimensions Kia EV9

The EV9 is a hefty SUV. Even the wheelbase already measures 3,100 mm, creating an extraordinary amount of space in the interior. The Kia EV9 has a length of 5,010 mm, a width of 1,980 mm and a height of 1,755 mm (1,780 mm for the EV9 GT-Line).

Two versions

There are two trims to choose from, including a GT-Line variant. The front and rear bumpers, wheels and roof rails of this model come in striking black colors. The GT-Line also features a special version of the “Digital Pattern Lighting Grill.

Low air resistance

Despite the angular design, the air resistance coefficient of 0.28 is extremely low. This low drag was achieved by implementing several features, including Kia’s first-ever 3D underbody, aerodynamic wheels and air vents in the front bumper.

Six or seven seats

The electric Kia EV9 is available with seven or six seats. The front seats are equipped with a recline function, nice while loading. Optional for the GT-Line, the EV9 can be equipped with six seats, with the seats in the second row rotating 180 degrees. The third row of seats offers cup holders and charging options for mobile devices.

The EV9’s color palette is inspired by the four core elements of nature: light, air, earth and water. The interior – with substantial displays – is available in several color combinations with shades ranging from light gray to natural or just sporty for the GT-Line.

Sustainability

In terms of sustainability, Kia is again taking the next steps with the EV9. Biomaterials used in the car include corn, sugarcane and natural oils. Kia aims to increase the proportion of recycled plastic in its models to 20 percent by 2030.

Powertrains Kia EV9

The Dutch engine lineup for the Kia EV9 is nice and clear. There is a choice of a Long Range variant available as RWD and AWD, both equipped with a 99.8 kWh battery pack. The RWD Long Range has a 150 kW (204 hp) and 350 Nm electric motor, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds (preliminary figure). The AWD variant has two electric motors that together generate total power of 283 kW (385 hp) and combined torque of 600 Nm. This powertrain provides a 0-100 time of 6.0 seconds.

Range

The RWD Long Range version with 19-inch wheels is expected to have a range of more than 541 km according to WLTP. Thanks to 800V charging technology, some 239 kilometers of range can be recharged in about 15 minutes. Range figures for the AWD variant are not yet known.

Autonomous driving?

The Kia EV9 takes another step toward full autonomy. One way the manufacturer does this is with the new Highway Driving Pilot (HDP). The system contains 15 sensors, including two lidars, capable of scanning and detecting objects in a full 360-degree field of view, which allows it to detect and react to the road and other users to avoid potential collisions. HDP can function to provide level 3 autonomous driving. At this level, the car is capable of conditional autonomy when conditions permit, allowing the driver to temporarily leave the driving to the car. Kia plans to offer HDP in the future in the EV9 GT-Line. Further details will be announced ahead of the market launch.

Kia Connect Store

Another first that Kia has saved for the EV9 is the all-new Kia Connect Store that allows EV9 drivers to keep their electric SUV up-to-date, or add future features. Some examples of features to be added later include the special Lighting Pattern function for the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, or the Boost function for the AWD EV9 that unlocks 100 Nm of extra torque for even higher performance.

Vehicle-to-Load

The EV9 comes standard with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality that enables the discharge of energy from the battery via the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). This allows up to 3.68 kW of power to be used for laptops, coolers or camping equipment, for example. So the EV9 is also a giant power bank.

Independent parking

The range of driving assistance systems also includes Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2). Thanks to this technology, the EV9 can park itself without driver intervention, whether the driver is in the car or standing next to it, and the procedure is started at the touch of a button on the Kia Smart Key. Using ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, the EV9 with RSPA 2 automatically maneuvers to the designated parking space, controlling the gas pedal, brakes and shifter. The system also automatically activates the brakes when an obstacle is detected. This new feature is offered in the Kia Connect Store.

Other driving assistance systems

Also available are Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA). Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC-C) ensures safe driving on freeways and highways, while Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) enables lane changing and uses a hands-on detection (HOD) sensor to ensure driver involvement.

Even after driving, the EV9 continues to provide support, including Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA). The Digital Key 2.0 is a first for Kia; the system uses Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, allowing users to open and start their car with their smartphone even if it is in their pocket or purse.

Market launch Kia EV9

Pre-sales of the EV9 will begin early in the second quarter of 2023 in Korea and are expected in the second half of 2023 for the Dutch lineup. The EV9 will make its live debut at the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show and then be on display at the New York International Auto Show later this year. Detailed technical specifications, availability and prices will be announced ahead of the Dutch market launch.