The EV9 has been unveiled, transforming concepts and methods of mobility to deliver a new experience.
Kia revealed the ‘EV9’ through its global brand site on the 29th.
Today’s global unveiling of the EV9 marks Kia’s second model based on the electric vehicle dedicated platform E-GMP. This flagship electrified SUV is set to accelerate Kia’s vision for sustainability and completely change the way we think about and engage with mobility.
Kia anticipates that the EV9 will offer innovative spaces and driving experiences for customers who are keen on trends and advanced technology.
Kia CEO Song Ho-seong stated, “Since the brand rebirth in 2021, Kia has made significant efforts to develop products that inspire customers along with services and solutions to enhance relationships with them. Based on Kia’s legacy as a ‘pioneer’ in the SUV market, we are determined to lead the upcoming era of electrification through the long-prepared EV9.”
The EV9 features ▲ a 99.8 kWh battery with various efficiency-maximizing specifications aiming for a driving range exceeding 500 km on a single charge under domestic certification standards ▲ efforts to secure world-class safety based on optimized body design for EVs and advanced driver-assistance systems ▲ groundbreaking technologies for mobility such as Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), Kia Connect Store, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, establishing its excellence as an SDV (Software Defined Vehicle).
Moreover, the EV9 showcases a beautiful design that harmonizes contrasting forms based on “Opposite United,” along with the first application of Kia’s ‘three-stage sustainable design strategy’ and new spaces that promise a fresh mobility experience.
Additionally, features that befit a flagship vehicle include ▲ auto-flush outside handles ▲ digital side and center mirrors ▲ Meridian premium sound system ▲ built-in cam 2 ▲ digital key 2 ▲ electronic hood latches for the front trunk.
Kia plans to launch a total of four versions starting with the ▲ EV9 (2WD and 4WD), including the ▲ GT-line model and a high-performance GT model expected in the future, with pre-orders for domestic customers looking to purchase the EV9 (2WD and 4WD) commencing in Q2.
The EV9 is equipped with a 99.8 kWh large-capacity battery and features such as a 3D undercarriage, aerodynamic wheels in sizes 19/20/21 inches, and air curtains on the front bumper, aiming to achieve a validated driving range exceeding 500 km on a single charge under domestic standards.
(* Based on internal laboratory measurements for the 19-inch wheel 2WD model, WLTP standard is over 541 km.)
Moreover, it supports a 400V/800V multi fast-charging system that allows charging from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes with a 350 kW-class charger, battery conditioning to optimize charging speed upon arrival at charging stations, and a rear-seat independent climate control system that reduces power consumption with separate heat/cooling controls, all of which provide suitable driving ranges for real-life scenarios.
The EV9 will operate with a rear-wheel motor-based 2WD model with a maximum output of 150 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm, and a 4WD model with front and rear motors with a maximum output of 283 kW and maximum torque of 600 Nm. The 4WD model can increase its maximum torque to 700 Nm with the purchase of a ‘boost’ option, allowing it to reach 100 km/h from standstill in approximately 5.3 seconds, enabling a more dynamic driving experience. (* This is based on internal laboratory measurements.)
The rear motor is equipped with a multi-inverter for an automatic power adjustment based on driving situations, applying a ‘2-stage motor system.’ In everyday driving, it maximizes power efficiency using one inverter, contributing to an increase in driving range, while in situations requiring significant power instantaneously, it utilizes both inverters simultaneously to achieve maximum output.
Kia has also equipped the EV9 with various functions that add to driving safety and enjoyment through optimal body control via software. ▲ Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (eDTVC) helps stabilize turning by distributing the appropriate torque to each wheel during vehicle turning, and ▲ Crosswind stability control provides assistance in stabilizing behavior and prevents lane departure during high-speed driving when strong crosswinds occur by controlling braking and steering torques. ▲Auto Terrain Mode automatically sets suitable modes for surfaces such as snow/mud/sand, enhancing customer convenience.
Kia expanded the use of ultra-high-strength hot-stamped components and optimized the main body constituting the passenger compartment to ensure excellent body strength and torsional rigidity. It also applied a new connection structure at the lower part of the B-pillar, a world-first, to minimize passenger compartment deformation in the event of a side collision, enhancing collision safety.
Furthermore, the body was designed to disperse energy in the event of a collision. It reinforced the connections between structural parts for better protection of battery areas and enhanced lower rigidity by optimizing the body floor design to securely meet the robustness needed for electric vehicles.
In addition, the EV9 applies Kia’s advanced driver-assistance systems to support safe mobility for its customers. Features such as ▲ Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist ▲ Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist ▲ Lane Keeping Assist ▲ Intelligent Speed Limit Assist ▲ Blind Spot Monitor ▲ Driver Attention Warning assist in various risky situations that may occur while driving.
The EV9 further enhances driving safety and convenience by applying navigation-based smart cruise control, which helps maintain safe speeds in safe zones, curves, and exits, and Lane Keeping Assist 2, which provides more seamless support in curved road sections. The Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) maintains the distance and settings to keep the vehicle centered in the lane or assist with lane changes while detecting whether the driver is holding the steering wheel using direct detection (HOD), thus improving driving stability and convenience.
Additionally, the EV9 includes features that enhance safety and convenience while parking and exiting, such as ▲ Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist ▲ Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning ▲ Front/Side/Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist ▲ Safe Exit Assist ▲ Rear Passenger Notification.
As an SDV, the EV9 also features abundant functions. Advanced features like highway autonomous driving, the Kia Connect Store which allows for additional specifications even after vehicle purchase, and wireless software updates that keep navigation maps and vehicle functions current, have been applied, bringing futuristic technologies to reality.
The highway autonomous driving feature is Kia’s first application of Level 3 autonomous driving technology in the EV9 GT-line. This technology allows for hands-free driving while maintaining safe distances and lanes at speeds up to 80 km/h on highways and motorways.
Kia enhanced the completion of the technology for autonomous highway driving by equipping the EV9 with a total of 15 sensors, including 2 lidars, precision maps, and an integrated controller.
This system can adjust speeds according to road conditions, thus managing changes in speed limits or curves effectively. It also maintains a safe distance from vehicles in front and those merging into the lane, significantly improving driving stability.
Moreover, prioritizing customer safety, the EV9 has features that can respond to various risks that may arise during highway autonomous driving by considering passenger safety first.
Kia operates the Kia Connect Store to allow customers to freely choose the timing and duration for the application of desired features even after purchasing the EV9.
Products available at the Kia Connect Store for the EV9 include ▲ ‘Remote Smart Parking Assist 2’ that supports remote parking and debarking ▲ ‘Lighting Patterns’ that can be customized by adding digital pattern lighting grills ▲ ‘Streaming Plus’ that lets users enjoy video and audio content from inside the vehicle, with plans for more functions to be developed and implemented in the future.
Customers can conveniently apply desired functions for the necessary duration through the Kia Connect Store’s website or the My Kia mobile application, providing an experience similar to purchasing applications from a smartphone app store.
The wireless software updates applied to the EV9 allow updates to be made without visiting a service center or connecting any equipment, keeping control software up to date through wireless communication with cloud servers to enhance already applied features or add new ones.
Updates are possible in various areas such as navigation map information and vehicle control, ensuring customers always enjoy the feeling of driving the latest model vehicle.
The EV9 features Kia’s next-generation infotainment system, ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit), for the first time with unified display graphics designed to reflect the Kia brand.
With the application of ccNC, the EV9 provides a customer-friendly user environment, allowing for easy access to information and functionalities related to electrification through ‘EV Mode.’ It also includes features such as ‘Quick Control’ for rapid adjustments across the screen and ‘e-Hi-Pass,’ allowing toll payment without a physical card, as well as ‘Integrated Search’ to search all infotainment functions in one place.
The design of the EV9 is inspired by Kia’s design philosophy, ‘Opposite United,’ harmonizing contrasting forms that embody Kia’s unique beauty. Reflecting the boldness derived from nature among five directionalities of the design philosophy, the EV9 presents a strong and dignified exterior with a spacious interior that boasts openness, while incorporating various specifications that renew the customer’s mobility experience in an intuitive and simplified manner.
The front, featuring a ‘Digital Tiger Face,’ integrates a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grill,’ ‘Small Cube Projection LED Headlamps,’ and ‘Starmap LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights)’ to create a futuristic feel with clean body lines across various lighting elements.
The side profile aims for authentic SUV body proportions, conveying the grandeur of a large SUV, balancing solid edges with a smooth volume to embody both strength and elegance.
The rear of the EV9 emphasizes its wide stance with ‘Starmap LED Rear Combination Lamps’ that provide a cohesive look with the front, while the neatly designed tailgate smoothly connects to the angular shoulder lines, completing a refined and robust posture.
The interior maximizes spaciousness by leveraging the advantages of the E-GMP with a flat floor and long wheelbase, featuring refined designs for seats, center console, and door to enhance the sense of space. To emphasize a modern and simplistic image, high gloss and chrome materials are minimized, while soft materials applied in touch points provide a comfortable finish.
The ‘Panoramic Wide Display’ seamlessly connects a 12.3-inch cluster, 5-inch climate control, and 12.3-inch infotainment system display, efficiently delivering necessary information to passengers. Along with a column-type electronic shifter (Shift by Wire) integrating the ignition button and hidden-type touch buttons, it balances aesthetic simplicity with intuitive operability.
On this day, Kia additionally unveiled the design of the GT-line. The GT-line is characterized by a differentiated black color scheme applied to the front and rear bumpers, wheels, and roof racks, resulting in a more robust appearance compared to the base model.
Kia expressed its commitment to sustainability by announcing that starting with the EV9, it will implement a ‘three-stage sustainable design strategy’ in future new models that involves ▲ gradually reducing the use of leather materials ▲ using sustainable ‘10 essential materials’ ▲ promoting advanced research for natural material development.
Kia intends to substitute animal leather materials causing environmental issues in the production process with bio-polyurethane, significantly reducing the use of chemicals by adding plant-based materials. Furthermore, improve the use of materials derived from plants such as corn, sugarcane, and natural oils, along with upcycled plastics and PET bottles, aiming to apply the sustainable 10 essential materials for future new vehicles.
In addition, Kia is gradually expanding the use of bio-materials through preemptive research for natural material development, introducing plant-based materials into new cars and investing actively in innovative technologies inspired by nature.
Kia is committed to creating sustainable materials unique to the brand, applying them extensively in new vehicles to contribute to actual natural preservation efforts.
Marilia Bill, from the Kia Next CMF team, stated, “Nature not only provides inspiration but is also an essential resource for humanity,” adding, “As designers, we will continually learn and evolve in how we use resources with respect and responsibility towards nature.”
The EV9 features 10 essential materials throughout its interior, such as seats made with bio-polyurethane and floor mats and garnishes utilizing upcycled fishing nets and plastics, significantly enhancing sustainability by using eco-friendly materials derived from over 70 PET bottles per vehicle.
The color options for the EV9 are designed to connect with the beauty of nature, inspired by the four core elements of nature: light, air, soil, and water.
Exterior color options include 5 new glossy colors: ▲ Ocean Blue ▲ Pebble Gray ▲ Iceberg Green, and 2 matte colors: ▲ Ivory Matte Silver ▲ Ocean Matte Blue, totaling 9 options that also include ▲ Snow White Pearl ▲ Panthera Metal ▲ Aurora Black Pearl ▲ Flare Red.
The two-tone interior color combinations are inspired by the four elements of light, air, soil, and water: ▲ Dark Gray-Black ▲ Dark Gray-Light Gray ▲ Brown-Black ▲ Dark Gray-Navy.
Utilizing the E-GMP to maximize interior space, the 3-row large SUV EV9 will be offered in a total of 4 seating configurations: 7-seater and 6-seater options.
The first row features mesh materials in headrests to increase visual openness for second-row passengers, alongside relaxation seats for comfortable resting positions and ergo-motion seats for the driver.
The second row can accommodate various seating configurations, including ▲ a bench seat and ▲ two-person independent seats in standard, relaxation, and swivel types, satisfying diverse vehicle usage preferences.
The relaxation seats in the second row allow simultaneous comfort for up to four occupants, thanks to their independence from the relaxation mode of the first-row seats. In particular, this is the first time Kia has applied vibration motors for lumbar massage, enhancing passenger comfort significantly.
Swivel seats easily rotate 180 degrees to face the third row, allowing comfortable relaxation when the third row is folded down during stops. They can also rotate 90 degrees towards side doors, improving convenience when entering and exiting or attaching/detaching child seats.
The third row, based on the flat floor, one of the E-GMP’s advantages, offers an easy seating posture compared to combustion engine models. Regardless of seating configurations, both the second and third rows can be folded flat for versatile leisure use in combination with the V2L function.
The EV9 promises a comfortable and enjoyable mobility experience for customers with features such as ▲ auto flush outside handles for a luxurious touch ▲ digital side and center mirrors that ensure clear rear visibility during rain or night driving ▲ Meridian premium sound system with 14 speakers ▲ Built-in Cam 2 for high-definition video and audio storage, integrated with the Kia Connect app ▲ digital key 2, allowing easy access/start with just your smartphone.
Additionally, Kia introduces the first electronic hood latches for the EV9’s front trunk, enabling easy access through in-vehicle buttons, the smart key, or digital key. The front trunk offers a capacity of 90 liters in the 2WD model, capable of carrying loads up to 40 kg, designed thoughtfully with amenities like an emergency open switch, lamp, air filter, and battery A/S cover for customer convenience.
Kia will showcase the EV9 and EV9 GT-line at the ‘2023 Seoul Mobility Show’ held at KINTEX (Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province) from the 31st of this month to the 9th of next month, highlighting the exceptional product value to customers.
Starting with the EV9 (2WD and 4WD), Kia plans to operate a total of four line-ups, including the ▲ GT-line model and a high-performance version, the GT model.
Once the EV9 (2WD and 4WD) government certification process is completed in Q2, the confirmed single-charge driving range and detailed specification operating plans by trim will be disclosed, and pre-contracts will be conducted for domestic customers.
Jin Lee, daedusj@autodiary.kr