The veil that shrouded it in darkness has been lifted. With a sturdy build, bold impression, and luxurious interiors, this is Kia’s EV9, a luxury SUV created for the carbon-neutral era.
Kia unveiled the large electric SUV ‘EV9’ on the 17th of last month at Layer 41 in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. EV9 is Kia’s second dedicated electric vehicle following the EV6, based on the E-GMP platform.
Karim Habib, head of Kia’s design center, stated, “The EV9 applies our design philosophy, Opposite United, and incorporates the traditional elegance of Korea.” During Karim’s presentation on the design, a video featuring a well-dressed man in a traditional hat getting off the subway played repeatedly, emphasizing the EV9’s design.
After Karim’s presentation, the veil was lifted, revealing the robust build of the EV9.
The front showcases Kia’s family look known as the Tiger Face, which emphasizes a strong impression. The angular L-shaped signature lights and twelve LED bulbs make the EV9’s face more brilliant. Furthermore, the angular profile from the A-pillar to the D-pillar resembles a soldier in uniform.
The tire wheels feature a design resembling two overlapping triangles, adding a unique touch. Thanks to the short front and rear overhangs and long wheelbase, the EV9 reveals a spacious interior. The displayed vehicle features a 2+2+2 seating structure for six passengers. Even with the third-row seats unfolded, the knee space is ample in the second row. The flat floor structure means there is no central tunnel. I experienced accessing the third row via the central aisle of the second row.
Typically, large SUVs offer insufficient knee space in the third row, but even a reporter close to 175 cm and 100 kg found the seating ample. A 187 cm tall adult male also found it spacious.
The EV9 boasts a hidden gem: the second-row seats can rotate 180 degrees, similar to KTX seats. Kia emphasized, “Seats cannot be rotated while the vehicle is in motion.” However, during car camping or outdoor activities, rotating the second-row seats allows for cozy moments with family and friends.
The driver’s seat has been expanded for comfort. Instead of a traditional gear selector, a column-shift transmission used in Hyundai vehicles has been added. The dashboard and seats feature vegan leather, while door panels and the interior A-pillar have textile finishes, showcasing a commitment to sustainable carbon neutrality.
The 12.3-inch driver’s instrument panel seamlessly connects with the display to enhance visibility. Additionally, the center console has eliminated physical switches, opting for touch-sensitive switches that require only a light touch to activate.
The steering wheel emphasizes dynamism and ignites the desire to start the engine and hit the road right away.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr