Kia unveiled the ‘EV9’ at the <2023 New York International Auto Show> held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on the 5th (local time), marking its North American debut.
Launched last month, the EV9 is Kia’s second dedicated electric model based on the E-GMP, an all-electric vehicle platform. It plays a key role in Kia’s ambition to become a global leader in electrification, serving as a flagship electric SUV.
Through the presentation of the EV9 at this year’s New York Auto Show, Kia conveyed the message of redefining the concept and method of mobility to provide a new experience for North American customers. The EV9 is expected to be more than just a means of transportation; it will be a space where customers can discover various utilizations and comfortably stay within the vehicle.
Yoon Seung-kyu, Vice President of Kia’s North America Headquarters, stated, “The EV9 is a model born from Kia’s expertise in SUVs combined with our specialization in electric vehicles. It presents a new standard for large electric SUVs by satisfying North American customers with a high level of product quality.”
The EV9 reflects Kia’s design philosophy of ‘Opposite United’, embodying a design direction of ‘Boldness from Nature’ with its commanding exterior and expansive interior space. The interior integrates technology for everyday life, offering a range of user-friendly and straightforward specifications that enhance customer mobility experiences.
The EV9 is also equipped with robust functions as an SDV (Software Defined Vehicle).
The EV9 incorporates advanced technologies such as highway autonomous driving, the Kia Connect Store, where customers can add features anytime after vehicle purchase, and wireless software updates to keep navigation maps and vehicle functions up-to-date with ease.
It is equipped with a large 99.8kWh battery, 3D undercovers, aerodynamic wheels in 19/20/21 inches, and front bumper air curtains. Its goal is to achieve a driving range of over 500km on a single charge according to domestic standards. (※ Based on the 19-inch wheel 2WD model, with a WLTP standard of more than 541km)
Kia plans to launch the EV9 in the North American market in the fourth quarter of this year.
Additionally, Kia announced plans to produce the EV9 at its Georgia plant in the United States in 2024, marking it as Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle manufactured in North America.
As EV9 was revealed to the world at the end of last month, it has captured the attention of major automotive media in the U.S.
Car and Driver, a leading American automotive magazine, analyzed that “the debut of the EV9 is particularly significant as it is the first electric model introduced in the three-row SUV market,” while MotorTrend praised that “the newly unveiled EV9 is fantastic.”
Jung In-seong daedusj@autodiary.kr