Kia has announced that pre-sales for the ‘EV9’ have surpassed 10,000 units.
The EV9, Korea’s first three-row large electric SUV, features a grand exterior and an interior space that offers a new driving experience. It has achieved a driving range of 501 km on a single charge based on a 99.8 kWh large capacity battery (※This is based on the 19-inch wheel 2WD model certified by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) and is equipped with numerous cutting-edge technologies.
Pre-sales for the EV9, which began on the 3rd, included basic models (Air and Earth trims) and GT-line versions, with a total of 10,367 units registered by the close of business on the 15th, just eight business days later.
As the new flagship model in Kia’s electrified lineup, the EV9 has significantly surpassed the previous pre-sale figures for Kia’s flagship models, such as the K9 (2012, 3,201 units in 15 business days) and Mohave (2019, 7,137 units in 11 business days), marking a successful start to a new sector as Korea’s first three-row large electric SUV.
Among customers who pre-ordered the EV9, 86% selected the Earth trim of the base model, which includes features like dual-color ambient lighting, front relax comfort seats, a head-up display, and surround view monitor, while the highly sophisticated GT-line comes with exclusive design features and small cube projection LED headlamps.
Kia interprets these results as a reflection of a long-standing preference for higher trims found in previous flagships, suggesting that the all-new flagship EV9 has attracted customers awaiting premium vehicles.
Among customers choosing the base model ‘Air,’ which boasts a panoramic wide display, Highway Driving Assist 2, and 10 airbags, 67% opted for the 2WD drive system that allows for a maximum range of 501 km on a single charge, indicating a strong trend towards rational consumer behavior.
Kia expects that the optimized specification configurations of the EV9 across different trims will meet the needs of various customers, from premium consumers seeking refined experiences to budget-conscious buyers who prioritize reasonable spending.
Individual customers account for 60% of total contracts, with 40% in their 40s and 20% in their 30s, suggesting a strong interest from the 3040 demographic in the innovative technologies featured in the EV9.
Of corporate customers, 79% chose the six-seat configuration, which offers a comfortable and spacious second-row living environment, recognizing its appeal as a ‘chauffeur-driven’ vehicle for executives or key VIP guests.
A Kia representative stated, “Kia, which has pioneered the SUV market, is pleased to receive recognition for the exceptional attributes of the three-row large electric SUV making its debut in Korea through the EV9 pre-sales. The EV9 is expected to be an excellent choice for companies leading in ESG management as we approach the end of the year when demand for flagship vehicles will be concentrated.”
Meanwhile, Kia anticipates that the 4WD variant of the basic model will be the first to complete eco-friendly vehicle certification by mid-June, and will commence deliveries of the EV9 to customers thereafter.
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr