Kia launched the basic model of the EV9 on the 19th (Monday) and will gradually deliver it to customers.
The EV9 is the second model based on the dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP, marking a new flagship for Kia and pioneering a completely new domain as the first three-row large electric SUV in South Korea.
The EV9 features a grand and stately exterior, various second-row seating configurations, and is equipped with a large 99.8kWh battery, achieving an impressive range of 501km on a single charge, the longest in Kia’s electric vehicle lineup. (※ Based on the 19-inch wheel 2WD model certified by the Ministry of Industry)
Kia will operate the basic EV9 model in two trims: Air and Earth, allowing customers to choose between 2WD and 4WD driving modes in each trim.
The Air trim includes ▲ Highway Driving Assistance 2 ▲ Steering Wheel Grip Detection using capacitive sensors ▲ A panoramic wide display that smoothly connects the cluster, climate, and infotainment system ▲ Double-glazed soundproof glass for the windshield, first, and second rows ▲ 10 airbags, among other advanced driving assistance features and standard convenience and safety specifications to ensure top product value.
The Earth trim comes with ▲ First-row Relaxation Comfort Seat ▲ Driver’s Ergo Motion Seat ▲ Steering Wheel Emblem Light ▲ Dual Color Ambient Light ▲ 12-inch large head-up display, providing a higher level of interior luxury.
The EV9 basic model prices, after applying environmental-friendly car tax benefits and calculating the individual consumption tax (5%), are as follows: ▲ Air 2WD 73.37 million KRW ▲ Air 4WD 76.85 million KRW ▲ Earth 2WD 78.16 million KRW ▲ Earth 4WD 81.69 million KRW.
For Seoul customers purchasing the Air trim 2WD (19-inch wheel), considering government subsidies of 3.3 million KRW and local subsidies based on the calculation method, it is expected to be purchasable at around 69.2 million KRW, thus Kia anticipates providing the best satisfaction for customers who value reasonable consumption.
The EV9 GT-Line is expected to be launched in the upcoming third quarter, as major government departmental certification procedures are anticipated to be completed.
Kia, alongside the launch of the basic EV9 model, has opened the Kia Connect Store, enabling customers to add desired features at any time, along with operating a dedicated customer service center to assist with smooth usage. Customers can choose the timing and duration of their desired features’ application through the Kia Connect Store.
Products available in the Kia Connect Store for the EV9 include ▲ Remote Smart Park Assist 2, which supports remote parking and retrieving ▲ Lighting Pattern, allowing personalization with 5 additional graphics beyond the default pattern when choosing the Digital Pattern Lighting Grill option ▲ Streaming Plus, providing a data environment for playing videos and high-quality audio content using displays and speakers inside the vehicle, with plans to introduce more features in the future.
Customers can easily access the Kia Connect Store internet site or the My Kia smartphone application through the Kia Connect app, utilizing services as conveniently as purchasing an application from the smartphone app store.
Additionally, Kia has prepared various experience and test-drive programs to allow many customers to experience the EV9 as part of its launch celebration.
Kia plans to operate the ‘EV Unplugged Ground,’ opened last month in Seongdong, year-round, allowing customers to comprehensively experience the advanced technologies and values of the electric flagship EV9.
From late July to mid-August, a test-drive program will be conducted in collaboration with premium hotels and golf courses located in Jeju Island, such as ‘Lotte Hotel Jeju,’ ‘Pinks Phodo Hotel,’ and ‘Lotte Skyhill CC,’ aimed at customers utilizing these facilities. Customers interested in test-driving will be able to check detailed information on the respective hotel and golf course websites starting from the 26th of this month.
Furthermore, starting from June 30, the EV9 will be added to Kia’s mobility service ‘Kia Flex,’ promoting the EV9’s excellent driving performance. (※ For detailed information, refer to the Kia Flex app)
Kia has also prepared membership benefits and installment programs for EV9 buyers.
When EV9 customers sign up for Kia EV Members, they can choose one from the following benefits alongside Kia Members Points: ▲ Airport Pick-up & Drop (2 times) ▲ Domestic Airport Lounge (4 times) ▲ EV9 365 Days Golf Care ▲ Mobile Car Wash (5 times) to utilize for one year.
Additionally, EV9 customers can purchase the EV9 through a dedicated installment program with a 30% down payment, achieving monthly payments around 800,000 KRW for 72 months or 700,000 KRW for 84 months, with no early repayment fees after 2 years to lessen financial burdens. (※ For detailed information, refer to the Kia website)
Kia also strives to sustain its ESG management by raising funds for the necessary development of the EV9 through ‘Green Bonds,’ a bond for eco-friendly project investments compliant with the principles set by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), while providing satisfaction to EV9 customers by contributing to environmental protection.
A Kia representative stated, “60% of pre-orders for the EV9 came from individual customers, and among them, 55% were new customers who chose the Kia brand for the first time. This confirms new demand for a flagship model with a high brand repurchase rate, which is quite encouraging. We believe that the EV9 will pioneer a new segment as an innovative product with premium value, unlike anything experienced before, leading Kia’s EV brand.”
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr