Kia has started pre-orders for the EV9 from the 3rd.
The EV9 is the second model based on the electric vehicle exclusive platform, E-GMP, representing a new flagship in the Kia lineup and pioneering a previously unexplored segment as the first large electric SUV with three rows in South Korea.
It features an imposing exterior and a spacious interior designed to provide a new vehicle experience.
The front end, featuring the “Digital Tiger Face,” showcases various lights harmonizing with the clean body lines, including the “Digital Pattern Lighting Grill,” “Small Cube Projection LED Headlamps,” and “Starmap LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights)” to embody a futuristic feel.
The elegant volume and straight lines across the body, contrasted by polygon shapes, create a luxurious and robust image, encapsulating the grandeur expected from a true SUV.
The spacious interior maximizes openness and space, utilizing the advantages of the E-GMP with a flat floor and long wheelbase, complemented by a minimalist and refined design.
The EV9 is also equipped with a ‘Panoramic Wide Display,’ ‘Hidden Type Touch Buttons,’ and ‘Steering Wheel Emblem Light,’ providing a new driving experience through interaction. Additionally, the 2nd-row seating features specifications such as ‘Reclining’ and ‘Swivel,’ enhancing space utilization in various situations.
Power performance that befits a flagship EV is another characteristic of the EV9.
With a large 99.8 kWh battery and applications of 3D undercovers, aerodynamic wheels, and front bumper air curtains, the EV9 achieves an impressive driving range of 501 km on a single charge, the longest in Kia’s electric vehicle lineup. (Based on government certification for 19-inch wheel 2WD models)
The GT-Line boasts a maximum output of 283 kW (384 horsepower) and peak torque of 700 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from stop to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. (Measured by company research standards)
Moreover, Kia supports charging from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger, featuring a 400V/800V multi ultra-fast charging system that optimizes charging speeds through battery conditioning upon arriving at charging stations, and a three-zone independent climate control system that reduces power consumption by controlling heating and cooling in the rear seats.
The EV9 is equipped with a variety of cutting-edge technologies based on SDV (Software Defined Vehicle), including Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), Kia Connect Store, and wireless OTA (Over-the-air) software updates.
The Highway Driving Pilot is a Level 3 conditional autonomous driving technology that allows the vehicle to maintain safe distance and lanes without the driver holding the steering wheel while driving at speeds of up to 80 km/h on highways and motorways.
The EV9 is installed with a total of 15 sensors, including 2 lidars, precision maps, and integrated controllers to adjust speed according to road environments, maintain safe distance from forward and merging vehicles, and respond to potential hazards that may occur during highway partial autonomous driving, prioritizing passenger safety.
Kia operates the Kia Connect Store, allowing customers to add desired features anytime after purchasing the EV9. Through the Kia Connect Store, customers can select the timing and duration for the application of desired features.
Scheduled offerings in the Kia Connect Store for the EV9 include ‘Remote Smart Parking Assist 2,’ supporting remote parking and un-parking, ‘Lighting Patterns’ that enable expression of individuality through five additional graphics when selecting the digital pattern lighting grill option, and ‘Streaming Plus’ which provides an environment to enjoy videos and high-quality audio content in the vehicle.
Customers can access the Kia Connect Store through the official website or the MyKia app on their smartphones, making it as easy as purchasing an application from a smartphone app store.
The wireless software updates applied to the EV9 allow the vehicle’s controller software to be updated wirelessly with communication between the cloud server and the vehicle, enabling supplementation of existing features or addition of new ones without the need to visit service centers or connect separate equipment.
As various functions of navigation, drivetrain, seats, ADAS, built-in cameras are set to be continuously updated wirelessly, EV9 customers can expect a new vehicle experience where their vehicles are always maintained with the latest software.
Pre-orders for the EV9 will be conducted for the base model (Air and Earth trim) and GT-Line, with options for 2WD and 4WD drivetrains for the base model.
The base model Air trim comes with essential safety and infotainment features, including a panoramic wide display seamlessly connecting a 12.3-inch cluster, a 5-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system display, along with Highway Driving Assist 2 and 10 airbags.
The Earth trim is equipped with first-row relaxation comfort seats, Ergo motion driver’s seat steering wheel emblem light, dual color ambient lights, and a 12-inch large head-up display, ensuring excellent first-row convenience and luxurious interior ambiance.
GT-Line incorporates specialized interior and exterior design elements on bumpers and seats to match the premium stature of a flagship EV, along with selectable advanced features like partial highway autonomous driving, a digital center mirror, and digital side mirrors.
Exterior colors for the EV9 will include two matte colors, Ivory Matte Silver and Ocean Matte Blue, along with seven glossy colors: Ocean Blue, Pebble Gray, Iceberg Green, Snow White Pearl, Panthera Metal, Aurora Black Pearl, and Flair Red, totaling nine options.
The interior colors consist of three options for the base model (Black, Brown, Light Gray) and three exclusive options for the GT-Line (Black & White, Brown, Navy), making six in total.
The price of the EV9 is set at 76.71 million KRW for the Air 2WD and 87.81 million KRW for the GT-Line. (Before benefits from environmentally friendly vehicle tax incentives, based on individual consumption tax of 3.5%) It is expected that after the completion of registration as an environmentally friendly vehicle, the purchasing price will be reduced to approximately 73.37 million KRW for the Air 2WD and 83.79 million KRW for the GT-Line after applying tax benefits. (Based on individual consumption tax of 3.5%, excluding electric vehicle purchase subsidies)
A Kia spokesperson stated, “The EV9, the first large electric SUV in Korea, has received tremendous interest from many customers following its online world premiere in March and the physical showcase at the Seoul Mobility Show. We aim to offer government subsidies to as many customers as possible and reduce the waiting time from contract to delivery by rolling out models as production and certifications from key government departments are completed.”
Meanwhile, Kia is set to unveil the ‘EV Unplugged Ground,’ a specialized electric vehicle cultural complex located in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, which was established in 2021, redesigned to allow customers to experience the cutting-edge technology and values of the EV9 more comprehensively, opening its doors on the 4th.
Kia will showcase two base model EV9s and three GT-Line models, employing different seating arrangements and interior and exterior color combinations at the EV Unplugged Ground to attract customers with a variety of charms. The exhibition content will include the latest technologies installed in the EV9 such as the Kia Connect Store and Highway Driving Pilot, also providing opportunities for customers to experience information related to them and deliver the ‘Next Premium’ vision of the EV9 to customers.
Video content centered on Kia’s design philosophy, “Opposites United,” ten essential sustainable materials, and the ‘New Tech Simulator’ where one can experience Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems will also be on display along with Kia brand products.
The EV Unplugged Ground will operate daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, and customers wishing to visit may reserve a spot through ‘Naver Reservations.’
Kia has also prepared various marketing events alongside the EV9 pre-orders. Firstly, an advertisement themed “First for Everyone” will announce the birth of the nation’s first large electric SUV and the start of a new mobility paradigm.
There will also be a lottery for pre-order customers, offering merchandise featuring the design of the EV9, eco-friendly glamping prizes, and products scheduled to be sold in the Kia Connect Store such as Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and Lighting Patterns.
Additionally, differentiated exclusive membership benefits for EV9 customers will be rolled out. Customers will enjoy benefits fitting for a flagship EV, including ‘EV Care Points’ usable at electric vehicle charging stations and various partner locations, alongside exclusive premium services designed just for EV9 membership customers.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr