In November of last year, KIA revealed the Concept EV9 prototype, which advanced the main lines of its next electric SUV. This model will be based on the E-GMP modular platform already seen in the EV6, and although it will be offered in markets such as South Korea or Europe, the truth is that it will be especially focused on the tastes of the American public.
This is clear if we take a look at the measurements of the concept car, which announced a length of 4.93 meters and a wheelbase of 3.10 meters. Therefore, the definitive KIA EV9 will compete in the E segment (executive SUVs), a category where rivals such as the Tesla Model X or the Volkswagen ID.6 currently militate.
Within the KIA range, the EV9 will occupy a place equivalent to the Telluride, which at 5 meters long is presented as the largest SUV sold by the company in North America. Initially, it’s very spacious cabin will be able to accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats, probably in a 2+3+2 configuration.
At the time, KIA confirmed that the EV9 will have a range of more than 480 km under the US EPA approval cycle, which usually yields lower figures than the European WLTP. This leads us to believe that it will use a larger battery pack than the 77.4 kWh one seen in the EV6, which despite being smaller and more aerodynamic, announces a range of 499 km EPA.
The KIA EV9 will be launched in 2023
One of the strengths of the KIA EV9 will be its 800-volt electrical system, which will allow you to enjoy very competitive charging times. While the EV6 takes 18 minutes to go from 10 to 80% charge, the EV9 will take 20 to 30 minutes to recover the same percentage, so its peak power is probably not much higher than the 239 kW achieved by its younger brother.
Although there is still some time left for its release, the first units have already begun to roll covered in camouflage. In the spy photos that illustrate this article, you can see that the KIA EV9 will have a very angular silhouette with hardly any overhangs. Its horizontally designed hood and its square wheel arches will give it a very powerful appearance, although there will be no lack of details such as fine vertical LED optics or Y-shaped pilot lights that will give the whole a more modern and avant-garde touch.
