SEOUL: The Concept EV9 Kia announced last November will move into the production phase. It will first start selling in Europe in 2023, and is expected to be released in stage in other markets following that.
It will build on the success that the EV6 crossover has achieved since its launch last year.
Created on Kia’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) – the Concept EV9 is a high-tech, flex lifestyle vehicle that is powered by a zero-emissions all-electric powertrain.
The Concept EV9 embodies an adventurous, outgoing and recreational form with its rugged and upright stance. From the outside, such proportions help outline a three-row SUV footprint.
These proportions – along with dimensions of 4,930mm length, 2,055mm width, 1,790mm height and a wheelbase of 3,100mm – give the Concept EV9 an aesthetically rare but visually stunning quadrilateral-like on-road presence.
Kia’s iconic Tiger Face has been reinterpreted for the sustainable mobility era and is showcased on the Concept EV9.
The new Digital Tiger Face benefits from all-electric vehicles not needing the traditional grille that internal combustion engine vehicles rely upon, resulting in the Concept EV9 having a full body coloured front that aims to convey sustainability values.
The interior aims to emulate a first-class lounge. An interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display connects the Concept EV9 from the real-world to the virtual one, while serving as the hub for all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control and comfort functionality features.
The Concept EV9 introduces three interior modes that capture different journey situations and requirements.
Active Mode is when the Concept EV9 is on the move, making sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience from within the all-electric SUV.
The two other modes relate to when the Concept EV9 is not moving.
Pause Mode modifies the interior space to be more akin to a first-class lounge, giving occupants the opportunity to directly interact with each other while benefiting from the light streaming in from the wide panoramic roof. In this mode, the seats switch around to enable occupants seated in the first-row and third-row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table, completing the first-class lounge arrangement.
The second stationary mode is Enjoy Mode, which opens the interior into a downtime breakout space by turning around the three-row seat configuration. In this mode, the tailgate opens, giving all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortably inside the all-electric SUV.
“The Kia Concept EV9 is another important marker for us in what has been an incredible journey so far for the new Kia brand. Having made our intentions clear – to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions – we have had to carefully assess how the near- to medium-term future will impact every type of vehicle and model. This includes the SUV,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre.
