Kia EV9 SUV revealed

The electric Kia EV9 design has been revealed by Kia Corporation.

It’s the company’s first three-row electric flagship SUV, showing bold styling and sophisticated elegance inside and out.

The Kia EV9 represents a pivotal step in the company’s move to becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

 “The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” says, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre head and Kia executive vice president Karim Habib.

He says it offers customers “an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector”.

“This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design.”

The EV9’s front has simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces, its signature “Digital Tiger Face’” accentuated by the digital pattern lighting grille and striking vertical headlamps, the face featuring two clusters of small cube lamps within the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp.

It’s innovative “Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)” denotes Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for the brand’s future EV models, says Kia.

The side profile has a strong SUV identity with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency.

“Dynamic triangular fender structures and highly pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the fuselage body, unifying the polygonal elements into a cohesive structure that presents a determined look,” says Kia.

“Flush door handles and a tapered back roofline gives a sense of smooth and efficient motion.”

Simple, clean tailgate lines are detailed by slim rear lights that mirror the design of those at the front.

The interior includes a new social space with enhanced comfort and technology, says Kia.

Built on Kia’s electric global modular platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat EV architecture ensure generous space for all occupants to connect and relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats.

Offered in both six and seven-seat formats, Kia got feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver.

First and second-row seat occupants can simultaneously recline their seats to relax and rest when the EV9 is charging.

Second-row seats can be swivelled 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row which also offer cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.

The open, floating panoramic dashboard extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s centre. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one five-inch segment display improve the digital experience, offering effortless control of the vehicle’s functions and ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum, says Kia.

It adds the centre console has ample storage options, including a spacious base compartment, while centre console doors add to the overall refinement.

The EV9 has an extended display high-definition audio visual, navigation and telematics (AVNT) screen which enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly, Kia explains.

Beneath the AVNT screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control.

The Kia EV9 will make its digital global premiere in late March when Kia will disclose all product information and roll out the global campaign.

It’s expected in New Zealand later this year.