Kia wins dual Good Design Awards for EV9 SUV and infotainment system

The electric Kia EV9 has won a 2023 Good Design Award in “Transportation” while its ‘Ki’ infotainment system also has an award in the “Interactive Media” category.

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy revealed in 2021 was first embodied by the award-winning EV6 and will be seen across the brand’s targeted lineup of 15 fully electric models by 2027.

In the case of the EV9’s design, this is denoted by simple, clear-cut lines and surfaces which exude confidence, clarity and calmness in equal measure, as well as a signature ‘Digital Tiger Face,’ which delivers a visionary and futuristic look and feel, the brand says.

“Kia’s designers strove to bestow the seven-seat EV9 with unprecedented visual appeal, uniquely harmonising the agility of an EV with the robustness of an SUV and increasing space utilisation with a sleek profile.”

They also implemented a rugged yet refined exterior design by utilising the visual symbolism of polygons and triangles.

“With the EV9 we aimed to create a fresh design which not only broke new ground, but instinctively communicated the purity, practicality and safety of the vehicle within,” says Kia global design head and executive vice president Karim Habib.

“This is in keeping with Kia’s overarching design philosophy, which seeks to empower users to make the most of their lives by providing exciting products, innovative in-car spaces, and convenient services that inspire customers and free them to pursue the activities that they enjoy most.”

The Kia EV9 is available at New Zealand dealerships.

Other Good Design Awards 2023 transportation EV winners include the Genesis X convertible concept and the Case IH Farmall 75C electric tractor.

Entries for the 2024 Good Design Awards close on June 15 this year

Click here for more on the Good Design Awards, celebrating its 73rd anniversary.