Kia EV9 SUV to get 541km range, Level 3 ADAS

Kia has now announced specifications, range and other details of the EV9, days after revealing the exterior details of the full-size born-EV SUV. The EV9 was showcased in India earlier this year at Auto Expo 2023 as a concept.

Apart from revealing the specifications and range, Kia has also taken the wraps off the EV9 GT-Line variant that has slightly sportier looks than its standard counterpart.

1. Kia EV9 SUV is almost as long as the standard Range Rover
2. Performance oriented EV9 variant reveal in future

Kia EV9 dimensions, powertrain options

The Kia EV9 SUV measures 5,010mm in length and has a wheelbase of 3,100mm, which makes it almost as long as the standard-length Range Rover. The EV9, however, has a longer wheelbase than the British SUV, thanks to its E-GMP skateboard electric platform.

The entry-level version will come with a 76.1kWh battery will be offered select global markets. There will be a 99.8kWh, 800V battery netting a range of up to 541 kilometres between charges and capable of gaining 238 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes. 

Additionally, Kia will also offer the EV9 with RWD and 203hp that gets from 0-100kph in 9.4sec; and a dual-motor version bumping that up to 383hp and 599Nm, trading some range for a rapid 6.0sec 0-100kph time. Kia will also introduce an EV9 GT Performance variant that will be reveled at a later date.

For now, the range-topping variant is the ‘assertive’ EV9 GT-Line, marked out by its bespoke bumpers, wheels and roof rails – together with the dynamic LED patterns in the front ‘grille’ panel previewed by the EV9 concept.

Kia EV9: tech on offer, design details

The EV9 will be available after launch in certain markets with a new "highway driving pilot" system that uses 15 sensors (including two Lidar devices) to offer level-three autonomous driving “where conditions permit”. 

With regards to its silhouette and definitive design cues, the production-spec EV9 remains heavily faithful to the radical concept Kia showed first at Los Angeles in 2021, but rides noticeably closer to the ground – courtesy of a much thicker battery pack and 21-inch wheels in place of the concept’s 23s (19-inch and 20-inch items will be available) – and has softened out some of the show car’s sharpest edges.

But ultimately, the EV9 is much more recognisably a dedicated SUV than the rakish, low-slung EV6. It gets chunky black body cladding (available in gloss or matte) and clearly defined, two-box silhouette, while highlighting some of the more non-conventional cues that nod to the EV9’s electric underpinnings.

Some of the EV9's defining cues that will go on to influence future models include the distinctive trapezoidal creases on its rear quarters, its visibly stretched greenhouse (possible due to the lack of an engine), kinked rear window line, selection of striking new wheel designs and – most obviously – its ‘star map’ LED light signatures at the front and rear.

The latest version of Kia’s tiger face ‘grille’ also makes its debut here, though without any need for engine cooling, it now takes the form of an expansive smooth panel which can be decorated with customisable LED light patterns shining through from behind – as was the case with the concept.

The headlights and brakelights play an important design role, too, being oriented vertically and mounted right on the corners of the body to make the EV9 appear as wide as possible.

Kia EV9 interior

The EV9’s new-look dashboard is topped with an expansive digital panel housing a trio of screens for use by the driver and passenger (complete with the most comprehensive array of connectivity-enabled functions yet) – and flanked by a pair of digital rear-view mirror displays.

Meanwhile, the flat floor of the EV enables not just more space at a top level, but also new approaches to packaging and enhanced modularity. The EV9’s swivelling middle row (only available on six-seat versions) allows the four rear passengers to face each other on the move – a unique feature in this segment, and one that lends the EV9 heightened appeal outside the traditional family car market.

Bolstering its executive credentials are tray tables on the backs of the front seats, a digital climate control panel for the rear passengers and a dedicated ‘Automode’, which enables the highest level of assisted driving available on any Kia so far.

Kia India EV plans

There is no news of the full-size EV9 making it to India anytime soon. Kia currently sells the EV6 in the Indian market and is expected to introduce several made-for-India mass-market EVs in the coming years. 

Also see:

Kia EV6 review: Has luxury EVs in its sights

Made-in-India Kia electric compact SUV, MPV to launch by 2025

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/Yub8QUV