The Kia EV9 has finally been revealed, with the Korean brand’s all-electric answer to a Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol breaking cover overnight.
And in kudos to Kia, the EV9 hasn’t strayed too far from its concept images, with the full-size SUV looking sleek and smooth, despite its considerable size.
But the brand is promising substance to the style, with Kia’s first three-row SUV featuring a flat E-GMP skateboard-style architecture, which it says has allowed it to maximise cabin space in every row.
“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” says Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center.
“The Kia EV9 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.”
This is just the unveiling of the looks of the vehicle, though, with Kia still keeping some cards close to its chest. We don’t officially know yet what will be powering it, how big its battery will be, or how long it will take to charge.
We can make some educated guesses, however. We know, for example, that the concept version of the EV9 is 4930mm long, 2055mm wide and 1790mm tall, which is about the same as Toyota’s 300 Series.
And we have a good idea of what will be powering it, too. US outlet Car & Driver seemingly got its hands on a pre-launch survey on the EV9, which detailed several motor and battery combinations (though how many we’ll get in Australia remains to be seen).
According to the reports, the entry-level option will be a rear-drive setup, with a single rear motor producing around 150kW and 340Nm, and a driving range of around 350km.
Next, there’s a bigger battery rear-drive option, lifting range to around 467km and towing capacity to 907kg. Finally, there are the twin-motor options, which start with a 300kW and 515Nm setup, and a towing capacity of 1588kg.
Finally, there’s the flagship model, which uses the twin-motor powertrain to deliver 298kW, 650Nm, and a towing capacity of just over two tonnes. Range for that model is around 390kms.
These images reveal a clean, powerful front end that includes a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and vertical headlights. The EV9 also debuts ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights’, which will feature on future EVs, too.
Inside, there’s tech for days, and six- or seven-seat configurations for the cabin. Both first and second-row passengers can fully recline their seats to get comfy when charging, and the second row chairs can pivot a full 180-degrees to face the third row, too.
Expect twin 12.3-inch touch screens, and all your charging and cup-holding needs to be met.
The EV9 will be detailed in full towards the end of March, and it’s expected to launch in Australia before the end of the year. We expect the model to start at, or even below, $100k in Australia.
“As an entry point, we’re confident it can be a five-figure car,” Kia Australia’s General Manager for Product Planning, Roland Rivero, previously told CarsGuide.
“Potential global pricing indicates that we might be able to bring it in just below six figures.”
Keyword: Meet Kia's electric Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol rival! 2024 Kia EV9 SUV finally revealed!