Kia unveiled the 2024 EV9, an all-electric 3-row SUV with impressive features, at the 2023 New York International Auto Show.
The EV9 is the first dedicated 3-row EV SUV from Kia, and it embodies the company's flagship and its commitment to electrification. The EV9 comes with generous interior volume and cargo space, towing capability, leading vehicle dynamics, rich interior appointments, and fast charging capability. It is equipped with a standard 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast recharging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes. The car is expected to arrive in the United States in Q4 2023. In the accompanying video, we take you on a quick tour of what makes this 3-row EV SUV stand out.
The EV9 looks to cash in on the success of their Telluride SUV with its boxy shape and general proportions. The EV9 however is a larger vehicle than the Telluride, and thanks to the EV platform benefits, it has more space where you would want it. The EV9 was developed on the proven E-GMP architecture, which underpins the EV6 now with fourth-generation battery technology. The EV9 enhances space with seating for up to seven passengers, with a long wheelbase and flat floor that provide flexibility and comfort. At up to 197.4 inches in length, the EV9 is slightly longer than the Telluride SUV and comparable in height (up to 70.1 inches) and width (77.9 inches). The EV9 offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows raised. When both rows of rear seats are folded, volume increases to 81.9 cubic feet.
The boxy, triangular design language of the EV9 emphasizes the tension of its short overhangs and long wheelbase, pushed to the corners over the modular E-GMP electric underpinnings. The Tiger Face is at the front of the EV9, a reinterpretation of the Kia "Tiger Nose" grille that highlights depth and dimensionality, flanked by slim LED headlights. The available Star Map LED animated Digital Pattern Lighting Grille can be personalized by the driver as part of five Dynamic Welcome Light formations, a first for Kia. Both fasciae exude a confident and recognizable front expression recreated with the simplicity of the Kia logo.
The EV9's interior is equally impressive. Kia's first-class second row offers available second-row power-adjustable seats with leg extensions, heating, and ventilation. The second row has more legroom than many large luxury SUVs currently offer. The cockpit features a dual-display with fully digital instrumentation and multiple camera feeds, alternatives to traditional leather trim, including partially recycled materials. The integration of some of the latest in-vehicle technology such as over-the-air updates, ultra-wideband-based Digital Key, and Onboard Power Generator (V2L) functionality, enables the EV9 to continue to evolve throughout the ownership experience.
The EV9's powerful on-road performance is due to the dual-motor EV9 GT-Line, which offers 379 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, targeting 0-to-60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds. The EV9's true SUV capabilities are due to the available torque-vectoring dual-motor AWD, 7.8 inches of ground clearance, up to 81.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, and up to 5000 lb. of towing capacity.
There is certainly a lot to like about what Kia is doing with their latest vehicles, and this EV9 stands on the shoulders of both the Telluride and the EV6 that have come before it. Unfortunately for me, the one drawback is the overall electric range of the EV9. At a max-targeted estimation of 300 miles in the larger 99.8 kWH battery and RWD configuration, this EV9 will be spending more time at the charger than I would like for my life here in East Texas. Personally, I won’t get excited about an EV of my own until that range number starts with at least a 4 (more on that in a future video). However, Kia’s EVs are built with an 800V electrical architecture that allows for very short stops at charging stations. Kia claims the larger battery will charge from 10-80% in 25 minutes at up to 230kW. We have tested their claims in the EV6 and expect this estimate to hold true as well if you can find a working charger rated at 350kW.
All around, this is a compelling family vehicle that should fit your whole crew and all their gear, and transport you in comfort, speed, and style. There is a lot to like about the EV9 and we cannot wait to test one out fully for you.
2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line Specs:
Dual Electric Motors
379 Horsepower
516 lb.-ft. of Torque
99.8 kWh Battery
Torque-Vectoring All Wheel Drive
Four Drive modes:
Eco
Normal
Sport
My Mode
0-60 mph in 5 Seconds (according to Kia)
800V Electrical Architecture for Ultra-fast DC Charging of up to 230kW
10-80% in an est. 25 Minutes
Standard 76.1-kWh Battery in 215hp Rear-drive models
Up to 300 miles of Electric Range (in RWD 99.8 kWh configuration)
Full Digital Instrumentation
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Available Second-row Captain’s Chairs with Leg Extensions, Heat, and Ventilation
Premium Interior with Leather Alternative Upholstery.
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Heated Steering Wheel
7.8 Inches of Ground Clearance
81.9 Cubic Feet of Max Cargo Volume
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Compatibility
Qi Wireless Phone Charging
USB charging ports
Power Liftgate
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
Digital Phone-As-A-Key Capability
Targeted On-sale Date of Q4 2023
***This video is sponsored by Lectron EV chargers.***
If you would like to purchase a charger like the one we used in this video through our Amazon Affiliate page, click the link below:
Direct product link:
Comments