Kia Corporation has today revealed images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia EV9, its first three-row flagship electric vehicle (EV), following the teaser pictures we brought you earlier in the month. The new electric SUV, follows the brand’s first electric car, the Kia EV6, and represents a pivotal step forward in the company’s journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
It features bold styling inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy which harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole. Kia’s designers have fused a unique combination of sleek, sculptural shapes and assured, assertive geometry to deliver a strikingly contemporary yet gracefully serene electric SUV that I like the look of.
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, said: “The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility.
“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.”
As for performance, Kia haven’t released any official figures as yet. That said, it’s expected to deliver a driving range of up to 300 miles (483km) and feature ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger that can charge the battery up to 80 per cent in 20-30 minutes.
Exterior Design
Guided by the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, Kia’s designers strive to create vehicles with unprecedented visual appeal. In particular, the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of the ideology which inspires the combination of elements from the natural and material worlds, has played a key role in forming the exterior design of the EV9.
The result is a vehicle that effortlessly combines rugged capability for all conditions with the serene calmness of a sophisticated EV. The front of the EV9 is denoted by simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces that Kia say exudes confidence, clarity and calmness in equal measure.
Accentuated by the ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and striking vertical headlamps, the EV9’s signature ‘Digital Tiger Face’ imparts a visionary and futuristic look and feel. The Digital Tiger Face features two clusters of small cube lamps within the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp.
The EV9’s innovative ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)’ creates a new illumination experience and delivers an animated lighting pattern that will denote Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for the brand’s future EV models.
Formed from a polygonal design language, the side profile of the EV9 combines a strong and indisputable SUV identity with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. Dynamic triangular fender structures and highly pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the fuselage body. Flush door handles and a tapered back roofline give a sense of smooth and efficient motion.
At the rear of the vehicle, the simple clean lines of the tailgate, which are elegantly detailed by the slim rear lights that mirror the design of those at the front, further reflect the EV9’s strong stance.
Interior
The Kia ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy ‘Technology for Life’ pillar ensures that only technology and innovation that promote positive, intuitive interactions between humans and machines are created, realising new possibilities for mobility.
These values have played a pivotal role in the creation of the interior of the EV9. They have enabled Kia’s designers to prioritise space, comfort and technology for all passengers, reimagining what a family SUV can offer.
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for occupants to connect and relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats.
Offered in both six- and seven-seat formats, Kia captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers equality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver.
Occupants sitting in the first- and second-row seats can simultaneously recline their seats to relax and rest when the EV9 is charging. The seats in the second row can be effortlessly swivelled 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row. The third-row seats also offer cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.
Throughout the spacious, light, airy cabin, the EV9 embodies an elegantly simple, premium quality user-friendly design. The open floating panoramic dashboard extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s centre. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display improve the digital experience, offering effortless control of the vehicle’s functions and ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum.
The centre console is equipped with ample storage options, including a spacious compartment located at its base. The centre console doors are designed to add to the overall refinement of the interior space.
The EV9’s extended display high-definition audio visual, navigation and telematics (AVNT) screen creates a rich and immersive experience. It enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly. Beneath the AVNT screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilatio and air conditioning (HVAC) control.
The official world premier of the Kia EV9, with more details of performance, is expected in late March and we will bring you all the details.
