Kia EV9 with Level 3 autonomous driving to be unveiled this month

MANILA: The Kia EV9 will be making its debut at the 2023 Auto Expo which will be held in Delhi, India on January 11.

The Kia EV9 was developed for 44 months at Kia’s Namyang R&D center in South Korea. The next Kia flagship model is positioned to reshape the large electric SUV segment and set new benchmarks in design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology, and comfort.

At a recent meeting at the Namyang R&D Center, Hyundai Motor Group also revealed that the Kia EV9 will be the Kia to come with Highway Driving Pilot, a Level 3 autonomous driving system. In this case, the driver will only be required to take control of the vehicle during emergency situations wherein human input is necessary to avert a potential accident.

The Kia EV9 is a high-tech, flex lifestyle vehicle powered by a zero-emissions all-electric motor and built on Kia's innovative Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

The Kia EV9 measures 1,930mm in length, 2,055mm in width, and 1,790mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,100mm. With its robust and prominent stance, the Kia EV9 reflects an adventurous, energetic, and athletic form, drawing inspiration from Opposites United's “Bold for Nature” design pillar. Such proportions help delineate a three-row SUV footprint from the outside, indicating a vehicle that is powerful, efficient, and ready for action.

The Kia EV9 features a new grille with a complex star cloud pattern display that is entirely hidden beneath the vehicle’s body panel when not in use. This sleek astral-inspired design emphasizes the Kia EV9’s high-tech nature while paying respect to the natural environment. Sequential patterns serve as a “welcome light” for the driver and function to place lights properly when driving. The Kia design team was inspired by the star map pattern to make striking vertical daytime running lamps (DRLs) for both the front and rear of the vehicle, resulting in a distinct signature look from start to finish.

The Kia EV9 incorporates elements of nature as part of a scenic, first-class lounge. The Kia EV9's immersive 27-inch ultra-wide display bridges the gap between the real and virtual worlds, acting as the nerve center for both driver and passenger needs, including media, climate control, and comfort functionality.

The Kia EV9’s steering wheel has been reimagined as a pop-up steering pad that is an extension of — and integrated within — the interior space.

The Kia EV9 has the ability to travel 483km before having to recharge the battery pack. Just like the concept, the production model is anticipated to support a 350kW charging configuration that charges the battery from 10% to 80% in 20 to 30 minutes.

The Kia EV9 is estimated to have a starting price of around $50,000 (approximately P2.7 million). It is positioned to follow the footsteps of Kia’s revolutionary all-electric EV6, which has won a slew of prestigious awards, including the highly coveted European Car of the Year 2022 title

The Kia EV9 is one of the seven fully electric vehicles that Kia plans to release by 2027. The lineup will also feature two pickup trucks, one of which is powered entirely by electricity, and the other features an architecture used for ICE-powered cars.

Photos from Kia

Also read: Kia EV6 is The Drive’s Best EV of 2022