Kia’s biggest EV SUV, the EV9, has been unveiled after a concept showcase at Auto Expo 2023 in January.
The three-row EV9, which is around the same size as the Telluride SUV available in the American market, will be both one of Kia’s most costly and biggest models to date.
Kia EV9 Launched With 800V-equipped E-GMP platform
The new Kia EV9 is the second member of the company’s rapidly growing worldwide family of custom electric vehicles. It combines impressive performance capabilities with upscale styling and equipment to compete directly with new SUVs from manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The segment-defying EV6, which has been on sale in India since November of last year, will be joined by the Kia EV9. As Kia moves forward with its ambitious “Plan S” goal to release another 13 born-EVs by 2027, the EV9 marks the start of a daring new design period for the automaker.
As the EV9, EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 all share the same 800V-equipped E-GMP platform, it will be able to charge at 350kW in only six minutes and have standard vehicle-to-load reverse-charging capabilities.
EV9 To Come With Rear and Four Wheel Drive
Similar to its platform sibling, the EV9 will be offered at launch with a choice of rear- and four-wheel-drive powertrain options across a simple selection of variants and trim levels. It is anticipated that the range will be topped off at launch by a twin-motor GT-Line S variant with an estimated 0-100kph time of 5.0sec.
To compete with the BMW iX M60 and Mercedes-AMG EQS SUV, a full-fat EV9 GT will be released shortly after, with the ability to produce more power than the EV6’s 577hp.
Compared to the rakish, low-slung EV6, the EV9 is considerably more obvious as a specialized SUV. The EV9 features a hefty, glossy or matte black body shell with a two-box design, accentuating some of the less traditional characteristics that allude to the EV9’s electric underpinnings.
The full-size EV9 is not likely to arrive in India any time soon, but Kia already sells the EV6 there and is planning to launch a number of mass-market EVs specifically for the country in the coming years.
