Kia unveiled images of the Kia EV9 2024 three-row electric crossover SUV on Tuesday, setting the stage for a new flagship that reflects the concept that released two years ago at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The tall, boxy SUV crossover takes on the handsome looks of the future Kia Telluride. The vertical ends challenge the aerodynamics with a new take on the brand’s dog bone grille. The daytime running lights step from the bumper to the fender like a flash. New style LED headlights, with two clusters of small cubes stacked on top of each other, like a stone light tray. The ladder pattern repeats itself at the rear with the taillights climbing up the tailgate to the integrated roof spoiler. Kia omits the light bars at the front and rear of many other EVs, especially in the luxury segment.
Kia EV9 2024
Kia EV9 2024
Kia EV9 2024
The boxy wheel arch houses the large wheels with a square design. It’s a distinct but seductive look, but Kia hasn’t revealed wheel sizes, standard features, or any other specs. The squat greenhouse carries the roof like a hat, and a fold in the quarter window cuts a sharp line to the roof spoiler. It looks both sporty and truck-like, showing some off-road capability.
The automaker has previously confirmed that the EV9 will have a range of up to 300 miles.
The interior goes even further than any other Kia vehicle and most other production electric vehicles. There are some familiar touches to the cockpit, with twin 12.3-inch screens divided by a 5.0-inch screen under a pane of glass. The cube-shaped dash stretches horizontally, like the exterior, but below the vents, Kia places some of the main climate controls instead of the haptic panel on current Kia models. A hidden panel that looks like part of the dash trim contains other climate functions, similar to those of Nissan Arya 2023. The gearshift lever attaches to the steering column, but the top half of the open steering wheel looks like the Kia EV6, but also different.
Kia EV9 2024
From the dashboard back is where the Kia EV9 2024 is most appealing, in six- or seven-seat configurations. A floating center console leaves the floor open, but appears to have some storage areas. Kia says the front and second row seats can be reclined back so occupants can “relax and rest while the EV is charging”.
True to concept, the second row of seats can be rotated 180 degrees to face the third row for playing a game of Euchre or for teenagers to complain about whose knees should have any space. The second row seats can also be rotated 90 degrees for easier entry and exit, as well as better access to the third row. The Kia Carnival minivan has introduced reclining second-row seats with built-in benches, but they are only practical for smaller passengers and no rear passengers.
Kia EV9 2024
Kia EV9 2024
Kia EV9 2024
The EV9 will be the largest vehicle yet to be designed and built on Dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP shared by Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, although the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7 could compete with it.
In 2022, Kia says the EV9 “will become the brand’s flagship model and will revolutionize the large electric SUV segment”. It looks like the EV9 could bring Kia into the luxury car space.
Currently, there are only a few three-row electric SUVs that lead the luxury segment and have a premium price tag. The Tesla Model X tops in the three-row electric class and it just got a $10,000 discount to bring the starting price down to $101,380 for five seats; an additional row costs an extra $3,500. It’s a little cheaper than 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS . SUV costs as little as $105,000 and as high as over $130,000. The 2023 Rivius R1S starting at around $80,000.
Specifications of the Kia EV9 2024 are expected to be announced at the end of March, and pricing will closely follow the on-sale date later this year.
