Kia gives us a first look at the interior and exterior of its impressive EV9 midsize SUV, while saving key specs like battery size and powertrain for official debut early next month . The market-ready version is closely related to the original EV9 concept that we first saw in November 2021, but with a toned down blockage. Still, just like the EV6, it’s a dramatic and interesting design.
The next model has triangular windows in the rear quarter panel much like the EV6, but otherwise seems to draw inspiration from boxy SUVs like the old Range Rovers. Kia said it was “formed from a polygonal design language” which uses “triangular wing structures and very pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the body of the fuselage”. Despite all the lines and edges, Kia says the EV9 is still very aerodynamic.
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It offers three rows of seats and thus becomes one of the first electric vehicles to enter the popular midsize SUV category. That means it will go up against ICE vehicles like Kia’s Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and other models. The square and square back mean it should offer good headroom.
A fun touch is that the middle row uses swivel captain’s chairs, so they can turn around to face the back seats, Orient Express style. It will be sold in 6 and 7-seater configuration, depending on whether the rear seats are bucket or bench seat.
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Up front, Kia ditched the concept’s massive wraparound display in favor of two 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system. The number of physical buttons has been reduced and touch-sensitive dashboard controls have been added. The interior uses mesh and other materials designed to further enhance the feeling of space.
Further details, including infotainment system features, are being kept under wraps until the vehicle’s official reveal in early April. We know it will be built using the EV6’s E-GMP platform, but Kia hasn’t said anything yet about the power, battery size, range and price. ‘EV9. With the EV6 starting at around $45,000, the EV9 is likely to be considerably north of that – but as we’ve seen with Kia, it’s likely to be affordable for its class.
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