Kia Concept EV9 showcases new all-electric large SUV

November 18, 2021November 26, 2021 Toby Hagon 5338 Views Kia

One of the next EVs in Kia’s growing family of electric cars has been teased in the form of the Concept EV9.

The large all-electric SUV looks set to sit at the top of the EV sub-brand family that will encompass at least seven models by 2025.

A production version of the Kia EV9 is expected to be revealed late in 2022, suggesting an anticipated arrival in Australia around 2023.

Describing the Concept EV9 as the “clearest signal yet from Kia as to what might be the next addition to its new-generation EV lineup”, Kia says the EV9 sits on the same E-GMP architecture that underpins the EV6 due to arrive in dealerships early in 2022.

While the EV9 is currently a concept car, it signals Kia’s intent to create an EV SUV that stands out on the road.

A blocky silhouette is complemented by crisp LED lighting and angular wheel arches that bulge around sizeable three-spoke 22-inch wheels.

Black wheel arches add to the rugged and adventurous aesthetic.

But it’s the simple lines and stout proportions that help create a tough stance for the Concept EV9.

“Having made our intentions clear – to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions – today we are proud to show the world our all-electric SUV concept, which fuses together an advanced zero-emissions powertrain, a cutting-edge exterior design and a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space,” said Kia design boss Karim Habib.

At 4930mm long, 2055mm wide and 1790mm tall the EV9 is similar in size to a Toyota Kluger (4966/1930/1755).

However, like the EV6 and its Hyundai Ioniq 5 sister car there’s an unusually long wheelbase that adds to its bold profile. In the case of the Concept EV9 the front and rear wheels are 3100mm apart (by way of reference, a LandCruiser 300-Series has a wheelbase of 2850mm).

Kia says its “tiger face” grille design has been digitally reinterpreted for the Concept EV9, using LED lights to create the distinctive look.

Clusters of LEDs create distinctive daytime running lights on either side.

Kia says the cleaner nose is about improving aerodynamics.

Vents on the bonnet also have solar panels to capture electricity when the car is in sunlight (such systems typically only add a few kilometres of driving range each day).

Another move to improve aerodynamic efficiency are retractable roof rails, which can be lowered out of sight – and out of the air flow – when not in use.

A panoramic sunroof gives occupants across three rows of seats a clear view of the sky.

The middle row seats can be folded into a table and the front seats spun around to face the back of the car to allow occupants to face each other when the car is parked.

The clean, bold styling flows through to the interior, which has a simple design dominated by an oval-shaped steering wheel and wide screen sprawling across the dash.

The back doors are also rear hinged to maximise space when getting in and out.

And the floor of the Concept EV9 seems unusually thin for an EV given it also houses the battery pack.

Kia hasn’t detailed the electrical system of the car, other than to say it can utilise 350kW chargers, which suggests it runs the same 800V architecture as other E-GMP cars from Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.

While Kia mentions the car “features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger”, it’s unclear if it will be able to take the full 350kW. As we found in the Ioniq 5, despite mentions of 350kW the car only accepted about 225kW when we tested it.

It’s claimed to have an EV range of up to 300 miles (483km). Given its size, it’s likely the EV9 will have a larger battery pack than the 77.4kWh unit that is the biggest one available in the EV6. Charging from 10-80 percent is claimed to take between 20 and 30 minutes when using one of those ultra-rapid chargers.