This is the Kia EV9: All-electric three-row SUV revealed ahead of Australian launch this year

Kia’s first three-row electric SUV has been revealed overnight, with the striking EV9 set to launch in Australia later this year or in early 2024.

The vehicle we see today – which is expected to start at about $90,000 – has stayed mostly true to the concept version we had already met, with Kia using the EV9 to debut a new EV design language that will feature on its next generation of EVs.

The powerful, angular front end remains, as do the vertical headlights, with the EV9 debuting both a “Digital Pattern Lighting Grille” and “Star Map LED DRLs”.

READ MORE: 2023 Kia EV9 to start at $90K and be offered with seven seats, two battery capacities

Side on, there are flush door handles and a slightly tapered roofline, while at the rear, the slim rear lights are designed to act as a mirror image of the front lighting system.

Inside, Kia is promising twin 12.3-inch touch screens, a third 5.0-inch screen, and device charging in all three rows.

Space is also on offer. Kia says the use of the flat E-GMP platform has allowed it to maximise the interior room on offer for all occupants, whether you opt for the six- or seven-seat configuration. In another neat twist, the first and second rows recline to relax while charging, while the second row can also swivel a full 180 degrees to face the third row.

“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. 

“The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector. This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design.”

The brand is yet to detail the specifics — that will happen later this month — but expect the EV9 to be about the same size as a Nissan Patrol, and to present with single- and twin-motor powertrains. 

According to US outlet Car & Driver, the range will begin with a single rear motor (150kW/340Nm) powertrain which will deliver around 350kms in driving range.

It will top out with a twin-motor powertrain good for 298kW and 650Nm, and a driving range of 390km.

Expect to see the EV9 in Australia towards the end of the year, with a starting price below $100,000; other variants will be well into six figures.