The world premiere of the 2024 Kia EV9, the all-new three-row electric SUV from the Korean brand, took place yesterday and allowed us to learn more about its technical elements.
Remember that it will be on sale with us from this fall and that its design was revealed a few weeks ago during a presentation to which The Car Guide had assisted.
Built on the same e-GMP platform as the EV6, this mid-size SUV measures 5010mm long, 1980mm wide and 1755mm high, almost identical dimensions to those of the Telluride. At 3,100mm, its wheelbase is 200mm longer, however, resulting in significantly more interior space. A choice of wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches will be offered.
Photo: Kia
On board, the Kia EV9 offers six- and seven-seat configurations including four second-row seating options (market dependent). These include individual seats that swivel 180 degrees to facilitate conversation with the occupants of the third row, as well as reclining relaxation seats for resting while the vehicle is recharging.
By the way, with the EV9, Kia is beginning a process to phase out leather from its vehicles and increase the proportion of renewable or recycled materials to 20% by 2030. Six interior colors are on the menu, ranging from pale gray to a brighter color in GT-line version.
Photo: Kia
Batteries, power and autonomy
Kia mentions two batteries of 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh, the former exclusively powering the rear-drive EV9s. Surprisingly, the engine of these is more powerful with the small battery (160 kW/215 hp) than with the large one (150 kW/201 hp) and the difference in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is significant ( 8.2 seconds instead of 9.4).
For their part, the EV9 with two motors and all-wheel drive total 283 kW/380 hp, not to mention a torque of 443 lb-ft. They go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. There’s talk of an optional Boost mode, as a paid upgrade, that will increase torque to 516 lb-ft and reduce sprint to 5.3 seconds. That’s not all: Kia confirms that a much more powerful and faster EV9 GT will see the light of day in 2025.
Photo: Kia
As for autonomy, the maximum offered will be 541 km with the EV9 with propulsion and a 99.8 kWh battery. Note, however, that this figure is established according to the WLTP standard, which is generally inflated by a good 10% compared to that used in Canada and the United States. The 800-volt charging system will also make it possible to regain a little less than half the autonomy in around 15 minutes when the vehicle is connected to a 350 kW terminal.
And just like with the EV6, it will be possible to use the electricity from the EV9 to power various devices (up to 3.68 kW of power).
Photo: Kia
Finally, a last point raised by Kia is the “Highway Driving Pilot” technology, capable of offering level 3 autonomous driving in countries where it is authorized. Fifteen sensors, including two lidars, make everything possible in the GT-line version of the EV9.
We could tell you more, but it’s best to wait until next Tuesday, April 4, because Kia will reveal the North American model and specific details at the New York Auto Show. The Car Guide will of course be on hand to cover the event. It’s a date!