It was at the New York Auto Show that Kia presented its electric-powered EV9 for the first time in North America, with the world premiere taking place in Seoul, South Korea in February.
Second Kia model developed on the E-GMP platform (Electric – Global Modular Platform), and the brand’s first vehicle to feature a fourth-generation battery with improved energy density, the three-row EV9 will go on sale in Canada in the fall of 2023 in a six- or seven-passenger configuration.
99.8 kWh battery
The battery of the EV9 that will be sold in Canada has a capacity of 99.8 kWh. The EV9 with a single electric motor of 201 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque aims for a range of 480 kilometers, while the version with two motors develops a total output of 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. In this case, the estimated range is reduced to 400 kilometers.
Photo: Gabriel Gelinas
All versions are equipped with three driving modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport. The EV9 is equipped with an 800 volt electrical system allowing fast battery charging from 10 to 80% in less than 25 minutes with a maximum power of 230 kW. The towing capacity of the twin-motor EV9 is rated at 5,000 pounds.
Dimensions comparable to the Kia Telluride
The dimensions of the electric-powered EV9 are comparable to those of the thermal-powered Telluride in terms of vehicle width and height, with values of 1,980 millimeters and 1,750 millimeters respectively.
But the EV9 is a bit longer (5,010 millimeters). Its cargo volume is 571 liters with all the seats in place, and 2,320 liters with the second and third row seatbacks folded down.
Photo: Gabriel Gelinas
A style that will make school
The exterior styling of the Kia EV9 has been designed according to the philosophy Opposites Unitedor “Opposites Reunited”, developed by design chief Karim Habib.
This new approach to design will be schooled at Kia, since the brand has since unveiled the EV5 concept, a new electric SUV with two rows of seats that takes up the theme chosen for the EV9. In addition, a recent visit to the manufacturer’s design office in Namyang, South Korea, allowed us to see that other potential vehicles from the brand will adopt the same approach in terms of style.
So expect to see electric-powered Kia vehicles featuring a design with triangular shapes, characterized by a long wheelbase and short overhangs, and whose front end styling reinterprets that of the “tiger snout”. which is current on the brand’s current internal combustion engine vehicles.
Photo: Gabriel Gelinas
The EV9 rolls on alloy wheels, which range in size from 19 to 21 inches. The GT-Line variant is equipped with 21-inch rims fitted with a specific tire assembly, as well as an exclusive rear spoiler and a roof rack.
A minimalist interior design
The interior design of the EV9 adopts a minimalist approach and gives pride of place to recycled materials of all kinds, such as the upholstery made of polyurethane as well as the rugs and carpets made of recycled fibers. The EV9 features a two-level floating console, which extends from the first to the second row, and includes a tray and storage space accessible to passengers.
The seats in the first two rows offer great comfort thanks to an optional device that Kia calls “relaxation mode” incorporating power-operated legrests, and heated and air-conditioned seats. In addition, several USB-C type sockets are arranged in the passenger compartment of the EV9, allowing the charging of electronic devices, and a 708-watt Meridian audio system with 14 speakers is available as an option.
The dashboard gives pride of place to digital panels, and the haptic feedback keys light up when the vehicle is in motion.
Photo: Gabriel Gelinas
New operating system
The EV9 will also be the first Kia vehicle to feature the operating system called ccNC, to Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, which is faster than that of the brand’s current models, and allows software updates via the Internet. This new system also makes it possible to estimate arrival times, as well as the refills needed to reach your destination.
The EV9 is also equipped with V2L technology allowing the vehicle to become a source of mobile energy thanks to its battery with a capacity of 99.8 kWh.
The Kia EV9 will be available in dealerships across the country in the fall of 2023, but the Canadian management of the brand has not specified how many copies will be available in the country. The New York Auto Show is the first opportunity for the public to see it up close and take a seat on board.
THE Car Guide will have the chance to get behind the wheel of the Kia EV9 shortly before its launch on the North American market. Keep in touch to read our first driving impressions of the EV9 at this time.