The EV9 was first unveiled as the Kia EV9 Concept at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show,[8][9] featuring three rows of seats.[10] The concept car features an interior that can transform into a meeting room.[8] The Kia EV9 offers two battery options: a 76 kWh battery or a 100 kWh battery. The real world range is estimated to be around 400 km (250 mi) for the smaller battery and 500 km (310 mi) for the larger battery.[11]
Production
Kia unveiled the silhouette of the production EV9 via an internet teaser on 3 March 2023.[12][13] The EV9 was officially presented on 14 March 2023, featuring a similar design to the concept and the second-row seats which rotate 180 degrees.[14][15]
The EV9 features the brand's 'Opposites United' design philosophy with a 'Digital Tiger Face' front fascia, vertical headlights and taillights. Kia said the EV9 was "formed from a polygonal design language" with the side has triangular fender structures and geometric wheel arches. Unlike the concept car, the production version features conventional opening rear doors as opposed to the suicide doors.[16][17]
The EV9 is the first Kia to debut with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) with a Triple Panorama Display which houses the 12.3" digital instrument cluster, a 5.3" HVAC touchscreen controls, and a 12.3" touchscreen infotainment system.[17][18]
Other available features include Digital Exterior Side View Mirrors which uses side cameras (in place of conventional door mirrors) and side interior displays on the front doors, Dual-Colour Ambient Lighting, Ergo Motion Seat massage function, a Meridian 14-speaker premium sound system, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and a Relaxation Seat mode for the first and second-row seats.[19]
The EV9 is available in 6 and 7-seater configurations. Like the concept car, the production version has the option of second-row captain seats which can rotate 180-degrees to face the third row occupants and can rotate 90-degrees outward to the rear doors.[17] The EV9 has a maximum boot space of 2,992 L (105.7 cu ft) when both the second and third-row seats are folded and a frunk storage compartment of 90 L (3.2 cu ft).[19]
The EV9 is equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS) port on the right hand side of the vehicle, which can support up to 210 kW ultra-fast charging that is compatible with both 400V and 800V infrastructures.[19]
The EV9 was released in Europe in June 2023 and made its debut at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Belgium being the first European country to release specifications. For the European market, it is only available with the Long Range powertrain.[24][25]
North America
The EV9 was released in the North American market in October 2023. For North America, it is available with either Standard Range RWD (for the entry-level model) and Long Range AWD powertrains. Three trim levels are available: Light, Wind, Land and GT Line; the Land trim in the Canadian market can be optioned with Premium and GT Line packages.[26][27]
In May 2024, EV9 began local assembly at the Kia Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) plant, as the first Kia battery electric vehicle to be assembled in the United States.[28]
South East Asia
Indonesia
The EV9 made its ASEAN debut starting in Indonesia on 10 August 2023 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, in a sole GT Line Long Range variant.[29] Indonesia was chosen as the first country in the South East Asia region to launch the EV9 due to its productive growth of the electrified vehicle market.[30] The Earth Long Range variant was added in July 2024.[31]
Singapore
The EV9 was launched in Singapore on 11 January 2024, in a sole GT Line Long Range AWD variant.[32]
Thailand
The EV9 was launched in Thailand on 1 March 2024, with deliveries started later in April. Two variants are available: Earth Long Range RWD and GT Line Long Range AWD.[33]
Malaysia
The EV9 was launched in Malaysia on 11 June 2024, in a sole GT Line trim using the Long Range powertrain and available in either 7 and 6-seater configurations.[34]
Philippines
The EV9 was launched in the Philippines at the 2024 Philippines International Motor Show on 24 October 2024, with two variants: Baseline RWD and GT Line AWD.[35]
Australasia
New Zealand
The EV9 was released in New Zealand in August 2023, in three trim levels: Light, Earth and GT Line. It is available with either Standard Range RWD and Long Range AWD powertrains.[36][37]
Australia
The EV9 was launched in Australia on 3 November 2023, in three trim levels: Air, Earth and GT Line. It is available with either Standard Range RWD and Long Range AWD powertrains.[38]
India
The EV9 was launched in India on 3 October 2024 alongside the Carnival. It is available in a sole GT Line variant using the Long Range AWD powertrain.[39]
The 2024 EV9 was awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, which applies to vehicles built after January 2024, when Kia adjusted the headlights equipped on the Land and GT-Line trims to reduce glare to meet all those requirements.[41]
In November 2023, Kia EV9 was selected as the 'Family Car of the Year' by Top Gear.[43][44]
Driving Electric Car of the Year 2024
Later in December 2023, Kia EV9 was chosen as the 'DrivingElectric Car' of the Year 2024.[45] It also won the 'German Luxury Car' of the Year 2024.[46][47]
2024 10 Best Trucks and SUVs Award by Car and Driver
2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards
In 2024, it won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year at the 2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards.[49]
Best Electric 7-Seater at the at 2024 What Car? Awards
Kia EV9 also won the title "Best Electric 7-Seater" at the at 2024 What Car? Awards.[50][51]
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