By Otsile Kadiege

Following the launch of the EV6 a few months ago, Kia debuted yet another battery electric vehicle called the Kia Concept EV9. The bold-looking, all-electric SUV concept embodies the Korean automaker’s commitment to sustainability, following the recently showcased ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ vision. 

Exterior

The Kia Concept EV9 has bold and futuristic look thanks to the brand’s ground-breaking new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, which heavily influences the Concept EV9’s adventurous and angular exterior. 

Outside, the EV9’s highlights include its upright-boxy shape, Kia’s new Digital Tiger Face, which houses an intricate star cloud pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body panel, vertical daytime running lights (DRLs), machined 22-inch wheels and retractable roof rails.

The dimensions of the Concept EV9 are as follows: 4,928mm in length, 2,057mm in width, 1,778mm in height and has a wheelbase of 3,099mm.

Interior

According to Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, Karim Habib, the Kia Concept EV9 has a “contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space”. Mirroring the exterior design, the interior of the Concept EV9 has also been greatly influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar of Opposites United.

Inside, the EV9 boasts a futuristic, first-class lounge thanks to its pop-up steering pad, a large panoramic roof, an interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display and three forward-thinking interior modes that capture different journey situations, and requirements, namely Active Mode, Pause Mode and Enjoy Mode. 

Active Mode is when the Concept EV9 is on the move, making sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience. Pause Mode modifies the interior space to be more akin to a first-class lounge while Enjoy Mode opens the interior into a downtime breakout space by turning around the three-row seat configuration. In this mode, the tailgate opens, giving all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment.

All-electric powertrain 

The high-tech, family-friendly vehicle is powered by a zero-emissions all-electric powertrain and is developed on the advanced E-GMP architecture. The all-electric SUV delivers driving range of up to 500km. It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger that allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to replenish energy from 10-80% in 20-30 minutes.