Kia Motors (Kia) unveiled the silhouette of the production EV9 on March 3, 2023, and officially announced the Kia EV9 on March 14, 2023. There are currently no plans for a release in Japan. However, the Kia EV9 has been highly praised for many aspects, including its advanced design, spacious interior, and high-performance battery, and was awarded the 2024 World Car of the Year on March 27, 2024 .
About the exterior of the new KIA “EV9”
- The exterior features a strong form and futuristic details.
- The imposing body size is complemented by 21-inch tires measuring 285/45 R21.
- It uses Kia’s first dedicated EV platform, the E-GMP.
The EV9’s design is based on Kia’s new design philosophy, “Opposites United,” and features a powerful form that combines straight lines and curves, as well as futuristic details. In particular, the rectangular headlights and vertical taillights create the EV9’s distinctive look. Its imposing body measures 5,015mm in length, 1,980mm in width, 1,780mm in height, and 3,100mm in wheelbase. The car is fitted with gigantic 285/45 R21 Continental Premium Contact C tires. It also uses Kia’s first dedicated EV platform, the E-GMP.
About the interior of the new KIA “EV9”
- The interior is available in three rows of seats for six or seven passengers.
- It consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5.0-inch display sandwiched between them.
- With the second and third rows folded, the luggage compartment can hold 2,318 liters of luggage.
The interior is spacious with three rows of seats, providing space for six to seven passengers to sit comfortably. The six-seater configuration is 2+2+2. The second row seats are swivel seats and can be positioned to face backwards. Those sitting in the third row also have cup holders and USB-C charging ports. There is also ample luggage space, making it ideal for outdoor activities and travel.
A single pane of glass spans the entire dashboard, and this glass comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5.0-inch display sandwiched between them. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both present, but are wired systems and do not offer wireless support. There’s also a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, with ventilated and heated seats and a massage function for the driver being key features enjoyed by front-seat passengers.
Boot space is also generous, with the second and third rows folded the EV9 can hold 2,318 litres of luggage. This drops to 828 litres with the second row in place and 333 litres without the third row folded. The GT-Line’s frunk is 52 litres, while the single-motor version’s frunk is 90 litres.
About the specs of the new KIA “EV9”
The GT-Line AWD is equipped with a 99.8kWh battery and motors with a combined output of 283kW (384PS) and 700Nm (516lb-ft), giving it a maximum range of 505km and 0-100km/h acceleration of 5.3 seconds.
About the safety features of the new KIA “EV9”
Safety features on the EV9 include autonomous emergency braking with junction assist, lane keeping assist, radar cruise control, driver fatigue monitoring, and speed sign recognition.
Thoughts on the new KIA EV9
Kia’s “EV9” has received rave reviews from critics in the US and elsewhere, and even looking at the specs, it’s clear that it’s a very attractive model. While Kia is generally unavailable in Japan, there’s no doubt that it would be a threat if it were to start selling in Japan. Furthermore, Japanese cars will have to continue to compete with foreign manufacturers like these, so it looks like the times ahead will be very tough. As a Japanese person, I hope that Japanese cars will continue to be sold and accepted around the world.
KIA EV9
