Kia EV9 first look: Probably the most vital electrical SUVs of 2023

After getting into a brand new era of electrification with the EV6, this week on the New York Auto Present we bought an opportunity to take a look at Kia’s upcoming flagship electrical SUV within the Kia EV9. And whereas we weren’t allowed to drive it simply but, after seeing it up shut, it low-key could be one of the vital vital electrical automobiles of the yr.

Just like the EV6 and Hyudai’s latest EVs together with the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the EV9 is predicated on the E-GMP platform which helps an 800-volt structure and as much as 350 kW charging which Kia says can refill the battery from 10 to 80 % in 25 minutes. As for vary, the EV9 can be accessible in a couple of completely different configurations beginning with the bottom mannequin that includes a single motor paired to a 76.1 kWh battery, whereas the long-range model will include a bigger 99.8 kWh energy pack. And whereas Kia has but to get official numbers from the EPA, it’s anticipating the long-range mannequin to ship about 300 miles on a cost, with the standard-range spec coming in at a bit much less (in all probability round 260 miles or so).

Sadly, each of these fashions received’t be particularly fast, with an anticipated 0 to 60 time of round 8.2 seconds for the bottom mannequin, which really goes right down to 9.4 seconds for the long-range mannequin as a result of its greater and heavier battery. Fortunately, in order for you one thing a bit speedier, there’s additionally the GT-line which will get the identical long-range battery however with a extra highly effective AWD twin motor setup, which guarantees a 0 to 60 time of 5.3 seconds. Although if that is not sufficient, Kia president Ho-Sung Music stated there can even be a full GT model of the EV9, although it will not be accessible till someday in 2025.

In the meantime, on the subject of design, whereas the EV9 options related proportions to the Telluride, at 197 inches, it’s a contact longer than Kia’s gas-powered SUV. However the actual distinction is its styling, which is daring and trendy, that includes a blocky silhouette softened by simply sufficient curves and sweeping physique strains in order that it doesn’t look overly sci-fi, like Hyundai’s forthcoming Ioniq 7.

In entrance, Kia provides what it calls its digital tiger nostril grille, which options hidden lights that may even be custom-made with a collection of animations. On prime of that, as a result of the EV9 can be Kia’s first automotive to assist over-the-air updates, you’ll have the ability to obtain new software program together with issues like extra lighting patterns post-release. The automotive additionally options 15 exterior sensors together with two LiDAR arrays in entrance which use object detection to assist the driving force spot potential obstacles.

You additionally get flush door handles for a sleeker look and improved aerodynamics. And whereas your style could differ, I additionally wish to name out the wheels on the EV9. The bottom mannequin options funky triangular rims with a little bit of aerodynamic streamlining, whereas the GT-line will get 21-inch alloys with a neat plus-shaped design that jogs my memory of a D-pad from a recreation controller and looks as if a direct nod in direction of attracting youthful patrons.

And in a means, that’s form of a theme for the EV9 as an entire, as a result of just like late-model Teslas, Kia is hopping on the chrome delete pattern through the use of very restricted quantity of shiny metallic and utterly eliminating the usage of high-gloss finishes (like piano black) all through the inside automobile.

Inside, the EV9’s design is centered across the thought of “reductionism” and “know-how for all times” which you’ll see in issues like hidden haptic switches on the sprint which can be solely seen when the automotive is on and a intelligent dual-level heart console that gives tons of storage for passengers in each the entrance and second-row seats. Kia even included little design touches like mesh headrests in entrance, which are supposed to give mother and father a neater approach to examine in on kids in again. The one bummer is that as a result of U.S. security rules, the EV9’s non-obligatory second-row swiveling seats will solely be accessible in Korea.

Nonetheless, the actual star for households is that third row of seats. Even for me at six toes tall, I had no hassle getting in again. Positive, it’s a bit cramped, and if the second row of seats is pushed all the best way again there isn’t a lot room for my legs. However when you don’t thoughts pushing the seats up a couple of inches, that third row has greater than sufficient room to accommodate adults on brief journeys.

Lastly, on the subject of tech, the EV9 needs to be quite well-equipped. The automotive will include a digital automotive key that works with each NFC and UWB connectivity. There’s additionally a full-color head-up show for the driving force constructed into the sprint together with an non-obligatory rear-view digital camera system as an alternative of a conventional mirror. I additionally admire the EV9’s quite minimalist infotainment system that splits its lengthy, skinny show into two sections: one which extends behind the steering wheel for the driving force, whereas the opposite half is reserved for basic stuff like music, navigation and extra. I additionally assume Kia has hit a pleasant steadiness between on-screen contact controls and devoted bodily buttons for stuff like warmth and AC. And like each good automotive these days, the EV9 has a built-in wi-fi charger and loads of USB-C ports (two for each row of seats), plus a full household-style energy outlet within the trunk.

So after taking an in depth have a look at the EV9, I feel it seems to be nice, it is surprisingly roomy for a midsize SUV, and its tech seems to be strong too. However extra importantly, I feel Kia could have succeeded in attempting to make an inexpensive all-purpose three-row EV SUV. That is as a result of whereas Kia remains to be ready to announce official pricing, we’re anticipating the EV to price someplace within the neighborhood of $56,000, which form of makes it a rarity within the present EV market.

The EV9’s potential pricing presents an enormous low cost in comparison with virtually each different three-row EV SUV in the marketplace just like the Tesla Mannequin X, Volvo EX90 and the Mercedes EQS SUV – the most cost effective of which begins at round $80K. And whenever you have a look at the EV9 subsequent similarly-priced rivals just like the Mannequin Y or the EQB, whereas these automobiles do have non-obligatory third rows, they’re much more cramped and never appropriate for anybody apart from kids or pets. After which there are others just like the BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq which the Polestar 3 we noticed final week that are both considerably dearer or do not even have three-row seating (or each).

So whereas so much will hinge on the EV9’s remaining worth, for individuals on the lookout for an enormous however nonetheless comparatively inexpensive electrical household automotive, the Kia new flagship EV SUV seems to be like an excellent candidate when it will definitely comes out someday later this yr.