Kia Goes For Boxy With Premium SUV

Korean brand Kia is expanding its lineup of electric vehicles with the introduction of the daring EV9 SUV, a vehicle which has more than a nod to established 4x4 brand Range Rover.

This new model is expected be the most luxurious and expensive vehicle that the company has produced to this point, but it’s bold and boxy look might not suit the more refined tastes.

Following in the footsteps of the EV6, the eagerly awaited EV9 was initially presented as a concept in November 2021, and it will appear in production form with striking similarities to the concept version. It is one of 14 brand-new electric vehicles that Kia plans to introduce over the course of the next five years.

Kia refers to the aggressive-appearing model as having a "Digital Tiger Face," which features a boxy design with massive LED wraparound lighting at the front of the vehicle. The chunky wheelarches on the EV9 give the vehicle a more rugged appearance and are said to have been influenced by polygons.

The Kia EV9 is the South Korean automaker's biggest electric vehicle (EV) to date and is built on the company's proprietary platform for electric vehicles. It comes in either a six- or seven-seat configuration and is marketed specifically towards families. It is important to note that in terms of size, it will be placed above the Sorento, which is presently Kia's largest model in Europe.

Kia has not yet confirmed the specifics of the powertrain, but given that it will most likely share characteristics with Kia's existing EV6, it will most likely carry a 77.4kWh battery. However, given the EV9's larger size, Kia may introduce a larger unit. In addition to that, it will have DC rapid charging capable of 350 kW, making it one of the electric vehicles that can be charged the quickest.

Later on in this month, the EV9 will have its official debut, and at that time, additional information regarding the model will be disclosed.

"The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility," said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. "The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector. This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design."