Here’s a proper look at the new Kia EV9 SUV - a car that doesn’t look all that different to the radical concept we first glimpsed a year ago.
The EV9 is a flagship model for the Korean firm, being a big seven-seater that Kia hopes will compete with premium, up-market SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQB, the new Volvo EX90, and even the Tesla Model X.
Kia says it has gone the extra mile to make sure there’s acres of interior space while the EV9 also ‘encapsulates bold styling and sophisticated elegance inside and out’.
But when you cut through the Kia marketing jargon, what are we actually looking at here?
There’s a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ at the front, vertical headlamps, ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights, and the EV9’s digital ‘Tiger Face’.
You can also expect flush door handles and a tapered back roofline which gives the EV9 a ‘sense of smooth and efficient motion’, says Kia.
And there are similarly clean lines at the rear, including slim tail lights.
Step inside the cabin and you’ll find an interior that, according to Kia, ‘reimagines what a family SUV can offer’.
A spokesperson tells us:
“The EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for all occupants to connect and relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats. Offered in both six- and seven-seat formats, Kia captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers equality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver.”
The second row seats can be swiveled around by 180 degrees so that occupants can chat with those seated in the third row.
The third row gets cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.
And the EV9 also boasts a floating panoramic dashboard which extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle's centre, as well as two 12.3-inch touch screens.
Kia is promising ample storage for front seat passengers, including a spacious compartment located at its base of the centre console.
The EV9 is set to make its full global debut later this month, where we should get the full specification details as well as pricing.
But Kia has previously revealed its EV9 will have a range of around 300 miles between charges while also being able to sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds.
It has also been put through its paces on the tough-stuff outdoors, too.
A Kia spokesperson adds:
“Testing on a 4WD climbing hill and rough terrain tracks, as well as deep-water wading, will ensure maximum reliability even in the most challenging conditions. Kia’s high-speed, handling, and low-friction tracks place every element of the EV9’s performance and road holding under the strictest scrutiny.”
If you can’t wait for the EV9 to become available, you can lease Kia’s brilliant and award-winning EV6 from Select Car Leasing.
The EV6 (below) isn’t a seven seater, but it is one of the best-looking electric vehicles on the road right now, with prices starting at just £509* per month.
There’s an excellent range - up to 328 miles between charges - and oodles of power, even on entry level models.
And if you want some grin-inducing performance, the EV6 GT model has power of 585 PS and a blistering 0-62 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 15/03/23.
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