Prepare to be wowed by the new seven-seat EV9 - a KIA concept that could follow in the footsteps of the firm's recent EV6 crossover.
With its angular styling, minimalist interior and side barn doors, it’s fair to say the EV9 is something of a show-stopper.
And because it’s built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform, or ‘E-GMP’, underpinnings as the KIA EV6 - as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 - there’s every chance to the EV9 will make the leap into road-going reality.
Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, said:
“The Kia Concept EV9 is yet another important marker for us in what has been an incredible journey since the start of the year. Having made our intentions clear – to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions – today we are proud to show the world our all-electric SUV concept, which fuses together an advanced zero-emissions powertrain, a cutting-edge exterior design and a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space.”
So what’s all the fuss about?
The all-electric, zero emissions motor should promise a range of around 300 miles between charges. The KIA E-GMP also allows for performance models to sprint from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.
It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350-kW charger that allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to replenish energy from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 20-30 minutes.
But a big selling point for the EV9 won’t just be how rapid it is, it’s in how practical and spacious it is. There are three rows of seats allowing 7 passengers while ultra-slim seats add to the feeling of roominess.
There’s a new ‘Digital Tiger Face’ at the front, doing away with the traditional grille, resulting in the Concept EV9 having a ‘full body-coloured front that clearly conveys sustainability values, according to KIA.
To that effect, there’s even a solar panel in the hood vent duct that helps recuperate some of the electric energy you use.
There are also retractable roof rails that close inward into the roof when not in use to boost aerodynamics, while a next-gen camera monitoring system makes traditional wing mirrors obsolete.
A panoramic ‘sky roof’ provides a boost when it comes to ‘wellness and mood’, according to KIA, and the interior mirrors that of a ‘first-class lounge’. The seats switch around to enable occupants seated in the first-row and third-row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table.
At the heart of the cabin is a massive 27-inch ultra-wide infotainment display.
And - yes - KIA has actually gone and reinvented the wheel. Well, the steering wheel, that is. Because instead of one of those, you now get a pop-up ‘steering pad’ instead, which is ‘an extension of – and integrated and harmonised within – the interior space’.
Meanwhile the EV9 boasts some serious eco-credentials. Recycled fishing nets have been used to create the floor of the vehicle while the seating fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. Also, vegan leather is used throughout the interior space. Kia plans to gradually reduce the use of animal leather in all its vehicles.
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