Here’s another look at Kia’s seven-seat EV9 all-electric SUV - which is now set for a global premiere early next year.
The EV9 has been a work in progress for Kia for some time, having first been glimpsed as a fancy concept back in November 2021.
It’s being billed as an affordable rival to other electric seven-seaters like the Tesla Model X and Mercedes-Benz EQC, or the plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 Recharge.
And Kia has been busy pushing the EV9 to its limits in recent days - on a ‘gruelling selection of tracks, roads, and surfaces’ - as part of the final testing phase.
A spokesperson for the Korean firm reveals:
“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.”
The EV9 will follow in the footsteps of Kia’s multi award-winning EV6 crossover - so has some pretty big shoes to fill. There’s no seven-seat option with the EV6.
And Kia says its upcoming ‘flagship model’ EV9 will ‘revolutionise the large electric SUV segment’.
So what do we know about the EV9 so far?
Kia has promised a roomy and versatile interior that’ll not only swallow seven people, but which is also customisable enough to create ‘conference’ style seating should you want it.
The EV9 will also be plenty quick, too, which is good news if you are seriously considering one instead of the rapid Tesla Model X.
Kia reckons the EV9 will be able to sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds while also having a range of up to 300 miles between charges, thanks to the ‘KIA E-GMP’ battery-electric platform.
There’s a liberal use of sustainable materials in the cabin - including recycled fishing nets - while there are other nice touches, such as retractable roof rails and a panoramic glass roof.
The interior - which is described as a ‘first class lounge’ - also gets a whopping-great 27 inch digital screen which controls pretty much everything, from the infotainment system to the air con.
There’s no word yet on price, but fingers crossed it’s as affordable as we all hope it’ll be, as it could be a real Godsend for families looking for maximum versatility while also slashing their fuel bills.
Watch this space.
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