Kia has launched teaser pictures of its EV9 flagship electrical SUV, which is scheduled to debut in production-ready kind March 15.
These pictures trace at styling that is broadly much like the EV9 idea that debuted on the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Present, preserving the idea’s boxy profile, vertical headlights, and even the angled aspect glass, which comes to some extent on the rear roof pillar.
The idea loaded up on design concepts, together with recycled fibers all through, a Pause Mode that turns permits seats to show and face one another, and an Take pleasure in Mode for tailgating. Whereas we do not count on to see all of this on the manufacturing EV9, count on some packaging innovation.
Kia EV9 teaser
More likely to attain the U.S. within the second half of 2023, the manufacturing EV9 is predicted to supply three rows of seating and a few off-road functionality—basically equaling the model’s gasoline Telluride. The automaker has additionally confirmed that the manufacturing EV9 could have a spread of as much as 300 miles.
It might even be U.S.-built—finally. Manufacturing could be shifted to Hyundai’s Georgia “Metaplant,” when that plant is up and operating round 2026.
The EV9 would be the largest automobile but to be designed and constructed on the E-GMP devoted electrical automobile platform shared by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, though the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7 might rival it.
In 2022, when it confirmed that prototypes have been out testing, Kia stated that the EV9 “will develop into the model’s flagship mannequin and can revolutionize the big electrical SUV section”—setting the stage for a worth that may simply method luxurious automobiles.
Kia EV9 idea
Kia could possibly justify the next worth by focusing on the Rivian R1S, the one different electrical SUV at present obtainable that mixes off-road functionality and three-row seating. The U.S. agency has struggled to ramp up manufacturing to satisfy excessive demand.
The EV9’s built-in off-road prowess and extra outdoorsy emphasis might serve one other goal as properly. The model has confirmed {that a} Kia electrical pickup is within the works as a worldwide mannequin—maybe with an EV9-basis—though it has stopped simply wanting confirming U.S. gross sales.
