Kia EV9 Electric SUV Teased – To Offer Range Of Up To 540km | V3Cars

Kia EV9 Electric SUV Teased – Design Details Emerge

The upcoming Kia EV9 electric SUV was teased via a number of images recently. Based on the teaser image, we can safely assume that the production-spec Kia EV9 retains most of the design of the EV9 concept that was first showcased at the LA Auto Show in November 2021 and subsequently, at the 2023 Auto Expo in New Delhi in January 2023.

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Kia are utilising a modified version of the E-GMP modular electric platform, which underpins the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, for the EV9 SUV. However, unlike the 2 electric crossovers, the EV9 is substantially bigger to target the luxury SUV segment in India. The Kia EV9 will be a boxy SUV and we expect it to offer the same space as the carmaker’s current flagship SUV in global markets, the Kia Telluride.

The teaser image above suggests that the production-spec EV9 SUV will offer distinctive LED headlights. While the EV9 shown in the image above seems to have an enclosed grille, Kia have retained the ‘Tiger Nose’ design signature by giving the LED DRLs a unique pattern.

The side profile features wide haunches and the glasshouse ends in a kink before at the C-pillar. Based on previous spy shots of the EV9, we know the rear of the SUV features an integrated spoiler, LED taillamps and a chunky bumper that houses the number plate holder. 

The Kia EV9 concept SUV showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo measured 4930mm in length, 2055mm in width, 1790mm in height and sported a wheelbase of 3100mm. We expect the production-spec Kia EV9 to offer similar dimensions. Kia are likely to offer the EV9 with 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels, depending on the variant.

Note: Check out the list of Electric Cars in India

Kia EV9 Electric Motor And Battery Specifications

The production-spec Kia EV9’s electric motor and battery specifications are not known at the moment. However, reports suggest that it could offer up to 540km of range on a single charge. For reference, the smaller Kia EV6 4WD crossover offers a range of 528km under the WLTP cycle and 708km under the ARAI test cycle in India. 

The EV9 is also likely to get the dual motor 4WD and single motor RWD option from launch. Depending on the variant, the Kia EV9 is likely to produce anywhere between 200PS to 395PS of power and 338Nm to 652Nm of torque. We expect Kia India to launch the top-performing variant of the EV9 in India as the electric SUV will serve as the carmaker’s flagship model here.

Note: Check your car’s fuel cost with Fuel Cost Calculator India

Kia EV9 20% - 80% Charge In 7 Minutes!

Kia plan to offer the production-spec EV9 SUV with an 800V battery architecture, which will enable it to make use of 350kW DC quick chargers. Kia says it takes just about 7 minutes to charge a 64kWh battery from 20% to 80% with a 350kW DC quick charger. However, there aren’t any 350kW DC quick chargers in the country for public use. The fastest charger in India currently for individual EV owners is housed in Kia’s showroom in Ernakulam.

Kia EV9 India Launch Timeline And Expected Price

While Kia India have not announced the launch timeline for the EV9, various reports suggest the flagship electric SUV could go on sale on our shores in April 2024. We expect Kia to price the EV9 around Rs. 80.0 lakh (ex-showroom). When launched, the Kia EV9 will rival luxury electric SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback and Jaguar I-Pace. However, while the aforementioned cars only feature 2-row seating, the Kia EV9 will offer 3 rows of seats.

Kia EV9 Expected Features 

As Kia’s flagship offering in India, we expect the EV9 electric SUV to offer several features, including

• 27-inch ultrawide screen for digital driver display and infotainment system
• Level-3 autonomous driver assistance systems (ADAS)
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Kia Connected Car Services
• Dual-zone auto AC
• Wireless phone charger
• Full-colour head-up display
• Remote climate control
• Bose premium sound system
• Built-in 4G connectivity

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