Concept EV9 unveiled as Kia’s next all-electric SUV

FOLLOWING a lengthy teaser campaign, Kia has finally unveiled its Concept EV9. The full-size battery electric SUV, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is based on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and showcases a new design language for the Korean brand.

Kia says the Concept EV9’s shape was “inspired by nature” – its Opposites United design philosophy “(meshes) logical and emotional qualities with playful, rugged features and styling cues”.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Concept EV9, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre Karim Habib said the concept vehicle’s bold exterior design and flexible, tech-laden interior execution were strong indicators of the future of the brand’s electrified range. 

“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,” he said.

Kia says it wanted the Concept EV9 to be an all-rounder, which is to say equally suited to the daily commute/school run as to being used to pursue weekend activities far from city centres. The three-row SUV offers a driving range of up to 480km and promising ultra-fast charging thanks to a 350kW DC charger that allows a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 20 to 30 minutes.

The Concept EV9 measures 4930mm in length, 2055mm in width, 1790mm in height and has a wheelbase of 3100mm, meaning it’s slightly longer (+120mm), wider (+155mm), and taller (+90mm) than the current Kia Sorento. It’s wheelbase is also 285mm longer by comparison. 

Visually, the Concept EV9 is designed to make a statement: it rides on 22-inch alloys and although Kia describes the EV9’s appearance as “welcoming and approachable”, the sharp, crystalline-inspired guards and low side body profiling exaggerate the model’s solid stance. 

The front fascia sports a reinterpreted take on the brand’s Tiger Face, while the grille features an intricate star cloud pattern display that hides behind the body panel when not in use. Sequential patterns from the positioning lights create a “welcome light” for the driver on approach to the vehicle, while a small air vent design on each side “reduces the frontal mass of the vehicle and greatly improves aerodynamics”, Kia says. The roof rails also retract when not in use to improve the vehicle’s drag coefficient.

The bonnet “vent”, meanwhile, serves as a solar panel that helps to replenish some of the electric energy that the Concept EV9 consumes.

Meanwhile, a daylight opening panoramic sky roof ensures that the Concept EV9’s cabin is flooded with natural light. The well-lit cabin is “crafted to offer the driver and passengers a transformative interior space”, replete with three interior modes designed for use on the go (Active Mode), and when parked (lounge-like Pause Mode and rearward-focused Enjoy Mode).

The addition of a 27.0-inch ultra-wide display connects the cabin with the outside world, while serving as the “nerve centre” for media, climate, and other functions. The concept model also features a unique, pop-up steering pad (as opposed to a traditional steering wheel).