With photos and features of the 2024 Kia EV9 already being revealed earlier this month, we now have more details on the all-new full-size electric SUV from Korea.
The Kia EV9 is set to be the automaker’s first battery-electric three-row SUV, with near concept-car looks and a chiseled outer appearance. We now know exactly what to expect under the metal at launch, including range, power, and configuration options.
Tesla-like Range, Rear, And All-Wheel Drive Options
With up to 338 miles (541 km) of WLTP range on offer for the EV9, Kia’s first-ever three-row battery-electric SUV is already close to hitting a home run. Its fully-juiced mileage numbers are just a smidge below that of the Tesla Model X’s EPA rating. Of course, that’s for the Long-Range RWD model, which includes the larger 99.8 kWh battery that also features on the all-wheel drive model.
Additionally, the Kia EV9 has been built using 800-volt architecture, meaning that if an ultra-fast charger can be found, it would only take 15 minutes of re-juicing to add 150 miles (239 km) of range.
Or, for those of you who’ve overcome range anxiety or just don’t see yourselves taking such long journeys can opt for the “standard” model on offer. Rear-wheel drive only, the standard EV9 features a 76.1 kWh battery. Range estimates of cars equipped with the smaller battery pack on offer have not yet been revealed.
The EV9 even has a vehicle-to-grid option that will allow users to sell electricity back to the grid in the future, as well as a standard vehicle-to-load function to power up laptops, fridges, and camping equipment.
More Power If You Pay Online
The slowest of the EV9 options is the rear-wheel drive long-range model. Featuring a single “detuned” motor, it outputs 201-HP (150 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque for a rather stately (by modern standards) sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.4 seconds.
The standard model goes better. Again, making do with just one motor, power is raised to 215-HP (160 kW) while torque stays the same at 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). With the bump in power you’ll arrive at the magic 62 mph (100 km/h) mark in 8.2 seconds.
For those looking for a bit more oomph from this three-row, slab-sided, full-sized SUV, look no further than the twin-motor all-wheel drive variant. With a combined output of 378-HP (282 kW) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, the EV9 can make it to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.
Kia has not confirmed which of these configurations will be available in North America.
Related: 2024 Kia EV9 SUV Debuts With Concept Looks, Swiveling Seats And 3rd Row
Granted, this isn’t blisteringly fast by any stretch of the imagination. However, as part of what appears to be a “pay to play” scheme, buyers will have a “boost” feature, which can be unlocked via a purchase at the Kia Connect Store. Kia doesn’t go into how many seconds the Boost option will shave off your sprints. What we do know, however, is that the front motor’s peak torque is raised by 74 lb-ft (100 Nm), for a combined total of 516 lb-ft (700 Nm).
It was confirmed to CarScoops that Kia’s Connect store will offer both one-time purchases and subscription services (monthly) that will allow for “upgrades.” Whether this “boost” is a one-time purchase option or a subscription has not yet been established. However, the Kia Connect store can also be used to update the EV9 over the air. There is even the option of playing around with the EV9’s ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille,’ with the addition of the ‘Lighting Pattern’ feature. Other features that are expected to be included under a subscription model include Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), and music and video streaming.
Big. Inside, And Out
The Kia EV9 measures 197 inches (5,010 mm) long, 78 inches (1,980 mm) wide and 69 inches (1,755 mm) tall, including the roof rack. Externally, the EV9 is virtually identical in size to the Kia Telluride. Crucially though, the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform means that the wheelbase of this EV has been stretched, sitting at 122 inches (3,100 mm) — eight inches longer than that of the Telluride and even two inches longer than that of the standard Cadillac Escalade.
The exterior will feature differentiations between the normal and “GT-Line” version too, with the latter benefiting from revised front and rear bumpers, and the unique digital grille. Air curtains are kept tight on either option, with effort paid to the aerodynamics of the covered wheels, which range from 19 to 21 inches.
Order Books Open In Korea In Q2, Rest Of The World In The Summer
Order books for the Kia EV9 will open in the car’s domestic market in Q2 of this year, while the rest of the world (or rather, “selected markets”) will have to wait until after June to register for delivery. Prices of the EV9 and its various trim levels will be announced later. We’ll know more about the North American specification model at the New York Auto Show next week.
Kia Motor President Ho Sung Song also confirmed that the company is working on an EV9 GT (read about that here). With real performance potential, the sporty version of the three-row SUV will debut in 2025.
