Ahead of its highly anticipated release later this year, Kia has graciously shared more photos of the upcoming EV9 electric SUV. The gallery showcases both the standard model and the GT-Line variant, providing potential buyers with a clearer understanding of what they can expect from Kia’s 3-row EV.
The crossover’s exterior features styling is bold and futuristic, yet still distinctively Kia. The Korean automaker calls the design philosophy “Opposites United”, and it’s meant to distinguish itself with “rock solid geometry, clean lines, and an unapologetically bold SUV profile.” The overall look remains incredibly close to that of the concept, a feat which many manufacturers aren’t able to pull off.
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The EV9’s interior manages to be unique without being gimmicky, something that the practicality-seeking clientele of this segment will surely appreciate. And in terms of practicality, one of the biggest standouts in that department are the optional swiveling second-row seats, which can be pivoted 180 degrees when the vehicle is stopped. This allows the second-row occupants to not only interact with passengers in the third row, but also recline their seats without encroaching on anyone’s legroom.
Unfortunately, this feature won’t be offered on the U.S.-market version of the SUV. Also not on the menu for the United States are the aerodynamic digital side view mirrors, whose viewing screens are tucked in the front corners of the cabin for visual familiarity.
See Also: Kia’s EV9 Wants To Set New Standards With High-Tech HVAC System
The EV9 will be made available with two powertrain options: single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD, both of which are paired with the same 99.8 kWh battery. The RWD variant is powered by a single motor on the rear axle making 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, which propels the SUV from naught to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h).
Thankfully, the AWD model provides a bit more performance. Powering this variant are two electric motors, each making 189 hp (192 PS / 141 kW). Torque is rated at 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) for the front motor and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) for the rear, and those figures jump to 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) all around for the GT-Line. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) times are 6.0 seconds and 5.3 seconds for the Baseline and GT-Line respectively.
Kia is targeting up to 336 miles (541 km) of range on the WLTP cycle for RWD variants, while an estimated 304 miles (497 km) is the goal for AWD models. Both figures are respectable given the vehicle’s size, and to bolster that, the SUV’s 800V charging allows 239 km (149 miles) of that to be replenished in just 15 minutes.
And if that level of power isn’t sufficient for you, Kia has confirmed the development of an EV9 GT that’s likely to use the same 576 hp (429 kW) and 545 lb-ft (738 Nm) of torque powertrain as the EV6 GT. This higher-performance version will arrive about a year later than the regular EV9s in early 2025.
