Kia used the New York Auto Show to unveil the EV9 and its corporate cousin has now been spied undergoing testing.
Previewed by the Hyundai Seven concept, the production model is instantly recognizable despite eschewing some of the more radical design cues. While the three-row crossover is heavily disguised, we can see it will feature a familiar front fascia with an upper seamless horizon lamp. The headlights appear to be vertical and mounted low on the crossover, just like they were on the concept.
Moving further back, the Ioniq 7 adopts a more practical five-door configuration as well as side mirrors with integrated turn signals. We can also get a glimpse of plastic body cladding, which didn’t appear on the original concept. Other notable highlights include aerodynamically optimized wheels and a gently sloping roof.
More: 2024 Kia EV9 Detailed, Offers Power Boost Via Subscription And Up To 338 Miles Of Range
The rear end is heavily disguised and it will likely have little in common with the concept. Details are hard to make out, but we can see a curvaceous bumper that appears to have a faux silver skid plate. Elsewhere, there are vertical taillights that will presumably have pixel graphics.
While the Ioniq 7 features a unique design, it will ride on the E-GMP platform and share powertrains with the EV9. As a result, we can expect an entry-level variant with a 76.1 kWh battery that powers a rear-mounted motor developing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS). Customers should also be able to get a rear-wheel drive variant with a larger 99.8 kWh battery, which promises to deliver approximately 300 miles (483 km) of range.
Buyers looking for more power and traction can expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 379 hp (283 kW / 385 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. Kia has said this will enable the EV9 GT-Line to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately five seconds.
The EV9 is slated to arrive in the fourth quarter and the Ioniq 7 should be available around the same time. That’s just a guess, but we’ll likely learn more in the coming months.
