Kia released more details of the Kia EV9, its first three-row seat electric flagship SUV, which is comparable in external dimensions to the Telluride. (earlier post). At launch, the EV9 will be available in Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim levels, offered in two battery sizes and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations.

The boxy, triangular design language of the EV9 emphasizes the tension of its short overhangs and long 122.0-inch wheelbase, pushed to the corners over the modular E-GMP electric underpinnings. At 197.4 inches in length in the GT-Line (all other trims are 197.2 inches long) the EV9 is slightly longer than the Telluride SUV and comparable in height (up to 70.1 inches in the GT-Line with raised roof rails) and width (77.9 inches). Despite its boxy shape, the EV9 has a coefficient of drag of 0.28, on par with other luxury SUV EVs.

The EV9 is the second Kia model based on the E-GMP platform, and the first to feature fourth-generation battery technology designed for improved energy density. From launch, the EV9 will be available with a choice of two powertrain options.

Standard is a 76.1-kWh battery with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor that drives the rear wheels. An optional 99.8-kWh battery will be available in a single-motor configuration (201-hp) targeting 300 miles of all-electric range (AER), or a dual-motor, 283-kW (379-hp) torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration with up to 516 lb.-ft. of torque.

Drive modes available at launch on all trims include Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Mode, while AWD models add Snow Mode.

The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultrafast charging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes. With a maximum DC charging speed of up to 236 kW, the EV9 can facilitate quick charging with compatible DC chargers, while the 11 kW onboard charger enables expedient Level 2 charging, as well.

EV9 offers up to 7.8 inches of ground clearance with up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity for AWD versions.

The 2024 EV9 is expected to hit the market in Q4 of 2023 and leading up to its anticipated release, an advance reservation program will grant customers the ability to reserve an EV9 at participating dealers. Details will be announced at a later date.

EV9 ADAS. The EV9 refines and expands Kia’s roster of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Debuting on the EV9 for the Kia brand in North America is the forthcoming Advanced Highway Driving Assist (AHDA), an available driving feature that utilizes LiDAR-based technology to help maintain distance from the vehicle detected ahead and helps keep the EV9 stay in the center of detected lane markers.

Central to the EV9’s 20 standard ADAS features is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA-2), designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring under certain conditions. This has been enhanced on the EV9 to, in certain circumstances, detect: vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving (FCA-CPC); oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (FCA-JT); and crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection (FCA-JC).

The system is also designed to help provide a degree of braking and/or steering input to help prevent or minimize certain collisions if the system detects: oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles (FCA-LO); vehicles in front of the car while changing lanes (FCA-LS); and obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles in front of the car while driving straight (FCA-ESA).

EV9 Technology. The EV9 features Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. The infotainment system processes faster and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls available with a swipe on the screen. Navigation-based charging guidance using arrival time and distance-to-empty estimates help quell range anxiety. Standard convenience features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless phone charger.

The first Kia model to offer vehicle system over-the-air updates, the EV9 experience aims to be continuously improved over time. Through the new and upcoming digital Kia Connect Store accessed via the Kia Access app or through the Kia Owner Portal, a number of exciting Digital Features and Services can unlock the ability to upgrade performance, entertainment, and more remotely.

At launch, the EV9 will offer Boost, designed to improve acceleration through increased front-wheel torque, resulting in a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time in certain trim levels.

Owners have the option, at an additional cost, to personalize the appearance of their EV9 through a selection of five unique lighting patterns showcased on the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, and parking convenience is elevated with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, a more sophisticated version of remote parking that encompasses diagonal parking support (available on Land, standard on GT-Line).

While the EV9 is already a mobile power source due to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) and V2L, V2X (Vehicle to Everything) may expand on its capabilities. Expected to be available via the Kia Connect digital store at a later date, V2X can potentially enable the EV9 to return in-vehicle power to the grid to help balance out electricity demand, or return in-vehicle power to the owner’s home via the available Wallbox Quasar 2 Bi-directional charger.

Standard, advanced ultrawide band-based Digital Key 2, allows customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive. The technology has been advanced to allow drivers to unlock the EV9 without holding their smartphone near the door, and keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on available devices.