Official image releases always get us excited here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and last week the Kia Corporation revealed images of the exterior and interior design of the brand new EV9. This vehicle’s visual presence draws inspiration from Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ Design Philosophy; blending aspects of nature and modernity harmoniously to create a striking vehicle. The EV9’s enjoyable driving experience will most definitely originate from segment-leading design, connectivity, and environmental consciousness.
We know that our customers will especially appreciate the exterior design, which was designed with Kia’s “Bold for Nature” vision in mind. The front is characterized by familiar clear-cut lines and body surfaces, which promote a first impression of confidence and calm. The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, along with unique vertical headlamps blend well together with Kia’s signature digital tiger grille face, adding to what is already a thrillingly futuristic look. In fact, the CarBuzz.com auto review staff praised the EV9 for having “nothing shy about it” as far as aggressive exterior style. They fondly claimed that if the “Kia Soul was a middle school student with a cool dad, the EV9 would be that dad”, and were also very impressed with the intricate front and rear lighting.
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform, the EV9 sports a long wheelbase, lower beltline and very flat electric vehicle build, which ultimately provides a segment-leading amount of space and comfort for all occupants. Those in the first and second row can recline and take a breather during charging, and the second-row seats can even turn around 180 degrees to chat with (or keep an eye on!) those in the third row. The various seating configurations in the EV9 will be able to accommodate six or seven occupants and will offer what we compare to “a lounge-like space” in every single row.
The vibe inside the cabin is spacious and uncluttered to allow for the enjoyment of a very user-friendly design. Additionally, two 12.3-inch touchscreens enhance the digital experience inside the EV9, offering an easy way to control all of the vehicle’s functions without overwhelming you with too many buttons to choose from. This is going to be a great, practical vehicle for families who are looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle.
Another eye-catching and memorable element is the futuristic 21-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires, along with the added touch of slightly off-center Kia logos. The blacked-out A-pillars leave ample space for the passenger compartment, with official images depicting closed roof and dual sunroof -option models. It is suggested that base-level models will have rear-wheel drive, so they very likely will only possess a single electric motor.
Power outputs are expected to be around 200 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, which would be an ample amount for a vehicle that is generally geared towards families. Moving up from there, sources suggest that outputs could rise up to 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, which is where dual motors and all-wheel drive are expected. The 0-60 mph sprint here will drop from 8.5 to six seconds, and the highest-level trim could see a boost in torque from 380 to 480 lb-ft.
The concept EV9 currently promises a range of around 300 miles, and the option to have charging speeds of up to 350 kW. Leaving the “overnight game” completely out of the picture, this charging option will take just 18 minutes to get the battery from 10-80%.
Our team here at Jim Butler Kia can’t wait for the official release of the all-new Kia EV9! In the meantime, we will keep you apprised of any updates we come across. Stay tuned!
