Kia Corporation has revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia EV9, its first three-row electric flagship SUV. The introduction of the Kia EV9 marks a significant milestone in Kia’s efforts to become a provider of sustainable mobility solutions.

The EV9 is inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which Kia says harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole.

“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector. This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design.”

Exterior Design

Kia’s design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, drives their designers to create visually appealing vehicles. Their ‘Bold for Nature’ ideology, which combines elements from the natural and material worlds, was a crucial factor in designing the exterior of the EV9, Kia’s new electric flagship SUV. The outcome is a vehicle that seamlessly blends a rugged appearance that is suitable for all terrains with the serene calmness of an advanced EV that sets new standards for future electric SUVs.

The front of the EV9 features simple, sharp lines and body surfaces. The vehicle’s signature ‘Digital Tiger Face,’ highlighted by the ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and vertical headlamps, adds a futuristic touch to the design. The Digital Tiger Face has two clusters of small cube lamps on each side of the headlamps. Additionally, the EV9’s ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights’ create a unique lighting experience and display an intricate animated lighting pattern that will distinguish Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for future EV models. Formed from a polygonal design language, the side profile of the EV9 effortlessly combines a strong and indisputable SUV identity with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency.

Dynamic triangular fender structures and highly pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the fuselage body, unifying the polygonal elements into a cohesive structure that presents a determined look. The flush door handles and tapered back roofline add a touch of smooth and efficient motion to the design. Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the tailgate’s simple and clean lines are complemented by the slim rear lights that mirror the front, emphasizing the EV9’s strong and confident stance.

Interior 

The Kia ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy emphasizes creating vehicles with innovative technology that facilitates positive interactions between humans and machines. This approach is reflected in the interior design of the EV9, where space, comfort, and technology were prioritized to redefine what a family SUV can offer.

The EV9 is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which provides a long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for all passengers to connect and relax in lounge-style comfort across all three rows of seats. Kia took feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure that the EV9 delivers equal space, comfort, and experience for all occupants.

Passengers in the first and second rows can recline their seats to relax and rest while the EV9 is charging, and the second-row seats can swivel 180 degrees to allow interaction with those in the third row. The third-row seats also feature cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.

The EV9’s spacious cabin embodies a premium, user-friendly design with an open, floating panoramic dashboard extending from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s center. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display offer effortless control of the vehicle’s functions, and the center console features ample storage options and doors that add to the overall refinement of the interior space.

The EV9’s extended display high-definition audiovisual, navigation, and telematics (AVNT) screen creates a rich and immersive experience. It enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly. Beneath the AVNT screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control.

Though the car has been fully revealed, Kia remains tight-lipped on performance and technical specifications. Given its targeted maximum range of 542 kilometers – and the fact that it has around 200mm more space between the wheels than the EV6 – it is expected that maximum battery capacity will be in the region of 100kWh from launch.

 Because the EV9 shares its 800V-equipped E-GMP platform with the EV6 and its Hyundai Ioniq 5 sibling car, it will be capable of rapid-charging at 350kW to give 100km (62 miles) of range in just six minutes, and will come as standard with vehicle-to-load reverse-charging functionality. Like its platform-mate, the EV9 will be available from launch with the choice of rear- and four-wheel drive powertrain options across a simple selection of trim levels – expected to be capped out from launch by a twin-motor GT-Line S variant.

The Kia EV9 will make its global premiere in late March. Our guess is that the Kia EV9 prices will start at around $55,000.