This week, Kia Motors unveiled its EV9 Concept, a three-row all-electric SUV, at the LA Auto Show. While strictly a concept vehicle, the production model will be toned-down to comply with the safety standards and regulations. However, the Kia EV9 Concept is a preview of what the Korean car manufacturer has in store for 2024. Styling for the EV9 shows a cyberpunk off-roader with pillarless doors like a 1964 Lincoln Continental. The front end features what Kia calls its “Tiger Face” with digital lighting. One detail worthy of mention is the EV9’s retractable roof rails which can be lowered or raised for aerodynamics.
The Kia EV9 is meant to be an electric alternative to the Kia Telluride. In fact, the EV9 concept is 2.76-inches shorter than the Telluride but 2.6-inches wider. Its leading party trick is the interior. Kia designed the EV9 concept with feng shui capabilities to rearrange the seating layout under three different modes. While driving, the three rows of seats face forward like any traditional family-hauling SUV. However, when in “Pause Mode,” the vehicle is stationary, and the EV9’s front row can swivel around while the second row folds into a table arrangement – like a booth at a restaurant. Then there is “Enjoy Mode,” allowing all three rows to swivel facing back towards the tailgate – which can come in handy at drive-ins.
The materials used to construct the Kia EV9 concept’s interior are all inspired by sustainability. The electric SUV’s interior features various recycled products to create a luxurious space. Evidence can be seen in the seating fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and wool fibers. Vegan leather was also used to decorate the interior, and recycled fishnets helped create the interior flooring. Kia’s goal was to create an interior that inspired serenity and calmness through elements of nature. In addition, vehicle information is displayed to the driver on an ultra-wide 27-inch screen located on the dashboard.
At the moment, details on the Kia EV9 concept powertrain are slim. However, we can expect the electric SUV to offer up to 300 miles of range with fast charging. Furthermore, this new EV is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) shared with Hyundai. This means the EV9 can potentially be offered in all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive when it goes into production in 2024.
For an in-depth look at the 2021 Kia K5 GT check out our IMBOLDN Digest article.