Kia has released teaser images of a new electric SUV concept, the Concept EV9, which is set to make its debut at the AutoMobility show in Los Angeles on November 17. The design is expected to preview an upcoming model possibly due in 2024 and most likely also called the EV9.
Pixels aplenty
The renderings unveiled by the company show a sharp, angular exterior design with a floating roofline, pronounced rear haunches and streams of LED lighting front and rear. Notable is the use of pixelated headlights reminiscent not just of the lighting on the current Hyundai Ioniq 5, but also on the Hyundai Seven concept, also expected to be unveiled at the Los Angeles show and with which the EV9 shares underpinnings.
Modern interior
While the interior is conceptual, it's not totally outlandish, with a digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen blended into one long strip of digital dashboard - much like a number of cars currently on sale including Kia's own EV6. Overall though, the dashboard is a minimalist affair with few buttons to be seen. Most concept-like is the hexagonal oblong steering wheel which, although non-traditional, doesn't look particularly wild either.
What we know about the Kia EV9
We can deduce quite a bit about the future Kia EV9 based on what we know about the Hyundai Ioniq 7.
Based on their size, the Kia Concept EV9 and Hyundai Seven SUV appear to be three-row seven-seaters and share the same E-GMP architecture as the current Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. As such, the EV9 will likely be bigger than the current Kia Sorento model.
Bulk notwithstanding, the twin-motor set-up developing 585hp seen in the Ioniq 5 and EV6 should, theoretically prove ample in a vehicle the size of the EV9, though it's possible that the 77.4kWh battery pack might be upgraded to account for range loss due to the EV9's size and weight. Kia is set to use the 800-volt charging capability also found in the EV6, so a maximum of 239kW charging should be possible with an 80 per cent battery charge attainable in around 20 minutes.
When it arrives, the EV9 will be just one of the seven new electric vehicles which Kia plans to launch by 2027.
The company has confirmed that the EV9 will be coming to Europe, and with the Ioniq 7 expected to launch in 2024, expect a similar timeframe for the Kia.