Kia shares first look at EV9 electric SUV
Kia has shared images of the exterior and interior design of its new flagship electric SUV, the EV9.
The Kia EV9 will make its global premiere in late March, but before the official release, the manufacturer has revealed a series of images which it says “encapsulates bold styling and sophisticated elegance inside and out.”
Through its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, Kia’s designers have “fused a unique combination of sleek, sculptural shapes and assured, assertive geometry to deliver a strikingly contemporary yet gracefully serene SUV.”
The front of the EV9 features clear-cut lines and body surfaces, with a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and vertical headlamps. A ‘Digital Tiger Face’ features two clusters of small cube lamps within the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp. The EV9’s ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)’ creates a new illumination experience and delivers an animated lighting pattern that will denote Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for the brand’s future EV models.
The shape and style of the vehicle is formed by a polygonal design language, which aims to achieve aerodynamic efficiency whilst presenting a strong, muscular aesthetic. The rear of the vehicle continues the theme of simple, clean lines, with slim rear lights that mirror the design of those at the front.
“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.”
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture allows space for all occupants to relax with “lounge-style comfort” in all three rows of seats. Offered in both six- and seven-seat formats, Kia captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers equality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver.
Occupants sitting in the first and second-row seats can simultaneously recline their seats to relax and rest when the EV9 is charging. The seats in the second row can also be swivelled 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row. The third-row seats also offer cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.
