much cheaper than the Tesla Model X, but beware of consumption
A few days after unveiling a series of photos, the Korean manufacturer officially presents its Kia EV9. A large seven-seater electric SUV that comes in several versions and offers up to 541 kilometers of autonomy. It is also equipped with two-way charging and compatible with remote OTA updates. Here’s everything we know about him.
Article updated on June 27, 2023 : The first European prices for the Kia EV9 are starting to be known. In Belgium, it costs 74,990 euros for the Earth Launch Edition version and 83,890 euros for the GT Line Launch Edition version. The differences: the power (which goes from 204 to 384 hp), the transmission (which goes from propulsion to integral) and the autonomy (which decreases, from 541 to 465 km).
Who says increasing power, says decreasing autonomy, because of consumption. This is announced at 21 kWh / 100 km (on the WLTP cycle) for the least powerful version against 24.4 kWh / 100 km for the most powerful version. This consumption supports energy losses during recharging. For comparison, Tesla announces 19.1 kWh / 100 km for the Model X Long Range and 20.8 kWh / 100 km for the Plaid version that we were able to test. But they are sold more expensive, from respectively 114,490 and 134,490 euros.
Original article from March 29, 2023 : It’s been a while since Kia has offered 100% electric models in its range, between the Niro EV and other EV6. But while thermal cars will be banned from sale in Europe in 2035, the Korean manufacturer must still accelerate and expand its catalog. This is how he formalized his new EV9 a few days earlier, without giving too many details about him. It is now done.
A beautiful template
With its 5.01 meters long, 1.98 meters wide and 1.76 meters high, the new Kia EV9 is a very beautiful baby. A large SUV whose style is not entirely new, since it had been prefigured by the eponymous concept unveiled at the end of 2021. Of course, the features have mellowed slightly with the passage into production, but we we find all the same some similar elements. Starting with the very angular lines, very different from the EV6.
However, if this model seems a bit apart in the range, there are still some common elements with the other cars in the range, such as the Tiger Face grille. However, it has been greatly reworked and will equip all future electric models of the brand. Starting with the EV5, just unveiled in concept form a few days earlier.
Despite its massive lines, the large SUV still displays a rather surprising Cd of only 0.28. Admittedly, we are still very far from the 0.20 of the Mercedes EQS, which holds the record for a production car, or even the Tesla Model X at 0.24, but this remains correct given the size of the machine. . And this, we owe in particular to the aerodynamic rims, as well as to 3D underbody protection, a first for the brand. But also the presence of camera mirrors.
Waiting the GT version, which will arrive in 2025, a GT Line variant is also offered. This is characterized by specific front and rear bumpers, with a sportier design, as well as reworked rims and roof bars. If a bright grille will also be offered, as on the Skoda Enyaq iV, it will not be available in Europe, while it is now possible to make the logos bright. A choice of 19 and 21 inch rims will complete the catalog.
A real family SUV
With a wheelbase of 3.10 metres, the new Kia EV9 is a family vehicle, which can accommodate up to seven people on board. A first for an electric model at Kia. As a result, the SUV competes with the Tesla Model X (but also the Tesla Model Y… in the United States only) and other Mercedes EQBs, as well as with the new Volvo EX90. It will also be possible to opt for a six-seater configuration as needed, while several interior layouts will be available.
It will even be possible to rotate 2nd row seats 180 degrees, while the 3rd row is equipped with charging sockets and cup holders. As in many electric vehicles, the new Kia EV9 skips leather, while it uses sustainable materials like corn and sugar cane. For the time being, Kia’s press release does not mention the trunk volume.
The driving position is minimalist and inspired by that of the Kia EV6. We find a large digital panel composed of a digital handset and a touch screen. If not specified, this one is most likely compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while it also allows forbuy additional options onlineas at Mercedes or BMW.
Note that the SUV is also compatible with remote OTA updates such as Volvo or Tesla. This allows you to correct problems or take advantage of new features without having to go to the garage.
Up to 541 kilometers of range
In total, two battery capacities are offered on the new Kia EV9, namely 76.1 and 99.8 kWh, which allow it to display a maximum autonomy of 541 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. This gives us a theoretical consumption of 18.4 kWh / 100 km. To be compared with the theoretical 16 kWh / 100 km of the new Tesla Model X and its 625 km of autonomy.
If the smaller battery of the Kia EV9 is only associated with the standard model in rear-wheel drive, the second can also be chosen with all-wheel drive. Three power levels are also available, namely 150 kW (203 hp) for the RWD Long Range version with a 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 9.4 seconds. There is also 160 kW (217 hp) and 350 Nm for the version with a single motor (RWD Standard) with 8.2 seconds in acceleration and 283 kW (384 hp) and 600 Nm for the one with one on each axle, named AWD.
It can even reach 700 Nm of torque thanks to a Boost mode, making it possible to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Based on the E-GMP platform shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the Kia EV9 is equipped with an 800-volt system that allows very fast charging. Thus, it is possible to recover up to 239 kilometers in just 15 minuteswithout the maximum power having been communicated.
Equipped with fifteen sensors including two LiDARs, the large SUV is also equipped with level 3 autonomous driving, now authorized in Europe and allowing it to compete with the Mercedes Drive Pilot. Many driving assistances are also available, such as remote parking assistance or rear traffic detection. The EV9 also comes standard with bi-directional V2L charging, which allows electrical equipment to be powered directly through the charging socket.
If the electric SUV will take its first steps in front of the public at the Seoul mobility show and then at the New York show, its launch date has not yet been announced. If its price is unknown, it could probably be around 60,000 euros. He will therefore not be eligible for the ecological bonus of 5,000 euros. Marketing is scheduled for the second half of 2023.
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