Kia Motor India has just given us its first teaser for the Delhi Auto Expo 2023, confirming that it will be showcasing the EV9 Electric SUV Concept. The brand first showcased the concept at the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show and is expected to start producing the vehicle by late 2023. Upon launch, the Kia EV9 will become the automaker’s flagship product in its electric portfolio.
Kia EV9 Concept: Exterior Design and Dimensions
The EV9 gets the usual design flourishes you see in a concept car. The front-end features a new interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille but is blanked out. In place, it gets individual LED lights that mimic a pixelated design while the curvy LED headlights stretch all the way to the front fenders. The side profile is old-school SUV-like with its boxy type proportions, flat surfaces, sharp creases, and a large glasshouse area. Over to the rear, there are vertical LED taillights and a pronounced bumper with a faux silver skid plate. Expect some elements of the EV9 Concept like the rear-hinged doors and headlight cluster to be toned down on the production model.
Kia EV9 is a large vehicle, measuring 4929 mm in length, 1790 mm in height and 2055 mm in width. This makes the electric SUV similar in size to the likes of the MG Gloster and the Toyota Fortuner. Its wheelbase comes in at 3100 mm, the longest yet on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform that also underpins the recently launched EV6.
Kia EV9 Concept: Interior Layout and Features
Moving to the interior, the EV9 Concept has a minimalistic design with a 27-inch screen that offers a split screen layout for the touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. There is a squared-off spoke-less steering wheel which paired with the customizable ambient lighting gives the concept a futuristic look. The electric SUV will also come with a three-row seating layout with the middle row of seats able to fold flat while the first row of seats can swivel to create a lounge-like space. However, we expect that most of these features will be paired back on the production version as well.
Like most cars and especially EVs launched recently, it will come with ADAS tech, get OTA software updates and a feature-on-demand subscription model where owners can pay for the specific features they want on a monthly or yearly basis.
Kia EV9 Concept: Powertrain and Battery Details
The concept will likely come with a 77.4 kWh battery pack, the larger option offered with the new EV6. While official range and output figures are yet to be announced, the battery pack could offer an ARAI-claimed mileage of up to 708 kms. As for performance, it is expected to deliver 325 bhp with 605 Nm of peak torque similar to the top-end EV6 GT Line AWD variant.
The SUV sits on the E-GMP platform that has the flexibility to support an 800V electrical architecture. This will allow the EV9 to fast charge at rates of up to 350 kW, taking only 20 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. Like the Kia EV6, the EV9 could be offered in at least two variants which is likely to be a single-motor RWD and a flagship dual-motor AWD.
Kia Motors India at 2023 Delhi Auto Expo
Alongside the EV9 Concept, Kia will also showcase the EV6 at the Delhi Auto Expo 2023. The automaker will be showcasing the All-New Carnival premium MPV, the facelifted Seltos, and the Sorento SUV at the auto show.
Read Also: Kia Motors to Unveil Two Models at Auto Expo 2023
