Kia has finally revealed full images the Kia EV9, its electric SUV. After weeks, if not months, of sexy teasers, the monumental, brutalist SUV images have exceeded expectation. This is the car that a Mies van der Rohe (Barcelona Pavilion)/ Le Corbusier (Lloyd Wright (Falling Water) collaboration would have produced.

“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 Centre. “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.”

There are nods to Seltos and other KIA models, but EV9 has broken away from the KIA pack, and if there is a fast performance grade, could well become the Hyundai Group’s new Halo Model, exceeding even Genesis for comfort and modern luxury. That’s a big call that should upset the apple cart well and truly.

Video Review: 0-100 in 4 seconds – 2023 Genesis GV60 Electrified FULL Review #gaycarboys

1 Minute Video Review: 2023 Honda HR-V  #short

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: 2023 KIA EV6

Exterior

KIA’s mashup of ‘Opposites United’ and ‘Bold for Nature’ has brought us an imposing, chunky, cubist art piece. The real surprise is that there is very little external family resemblance between EV9 and EV6.

EV9 front end has Cadillac-esque headlights with a 24th century star trek vibe. The ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ embaces its vertical headlamps. EV9 carries the brand’s signature Tiger Face, but in digital form is barely recognisable. There are two be-cubed LED clusters along each headlamp. KIA claims the DTRLs have a “Star Map” design, but that is somewhat lost on me, so I’ll enjoy it for what it is.

The chunky face is echoed in the even-more-imposing profile.

Side detailing gives a sense that an origami sculpture was the cast in concrete. Squared-off arches, contain alloys that look to be 19” or 20”. They’re connected by deeply scalloped facets, triangular surfaces, and strong horizontal lines.

Flush door handles are as seen in EV6, with the massive flat roof floating above a waist that kinks up at the back, something that has become a KIA trademark. The 3-row interior has been wrapped by architecture rather than car design.

The rear continues the brutalist theme with strong verticals, horizontals, and angles. LED tail lights wrap the outer edge from near the top of the tailgate, and intersect with the integrated bumper, with a small array reaching across under the rear window. Designers were obviously given a free hand, and told to “go for it.”

The term “inspired” is used far too often, but in this case, is the only word one could use.

Interior

EV6 and IONIQ drivers will see a certain familiarity in the cabin design.

Hyundai Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), is shared by Genesis GV60, IONIQ5, IONIQ6, and KIA EV6 and EV9. It allows the battery to be slung flat under the floor, with seats and consoles taking up very little of the capacious space. Passengers will experience an expansive, Zen-like interior.

EV9’s massive wheelbase, accommodates either a six or seven-seat layout, with the captain’s seats able to be turned to face the 3rd row. We’ve never tried it, but where do all the legs go? First and second-row seats are able to recline, useful when EV9 is charging. The third-row has cup holders and USB charging outlets.

Another modern trend is the cinematic dashboard made from at least 2 tablets. In EV9’s case, there are Two 12.3-inch screens and one 5-inch segment display. Most of the physical controls have been subsumed by the digital controls, leaving essential functions below. There are hidden buttons on the dash above the vents, with a row of HVAC piano keys below the vents.

Like all KIAs, storage is clever and ample. The centre console has an enormous space at its base, big enough for a handbag or small briefcase. The centre armrest covers another compartment, with a slit for a mobile, and a couple of cup holders at the leading edge.

The steering wheel is flattened top and bottom, and has controls that will be familiar to existing KIA owners.

If EV9 follows the ethos of EV6, materials will have an eco-bent.

Driveline:

We can suppose a battery of around 80kWh, and output of between 150kw and 360kw, depending on model. There will no doubt be FWD and AWD offerings, and ultra-fast 350kw charging. Beyond this speculation, anything else would be a surprise.

The world reveal is on the 29th of this month, so stayed tuned for our story to follow.

More KIA Reviews HERE: