The EV9 – Kia’s first three-row, all-electric flagship SUV – is now available in Australia.
The bold and confident Kia EV9 is offered in three grades – Air, Earth and GT-Line – with a Rear-Wheel Drive Single Motor powertrain for the Air variant, and an AWD Dual Motor powertrain for Earth and GT-Line, which also feature a long-range 99.8kWh battery.
The RWD Single Motor EV9 Air produces 160kW and 350Nm and has a range of 443km (WLTP), while AWD Dual Motor EV9 variants produce an immense 283kW and 700Nm, offer a range of up to 512km (WLTP), and sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 sec in ultimate GT-Line form.
The EV9 Air and GT-Line trims will be available from launch with the Earth trim to follow early in the new year.
Multi-charging 800V architecture gives the EV9 ultra-fast-charge capability, to let users add 232km of driving range in just 15 minutes1. A full charge from 10 to 80 percent can be completed in as little as 20 minutes1.
“The eagerly anticipated EV9 is a pivotal model for Kia that turns conventional SUV – and EV – thinking on its head,” said Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith.
“EV9 is an especially significant model because it marks a step change in our evolution into a provider of advanced mobility solutions.
“As the first all-electric Upper Large SUV in Australia, EV9 is unique in giving large families a bold and confident vehicle featuring an array of advanced technology, with expansive battery range and performance, and a refined locally tuned suspension.
“We’re incredibly excited to have the EV9 in the Kia Australia line-up.”
The all-electric seven-seat EV9 brings adventure to every journey while setting new standards for space, practicality, flexibility, comfort and technology on Kia’s award-winning Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
The EV9 also introduces a series of new Kia technologies to the Australian market.
Among the Kia firsts are a panoramic wide display that combines dual 12.3-inch cluster and infotainment displays via a 5.0-inch segment display, a column-type E-Shift-by-Wire drive selector, fingerprint recognition, Digital Side Mirrors and a Digital Centre Mirror (GT-Line).
EV9 also debuts Over-the-Air update capability for its Kia Connect system, and a Highway Driving Assist 2 system with Hands-on Detection.
Natural and material worlds inspire bold and confident style
The ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of Kia’s new Opposites United design philosophy played a key role in the exterior design of EV9.
The result seamlessly combines an aura of rugged, all-conditions capability with a sense of serenity and sophistication, to see EV9 blaze a new trail for electric SUV design.
EV9’s futuristic frontal styling exudes confidence, clarity and calmness through simple lines and clean surfaces, with a bold body-coloured grille framed by striking vertical headlamps forming the signature Digital Tiger Face.
The Digital Tiger Face is further developed with Small Cube Projection Headlights (GT-Line) with Intelligent Front-lighting System (IFS) and innovative ‘star map’ LED DRLs, to create a sophisticated lighting pattern that will become a signature of Kia’s EV models.
A polygonal design language gives rise to a fuselage-like side profile that effortlessly combines a strong SUV identity with slippery aerodynamics. With a Kia-first 3D underbody cover, front air curtains, and aerodynamic wheels (19in) EV9 achieves an exceptional 0.28 drag coefficient (Cd).
Completing the cohesive side treatment are dynamic triangular fender structures and pronounced geometric wheel arches, a dynamic tapered roofline, neat details such as automatic flush door handles, and striking 19- and 21-inch alloy wheel designs.
At the rear, a crisp and clean tailgate is flanked by elegantly detailed three-pronged LED taillights that echo the design of the headlights to unify the design while underlining EV9’s confident stance.
The hero colour, Ocean Blue Matte, is offered exclusively for GT-Line, and new premium colours Iceberg Green and Pebble Grey are available across the range.
Standard Flare Red, and Premium Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl and Panthera Metal complete the colour choices.
Inviting comfort and ample space
The ‘Technology for Life’ pillar of Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy played a central role in the creation of EV9’s interior, enabling designers to prioritise space, comfort and technology, in a reimagining of the family SUV.
Kia’s award-winning Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) allowed for a completely flat floor and, with EV9’s long wheelbase and low beltline, provided the basis for an exceptionally spacious interior that lets occupants connect and relax in lounge-style comfort across all three rows, with the added luxury of front Premium Relaxation Seats in GT-Line.
EV9 embodies an elegant, premium and exceptionally user-friendly feel throughout the spacious, light and airy cabin, which is enhanced by a new Premium Mesh Headrest design on the front seats.
An open, floating panoramic dashboard creates a sense of stability in the front and features twin 12.3-inch touchscreens integrated with a 5.0-inch segment display to provide an optimal digital experience and a futuristic interface for the control of vehicle functions.
EV9’s extended display high-definition connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) unit creates a rich and immersive experience to let occupants engage with the digital world seamlessly.
A new Graphical User Interface (GUI) unifies the infotainment, instrument cluster, HVAC and GT-Line AR Head-Up displays, and features specific Normal, Sport and Eco mode themes.
A Hidden Touch Bar below (GT-Line) provides haptic feedback and controls the interface of the ccNC unit, and marks a Kia first, along with an illuminated steering wheel logo (Earth & GT-Line), and column-type Shift-by-Wire (E-SBW).
The E-SBW underpins convenient operation with vehicle start, park and drive-selection functions while freeing space on the high console, which in turn provides ample storage, USB-C charging sockets (which also feature in rows two and three), a wireless Qi charging pad and a further Kia first: a Fingerprint Module (FPM) for engine start and driver profile selection.
Kia-first Digital Side Mirrors (GT-Line) provide a wider and clearer rear view compared with optical mirrors by using cameras and dual 7.0-inch OLED monitors, which also provide vehicle guidelines to assist with depth perception.
Finally, in yet another Kia first, a 9.6-inch Digital Centre Mirror (DCM) lets users switch the interior mirror from a standard ECM to camera display for maximum rear visibility and safety.
The Kia EV9 is 5,010mm long, 1,980mm wide, and 1,755mm high (1780mm with GT-Line bridge-type roof rails), on a 3,100mm wheelbase. With all three rows of seats occupied, EV9 provides 333 litres of cargo space; 828 litres with the third row folded. With both rear rows folded the space expands to a cavernous 2,318 litres.
Setting the standard for sustainability
The EV9 sees Kia continue to set the standard for sustainable mobility, in line with the brand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
This extends beyond the zero-emission EV powertrain to the use of eco-friendly recycled and natural materials, such as bio-plastics, recycled PET fabrics and carpet, and bio-paint in the manufacture of EV9.
Potent, efficient powertrains and ultra-fast charging
The EV9 is built on the advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) featuring Kia’s fourth-generation high energy-density battery technology, and offers a choice of electric powertrain configurations:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Single Motor with 76.1kWh / 632V battery
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Dual Motor with 99.8kWh / 552V battery
The Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant is powered by a 160kW, 350Nm electric motor, can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, and has a WLTP range of 443km.
All-Wheel Drive variants are equipped with two electric motors that unleash total outputs of 283kW and 700Nm.
The Dual Motor AWD EV9 Earth variant has 6.0-second 0-100km/h capability and a WLTP range of 512km on a single charge, to let families confidently embark on long road trips.
EV9 GT-Line featuring the same Dual Motor AWD powertrain, and larger 21-inch wheels and tyres, can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, and has a WLTP range of 505km.
A multi-charging system allows for fast-charging on both 800V and 400V infrastructures without the need for additional hardware.
Ultra-fast charging capability lets users add 232km of driving range in just 15 minutes1. A full charge from 10 to 80 percent takes just 20 minutes1
The Kia EV9 has a braked towing capacity of 900kg in RWD form and 2,500kg in Dual Motor AWD form.
Tuned for Australian conditions
The EV9 was pushed to the limits at Kia’s global Namyang R&D Center and honed on Australian roads, in an intensive development program spanning more than three years.
EV9 is underpinned by strut front suspension with frequency selective dampers and multi-link rear suspension featuring self-levelling dampers, and benefits from a rack-mounted motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS) system.
The global testing phase saw EV9 complete a gruelling program that included a 4WD climbing hill and rough terrain track, and a deep-water wading test, to ensure maximum durability in the most challenging conditions, as well as validating the Snow, Mud and Sand Terrain Modes.
Kia’s high-speed handling and low-friction tracks placed EV9’s dynamics under further, intense scrutiny.
This was followed by Kia Australia’s rigorous local ride and handling program, which ensured EV9’s dynamics deliver the refinement and polish Australian drivers demand, across our varied and uniquely challenging conditions.
“As the new halo product for the Kia brand, it was imperative that Kia Australia localised the EV9 to suit our roads and lifestyle,” said Roland Rivero, General Manager Product at Kia Australia.
“We aimed to make it capable not only in the urban jungle but, also enjoyable on a long drive and on challenging rougher roads,” Kia Australia’s Chief Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold added.
“It does a great job absorbing bumps around town and soaks up the rough stuff at higher speeds on typical country roads, whilst maintaining good body control.
“We are confident Australians will appreciate how the EV9 drives and how well it will cater to their lifestyles.”
Expansive convenience and comfort features
As Kia’s new flagship, EV9 becomes the most advanced product in the range, introducing several firsts for Kia in Australia.
The EV9’s Panoramic Wide Display combines a 12.3-inch cluster display, 5.0-inch segment display, and 12.3-inch infotainment system display for intuitive control and clear information delivery while projecting an ultra-modern ambience.
The EV9 also introduces the next generation of Kia’s in-house developed infotainment and telematics system, Kia Connect, now with greater processing power and an enhanced, user-friendly interface featuring revised graphics.
For the first time, Kia Connect includes Over-the-Air (OTA) update capability, which enables the system to receive continuous ‘wireless’ improvements to more than half of the vehicle’s onboard controllers, to give customers the latest maps, interfaces and software enhancements, without them having to visit a service centre.
EV9 features standard Interior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality (3.68kVA / 230V) to let occupants plug in and power their appliances or charge their devices wherever they travel, with Exterior V2L in addition for GT-Line variant.
Further standard comfort and convenience features include heated and ventilated synthetic leather front seats with two-way power lumbar support, and a heated, synthetic leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Also featuring across the range are a tilting type walk-in device and remote folding release for the second row, and a smart, powered tailgate.
The flagship GT-Line builds on EV9’s extensive standard specification with two-tone artificial leather upholstery, a black synthetic suede headlining, heated and ventilated outer rear seats and privacy glass.
GT-Line also brings a 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system and an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display.
State-of-the-art safety
An array of Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) technologies ensure occupants can relax, secure in the knowledge that EV9 is continuously monitoring the surroundings, ready to react automatically if needed, to ensure their utmost safety, as well as the safety of occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians.
EV9 standard ADAS features include:
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) with Hands-on Detection (HOD)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2) with Junction Crossing, Lane Oncoming & Lane Change Side functions
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/ S&G)
- Rear View Monitor (RVM)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA)
- Parking Distance Warning – Front/Rear (PDW-F/R)
EV9 Earth brings in addition:
- Surround View Monitor (SVM)
- Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R)
EV9 GT-Line brings in addition:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2)
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Forward / Side / Reverse (PCA-F/S/R)
The EV9 marks the Australian debut of Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), a next-gen technology that functions when driving on a freeway or motorway. HDA builds on adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, combining with Lane Following Assist (LFA) to keep EV9 centred in the lane even when driving through a curve.
It adds a direct Hands-on Detection (HOD) sensor to the torque-sensor recognition method to further enhance the recognition of the driver’s steering control, providing warnings and, if necessary, deactivation of HDA 2.
Additionally, HDA 2 includes Lane Change Assist (LCA), which when activated while holding the steering wheel and engaging the turn signal in the desired direction, will automatically steer EV9 into the respective lane.
In addition to its ADAS technologies, EV9 provides class-leading occupant protection through the application of advanced engineering design and materials such as hot-stamped steel and lightweight high-strength aluminium, to create an exceptionally rigid and strong body structure.
Among the leading-edge construction techniques is a world-first, patent-pending B-pillar connection structure that extends the overlap between the crash barrier and side sill.
A suite of nine airbags including front, side, curtain and front centre side airbags completes an extraordinarily safety package in the Kia EV9.
Pricing
| EV9 Air | EV9 Earth | EV9 GT-Line | |
| Powertrain | RWD Single Motor | AWD Dual Motor | AWD Dual Motor |
| Power / Torque | 160kW / 350Nm | 283kW / 700Nm | 283kW / 700Nm |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 8.2sec | 6.0sec | 5.3sec |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloys | 19-inch alloys | 21-inch alloys |
| WLTP Range | 443km | 512km | 505km |
| RRP | $97,000 | $106,500 | $121,000 |
| EV9 Pre-Paid Service | |
| 3 year / 45,000km | $706 |
| 5 year / 75,000km | $1,351 |
| 7 year / 105,000km | $1,997 |
