Today, Kia Corporation revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia EV9, its first three-row electric flagship SUV.
The company says the Kia EV9 represents a pivotal step forward in their journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
The EV9 is inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which they say harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole. Kia claims its designers have fused a unique combination of sleek, sculptural shapes and assured, assertive geometry to deliver a strikingly contemporary yet gracefully serene SUV.
“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.”
Kia EV9 – Exterior design
The front of the EV9 is denoted by simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces, almost looking like a drawing instead of a ‘real’ SUV. Accentuated by the ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and vertical headlamps, Kia says the EV9’s signature ‘Digital Tiger Face’ imparts a visionary and futuristic look and feel. The 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)’ denote Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for the brand’s future EV models.
Formed from a polygonal design language, the side profile of the EV9 combines a strong and indisputable SUV identity with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, says Kia. Dynamic triangular fender structures and highly pronounced geometric wheel arches combine with the fuselage body, unifying the polygonal elements into a cohesive structure that presents a determined look. Flush door handles and a tapered back roofline gives a sense of smooth and efficient motion.
At the rear of the vehicle, simple clean lines are detailed by the slim rear lights that mirror the design of those at the front.
Kia EV9 – Interior design
Apparently, Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy ‘Technology for Life’ pillar ensures that only technology and innovation that promote positive, intuitive interactions between humans and machines are created – realising new possibilities for mobility.
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for all occupants to connect and 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 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.
There is an open, floating panoramic dashboard extending from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s centre. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display improve the digital experience, offering control of the vehicle’s functions and ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum.
DriveLife will be booking a test vehicle for one of our full reviews as soon as possible.
