In anticipation of its Los Angeles Auto Show debut on 17 November, Kia has shared images of its latest all-electric concept, the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 SUV is every bit the muscular, square-jawed SUV teased in the original teaser. Kia has shared only a few shadowy images and sketches, but it’s obvious that boxy is in with the EV9.
With its upright proportions, squared-off front end, and block-like body, the EV9 is said to be inspired by nature’s contrasts and should appeal to lovers of this style of SUV. Front and center are slim, L-shaped LED lights, and next to them are small, circular daytime running lights integrated into perforations on the otherwise sealed-off front end. EV9’s muscular wheel arches are visible as are its blacked-out pillars (could create the illusion of a floating roof), its large glass roof, and thin LED taillights.
EV9’s interior design sketch illustrates the funky steering wheel and an ultra-wide screen that combines the digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment system as highlights in an otherwise minimalist design. Head of design at Kia, Karim Habib, spoke about the use of recycled fish nets for the EV9’s flooring and the use of recycled plastic bottles and wool for the EV9’s seat fabrics. Habib went on to say that the EV9 will only have vegan leather on the inside, and even that the company is phasing out the use of leather in future vehicles.
Kia has not disclosed any other details, but it is already clear that the EV9 will be based on the similar E-GMP architecture as the Hyundai Seven concept, which will debut in LA on the same day as the EV9. According to reports, the Kia EV9 will have a massive lithium-ion battery (close to 100 kWh in capacity), single- and dual-motor configurations, and a range of up to 500 km on a full charge.
Its Expected the production version of the Kia EV9 concept to debut around in 2023.