South Korean automaker Kia has finally started delivering its all-new flagship EV9 electric SUV in its home market on June 19, The Korea Daily reports.
In hindsight, Kia released a teaser video of the EV9 on Twitter in early March and announced plans to reveal the model in the same month. After a few months, Kia has now launched the electric SUV in South Korea.
About the EV9
Technical details
The Kia EV9 shares the same E-GMP platform with the award-winning IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, officially making the SUV the brand’s second dedicated electric model following the EV6.
Kia claims that the EV9 has “true SUV capabilities,” including the following:
- 7.8 ground clearance
- up to 82 cu. ft. of cargo space at the back
- AWD
- up to 5,000 lb. towing
Apart from that, the EV9 features two electric motors, generating up to 379 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. It is also equipped with a 99.8 kWh battery, which offers a driving range of up to 311 miles (501 km).
Design and other features
As for the design, the EV9 sports muscular and dynamic lines, which pay tribute to the brand’s revamped logo. Kia Design Center America Chief Designer Tom Kearn defines the vehicle as “a master class in simplicity of form and expression.”
The EV9 also marks the company’s first model to feature multiple digital features and software systems via the Kia Connect Store. The features include over-the-air updates, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, and Lightning Pattern.
Pre-orders
An unnamed Kia official claimed that 55% of pre-orders for the EV9 model are from new customers.
“We are very encouraged to see new demand for our flagship model, which has a high brand repurchase rate.”
Kia official (via Electrek)
See Also:
- Kia releases teaser video of the upcoming EV9 indicating its reveal date
- Kia to invest $1 bn to expand its production plant in Mexico
- Kia EV6 wholesale shipments had record-breaking sales in March 2023
- Kia raises global EV sales target to 1.6 million by 2030
- Wholesale shipments of the Kia EV6 increased in February 2023
Kia is expected to launch the all-new EV9 electric SUV in the US market in Q4 2023. The automaker will apparently assemble the EV in West Point, Georgia, marking the brand’s first US-built electric SUV.
The EV9 will undoubtedly aid the brand achieve its target of selling 1.6 million EV globally by 2030.