Kia has unveiled new images of the interior and exterior of its incoming seven-seat EV9 SUV electric vehicle (EV) flagship.
Set to raise the average selling price at franchised car dealerships across the UK and add another model to a range aiming to improve on a record 100,000 new car registrations in 2022, the EV9 if the brand’s follow-up to its striking EV6 crossover.
New images of the zero-emissions SUV have been released after the recent launch of the high-performance EV6 GT and come ahead of a full global premier later this month where full specification and performance details will be revealed for the first time.
Alongside the EV9’s official unveiling will be a reveal of a global marketing campaign using the slogan ‘Here to reshape the way we move”, Kia said today (March 15).
Moving on up
Speaking to AM earlier this year Kia UK president and chief executive Paul Philpott said that the brand would be aiming to kick on from last year’s record sales, with the help of the launch of new models.
He said: “I don’t consider that 6.2% market share is now the norm for us, but our retailers are going to benefit from a greater throughput and the benefit of selling more expensive cars in the years to come.”
Globally, Kia will introduce 14 EV models by 2027 as part of its ‘Plan S’ strategy. Nine of these models will make their way to the UK market.
Philpott added: “The brand has come such a long way since 2007 when it grew from 30,000 registrations with the help of the scrappage scheme.
“It’s not long ago that people questioned if we could sell a Sportage at £40,000 and now the EV6 GT is £62,000 and the new EV9 will be around that level.
“Despite the shift, our products still represent great value, there is a huge range of price points and drivetrain options for all customers and our residuals are strong. A Niro will lose just 16% of its value in the first year.”
While Philpott said that there were some changes in franchise representation due to the CI investments currently being made in the network, he also said Kia would not be following other OEMs into a reduction of their network’s scale.
EV9 'breaks new ground' for Kia
Kia’s new EV9 will feature the Korean carmaker’s new E-GMP flat-floor EV architecture, which it claims amplifies interior space with third row seating, enhancing comfort while “exuding a sense of high technology”.
Outside, its design employs a design philosophy that Kia describes as ‘Opposites United’.
Among the defining features are a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’, vertical headlamps and ‘Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)’, Kia said.
Inside, it features a flexible, flat-floored cabin which allows the second row of seats to be swivelled 180 degrees, while the third row offers cup holders and charging points.
Among the standard trim will be a floating dashboard and two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one five-inch segment display.
Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia Global Design Center, said: "The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility.
"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."
