Kia Electric SUV EV9 Design Unveiled: "Enhanced Sense of Space"

by Choi Daeyul

Published 15 Mar.2023 06:00(KST)

Flagship Electric SUV
"Bold and Majestic Impression"
Swivel Seats and Storage Space Catch Attention

Kia unveiled the design of its electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) EV9 on the 15th. Following the EV6, it is the second electric vehicle to apply a dedicated platform and is a mid-to-large size model. It is considered the flagship at the top of Kia's electric vehicle lineup.

Karim Habib, Vice President and Head of the Kia Design Center, said at the design preview event held in mid-last month, "While the EV6 emphasized dynamism and masculinity, the EV9 focuses on a clear and sincere feeling with a sharp SUV look, presenting a unique right-angled design. The body is smooth and the center of gravity is low, giving an overall impression of spaciousness and openness."

Kia EV9

The vehicles revealed to the press on this day were two types: a prototype and a design model. The design model is the final model at the design stage and differs somewhat from the mass-produced model sold to customers.

The headlights are shaped in a right-angled form and feature digital animation lamps. Since air intakes are unnecessary, the headlamps are connected seamlessly. The daytime running lights are thin and sleek. The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) is extended, and the front overhang is shortened.

Kim Taek-gyun, Executive Director in charge of exterior design at Kia, explained, "We aimed to create a bold, grand, yet luxurious feel. The beltline (the boundary between the side windows and the body) is lowered to give a refreshing and open impression even when viewed from inside."

Kia EV9

Lee Min-young, Head of Kia Next Design Interior Team (from left), Karim Habib, Vice President of Kia Global Design Center, Kim Taek-gyun, Executive Director of Kia Next Design, and Yoon Moon-hyo, Head of Kia Next Design Exterior Team 2, are answering questions at the design preview event last month.

The interior floor is flat, making the internal space appear larger. The center console and door areas have a non-protruding design. The dashboard features a connected 12.3-inch large display and a 5-inch climate control display. Before the ignition is turned on, the buttons appear as a smooth surface. Frequently used switches such as volume and climate control remain as physical buttons. Various storage spaces are provided, and the second row can be equipped with independent swivel seats that can rotate. The headrests are thin.

They also paid attention to aerodynamics, which affect driving range, during the design process. Habib said, "The most important design element is the sense of space in the vehicle configured with three rows and seven seats. It allows families or group customers to use the vehicle comfortably."