Kia has revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the EV9, its first three-row electric flagship SUV, which encapsulates bold styling and sophisticated elegance inside and out. The EV9 represents a pivotal step forward in the company's journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
Guided by the brand’s Opposites United
design philosophy, Kia’s designers strive to create vehicles with
unprecedented visual appeal. In particular, the "Bold for Nature" pillar
of the ideology, which inspires the combination of elements from the
natural and material worlds, has played a key role in forming the
exterior design of the EV9. The result is a vehicle that effortlessly
combines an undoubted aura of rugged capability for all conditions, with
the serene calmness of a sophisticated EV that paves new paths for
future electric SUV design.
The front of the EV9 is denoted by
simple clear-cut lines and body surfaces, which exude confidence,
clarity and calmness in equal measure. Accentuated by the "Digital
Pattern Lighting Grille" and striking vertical headlamps, 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
innovative "Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL)" create a new
illumination experience and delivers a sophisticated animated lighting
pattern that will 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 effortlessly combines a strong and indisputable SUV
identity with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. 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, the simple, clean lines of the tailgate, which
are elegantly detailed by the slim rear lights that mirror the design
of those at the front, further reflect the EV9’s strong and confident
stance.
The Kia "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 - realizing new possibilities for mobility. These values have played a pivotal role in the creation of the interior of the EV9. They have enabled Kia’s designers to prioritize space, comfort and technology for all passengers, reimagining what a family SUV can offer.
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 effortlessly swiveled 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.
Throughout the spacious, light, airy cabin, the EV9 embodies an elegantly simple, premium quality, exceptionally user-friendly design. The open, floating panoramic dashboard extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle's center. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display improve the digital experience, offering effortless control of the vehicle’s functions and ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum.
The center console is equipped with ample storage options, including a spacious compartment located at its base. The center console doors are further designed to add to the overall refinement of the interior space.
The EV9’s extended display high-definition audio visual, navigation and telematics (AVNT) screen creates a rich and immersive experience. It enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly. Beneath the AVNT screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control.
The Kia EV9 will make its digital global premiere in late March. During the event, Kia will disclose all product information and roll out the global campaign with the slogan, "Here to reshape the way we move".
