With its special suspension design, noise-absorbing tires, and all-wheel drive, the Kia EV9 delivers outstanding comfort balanced with stable dynamic driving feel. During its recent ride & handling tests in Papenburg, Germany, the EV9 was put through its paces, being driven to its limits on a variety of surfaces such as dry and wet handling tracks, challenging rough roads and slanted terrain, as the experts fine-tuned its components to ensure the best driving experience.
Testing the EV9 in Papenburg
At the proving ground, the EV9 was performing dynamic lane changes on a multi-lane high speed oval with banked curves, ensuring safe handling on the limit. On the “NHK”, an abbreviation for the German “Nass handling Kurs”, a low-grip, racetrack-like circuit that is constantly sprayed with water the tires and suspension were tested under realistic wet condition for grip and safety.
To conclude the testing the comfort
was evaluated on a road lined with different types of vertical inputs,
for example potholes, manhole covers and diagonal impact bars. Here the
ideal selection of springs and antiroll bars in combination with the
matching tuning of the shock absorbers becomes apparent. The result? An
overall no-compromises performance with a balanced and smooth ride.
Tuned for EV specifications with no-compromises on performance
Tuning
an EV comes with its own set of challenges that differ from a
combustion-engine car. For one, engineers must account for the
additional weight of the battery. In the case of the EV9, the battery is
integrated into the lower chassis of the E-GMP platform. The engineers
took advantage of this low centre of gravity and used it to stabilise
vehicle dynamics such as roll motions and dynamic weight distribution,
resulting in better handling on cornering.
When developing the
EV9, Kia engineers made a point to balance comfort with performance,
meaning the EV9 offers one of the best driving performances in its
segment. For example, the EV9 is available with all-wheel drive, which
comes with benefits such as faster acceleration and more dynamic driving
behaviour. It also offers an excellent steering and braking performance
for a vehicle in its segment.
In addition, the EV9 features enhanced regenerative braking control, meaning the EV9 can recuperate energy that would be otherwise lost in braking than before. A second-generation Integrated Electric Motor Booster (IEB) reduces the overall weight of the braking system for improved efficiency. Another braking software, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), automatically reduces vehicle speed when driving downhill. All of these have a direct impact on the driver’s journey, as the car drives more efficient, reducing the times the car must recharge its battery.
The EV9 sets new standards of comfort
As described above the EV9 has been carefully optimised to offer everyone maximum comfort. The new geometry of the Multi-Link front suspension offers a kingpin offset to reduce driving vibrations transmitted to the cabin. A self-levelizing rear damper system improves both driving performance and stability in loaded condition. Furthermore, the vehicle has been equipped with specially developed tires to reduce rolling noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), resulting in a quieter driving performance - even at high speeds.
A
centralised control system, the Chassis Domain Control Unit (CDCU),
manages all systems affecting the handling of the vehicle, including the
brake systems, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Dynamic Torque
Vectoring, which uses partial braking and motor torque compensation when
cornering, resulting in safer and more stable driving dynamics.
Another
feature, Crosswind Stability Control, an important feature for EVs with
large side areas, applies partial braking and steering torque control
to counteract strong side winds, keeping the vehicle centred in its
lane.
Offroad capabilities thanks to the Terrain mode
Despite
its family-friendly character, the EV9 is capable of driving on a
variety of challenging surfaces or even off-road thanks to its Terrain
Mode Select system. To activate, drivers can push a button on the
steering wheel to enter Mud, Sand, or Snow mode. For each driving mode,
the Terrain Mode Select system adjusts the powertrain control, torque
distribution, and chassis to adapt the driving to the selected surface
and minimise slipping. This results in safer driving and more control,
even in low-grip conditions.
