New Kia EV9 revealed as flagship seven-seat SUV

The Kia EV9 has been unveiled as the firm’s new flagship electric SUV. Featuring up to seven seats and a design straight out of Blade Runner, the new EV9 sits above the sleek-looking Kia EV6 hatchback in the lineup and acts as a more affordable alternative to the new Volvo EX90.

Buyers will be able to specify the new Kia EV9 in both six and seven-seat configurations. The latest Kia model is also the largest the South Korean brand has ever sold in the UK – surpassing even that of the Kia Sorento in terms of outright size. 

Exact specifications will be revealed at a later date, but for now we know the EV9 sits on the same e-GMP underpinnings as its smaller EV6 sibling, as well as the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6. We expect the EV9 to be offered with both single and dual-motor powertrains, mated to batteries ranging from 77.4kWh – the same size fitted to the top-spec Kia EV6 – to a hefty 100kWh. 

Kia stated in a press conference in 2022 that it’s targeting a range of up to 339 miles for the EV9 – we suspect such a figure is only likely to be possible utilising the larger battery and more energy-efficient single motor powertrain.

What we do know for certain at this stage, however, is that the EV9 will utilise the same 800-volt architecture as its smaller siblings. This means DC ultra-rapid charging speeds of more than 230kW when connected to a compatible public charger; the EV6 with the 77.4kWh battery takes just 18 minutes to top-up from 10-80% at this rate.

Regardless, what’ll inevitably draw buyers to the largest and latest Kia will undoubtedly be its strikingly futuristic design. Perhaps the EV9’s most distinctive feature – other than its boxy shape – is its imposing ‘tiger face’ front end. Flanked by a set of vertical LED headlights, the front grille-like trim piece features laser-etched elements that allow light to shine through; buyers can configure their own designs via the infotainment system.

Speaking of infotainment, the Kia EV9 debuts an evolution of the brand’s slick dual-screen setup, as seen in the likes of the Kia Niro EV. The Kia EV9 features a digital instrument cluster mounted alongside a centre touchscreen – both measuring 12.3 inches in diameter.  However, this time they sandwich a small five-inch ‘segment’ display which houses the climate controls and seat heating functions. 

As mentioned, the EV9 will be available with both six and seven seats – the former coming with a set of captain’s chairs for the middle row. The overall design of the cabin has a light and airy feel, with unique fabric inserts on the dashboard and door cards.

The Kia EV9 is set to go on sale in late 2023 and will be the first of nine brand new electric Kia models set to hit UK showrooms over the next five years. Exact pricing is yet to be revealed, but we expect the EV9 to start from around £65,000 – around the same as a top-spec Kia EV6. 

Kia has also confirmed a range topping EV9 GT is also in the pipeline; this high-performance model could easily surpass £85,000, putting the Kia in the same ballpark as several high-end electric SUVs such as the Lotus Eletre and Mercedes EQE.