Kia reveals ‘big and blocky’ EV9

Production of Kia’s big, blocky EV9 large electric SUV is about to start, with a global digital launch of the three-row SUV scheduled for later this month.

However, we will have to wait a while longer for the model to lob on these shores as prime markets such as the US will have first dibs.

Kia Australia’s chief operating officer Damien Meredith said he was ‘hopeful’ that 2200 units of both the EV6 and EV9 would be available for sale in 2024 – the first full year on sale for the EV9.

When it does arrive, the EV9 would take the mantle as Kia’s most expensive model in Australia, with the probability that in GT form at least, it would eclipse the current top-priced Kia EV6 GT that sits a whisker under $100,000.

Price wise, it will rival a bunch of performance prestige SUVs from the likes of BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, too – all of which are pitched at more than $135,000 plus on-road costs.

Details about the EV9 are scant, but it will likely be offered locally in several guises mirroring the powertrain choices in the EV6 range.

That means a halo GT model with its 430kW dual-motor configuration is likely.

Kia Australia says it is currently considering which variants of the EV9 to import, including the choice of short and-or long-range battery versions.

General manager of product planning Roland Rivero told GoAuto the purchase price would determine such options.

Mr Rivero said the smaller EV9 battery pack should offer a driving range in the vicinity of 400 kilometres, while the longer-range pack should be close to the 600km mark.

The EV9 sits above the Sorento in terms of size and will be available with three-row seating in six or seven-seat configuration, making it a viable alternative to the Carnival people mover.

Built on an extended wheelbase version of the Hyundai-Kia E-GMP platform, the EV9 features a flat floor, which optimises interior room for all occupants and luggage.

Kia said the EV9 ‘encapsulates bold styling and sophisticated elegance inside and out’ and is a ‘pivotal step forward in the company’s journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider’.

The bluff fronted, two-box exterior design has a bold look with some sculptural shapes to deliver a contemporary take on what is essentially a practical family hauler.

The appearance is lifted with various devices, such as LED lighting and Kia’s signature Tiger Nose façade, now called a Digital Tiger Face. Each side features bold polygonal shapes pressed into the metal for a crisp, less slab-sided look.

Flush door handles and a tapered back roofline complete the profile.

The rear features simple, clean lines to the tailgate with elegant detailing via slim rear lights that mirror the design of those at the front.

Inside, designers have prioritised space, comfort and technology for all passengers, reimagining what a family SUV can offer.

Kia said it captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivered 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 swivelled 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.

The family-sized vehicle features an open, floating panoramic dashboard that extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s centre.

Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5.0-inch segment display improve the digital experience, offering easy control of the vehicle’s functions and ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum.

Kia Global Design Centre executive vice-president Karim Habib said the EV9’s extended display high-definition audio-visual, navigation and telematics screen created a rich and immersive experience.

“It enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly,” he said.

“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility. It 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.”

– Peter Barnwell

MG Motor fast-tracks electric offerings

Mg

Motor Australia debuted its stylish MG4 electric hatch and a long range variant of the ZS EV small electric SUV at Fully Charged Live in Sydney last week, the latter going on sale later this month at $55,990 drive-away.

No pricing has been announced for the electric-only MG4 small hatch, which will be available for purchase from the second half of this year.

The Chinese importer said it fasttracked the models’ arrival Down Under due to unprecedented demand for its current battery electric vehicle offering, as well as customer feed- back and anticipation around both vehicles.

MG Motor Australia reported the MG4 hatchback boasts several innovations and key features it says will set it apart from other offerings in the market.

The company highlighted the model’s scalable platform – developed by parent company SAIC – as part of a ‘superior driving experience’ that has helped it score a bevy of awards in the UK, where the model has been on sale since mid-2022.

Meanwhile, the ZS EV Long Range is said to offer Australian buyers greater peace of mind when travelling longer distances – the model’s 72kWh battery pack providing up to 440 kilometres of range, or 120km more than the 50.3kWh standard model.

The MG4 EV will be available in 51kWh and 64kWh capacities, which are said to offer ranges of up to 350km and 450km respectively.

Using a DC fast charger, the MG4 can be charged to 80 percent in as little as 40 minutes, while the ZS EV Long Range takes 63 minutes.

– Matt Brogan

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