Kia’s EV9 electrical SUV comes with three rows of seats and a hanging design

Kia is giving us our first look on the inside and exterior of its hanging mid-size EV9 SUV, whereas saving key specs just like the battery measurement and powertrain for the official debut early subsequent month. The market-ready model hews carefully to the unique EV9 idea we first saw in November 2021, albeit with the blockiness toned down. Nonetheless, very similar to the EV6, it is a dramatic and fascinating design.

The upcoming mannequin has triangular home windows within the rear quarter panel very similar to the EV6, however in any other case seems to attract inspiration from boxy SUVs like older Vary Rovers. Kia stated it is “fashioned from a polygonal design language” that makes use of “triangular fender buildings and extremely pronounced geometric wheel arches mix with the fuselage physique.” Regardless of all of the traces and edges, although, Kia says the EV9 remains to be extremely aerodynamic.  

It gives three rows of seats and thus turns into one of many first EVs to fit into the favored mid-size SUV class. Which means it’s going to be taking up ICE automobiles like Kia’s personal Telluride, the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and different fashions. The boxiness and squared off rear finish means it ought to supply good headroom.

One enjoyable contact is that the center row makes use of swivelling captain’s chairs, to allow them to flip round to face the rear seats, Orient Categorical-style. It’s going to be offered in 6- and 7-passenger configurations, relying on whether or not the rear seats are buckets or a bench.

Up entrance, Kia has ditched the idea’s huge wraparound display in favor of two 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system. The variety of bodily buttons has been lowered and touch-sensitive sprint controls added. The inside makes use of mesh and different supplies designed to additional increase the sensation of spaciousness.

Different particulars together with infotainment system options are being stored below wraps till the car’s official reveal in early April. We do know that it will likely be constructed utilizing the EV6’s E-GMP platform, however Kia has but to say something in regards to the EV9’s energy, battery measurement, vary and value. With the EV6 beginning at $45,000 or so, the EV9 is more likely to be significantly north of that — however as we have seen with Kia, it is more likely to be reasonably priced for its class.