New Kia Concept EV9 previews upcoming flagship electric SUV

The Concept EV9 hints at Kia’s new range-topping seven-seat electric SUV, although its vast size means it probably won’t come to the UK

Kia has peeled back the cover of the Concept EV9, giving us an early glimpse at what will soon become its new flagship seven-seat electric SUV.

The Kia Concept EV9’s latest teaser will be followed up by an appearance at the 2021 LA Motor Show, allowing show-goers to get a closer look at its space-age cabin and technology.

• Kia to go EV-only in 2035 and become carbon neutral by 2045

It’ll eventually morph into one of the seven new electric vehicles Kia has planned for between now and 2027, as the brand continues its journey towards sustainable motoring and electrification. However, it probably won’t come to the UK.

Its vast dimensions mean it’ll only be suitable for the US and Middle Eastern markets, where the roads are wide enough to accommodate it. Judging by these images, the SUV will be even bigger than the Kia Sorento, which is the company’s largest model for UK buyers.

The company’s renderings also preview the Concept EV9’s cabin, which has an ultra-widescreen infotainment system and an unusual steering wheel. Kia also claims the cabin is flexible, suggesting the seats can be moved around into different positions.

No powertrain specifications have yet been confirmed for the Concept EV9 but, like the Kia EV6, we expect it’ll be based on the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP underpinnings. The extra space between the axles should also be filled with more batteries, to give the SUV enough power to move its added bulk around.

For comparison, the EV6 has a maximum range of 328 miles, courtesy of a 77.4kWh battery pack. For the EV9 to attain a similar range figure, Kia might need to fit a battery as large as 90kWh – not least because the SUV’s boxy styling means aerodynamics aren’t on its side.

However, Kia will transfer the EV6’s 800-volt architecture to the new concept. This will allow the EV9 to charge at up to 239kW, meaning its battery should take on an 80 percent charge in around 20 minutes.

Performance shouldn’t be an issue, either, because the EV6 is already available with dual-motor, four-wheel-drive electric powertrain that produces 577bhp. Any loss in performance due to the added weight won’t really be a concern due to the car’s more comfort-focused brief.

Now click here to read all the latest news about Kia’s plans to launch seven new EVs by 2027…

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