Kia Concept EV9 unveils at 2021 AutoMobility LA show

KUALA LUMPUR: After introducing its first fully electric vehicle, the EV6, in March this year, Kia now unleashes another all-electric concept dubbed as the Concept EV9. Unveiled at the ongoing AutoMobility show in Los Angeles, the concept is an electric SUV that “epitomizes the brand’s recent leadership in designing and developing desirable, high-tech, zero-emissions vehicles.”

Just like the EV6, the Concept EV9 also underpins the dedicated EV from Kia that is developed and optimized on the brand’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). With a design inspired by nature, the concept uses upcycled materials for car flooring and seating upholstery.

The SUV has a block-like body with squared-off front-end and upright proportions. It measures 4,930 mm in length, 2,055 mm in width, 1,790 mm in height, and has a long wheelbase of 3,100 mm. This means it is wider and taller than the brand’s biggest ICE-powered SUV, theTelluride. Included in the design highlights are:

• Digital Tiger Face with BEV-focused grille incorporating an intricate star cloud pattern display that remains behind the body panel when EV is not in use
• Muscular wheel arches with 22-inch aero-focused triangular alloy wheels
• Blacked-out pillars
• Large glass roof
• Rear-hinged doors 
• Slender LED tail-lights
• Retractable roof rails 
• A camera monitoring system in place of conventional mirrors

The Concept EV9 has a transformative interior space kitted with equipment like an interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display that connects the car from the real world to the virtual one. It serves all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control, and comfort functionality features. It is teamed up with a pop-up steering pad. 

The EV also features three innovative interior modes - Active, Pause, and Enjoy. Active Mode works when the car is on the move, it makes sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience. However, the other two forward-thinking modes work when the car is not moving. Pause Mode turns the space to more like a first-class lounge while the Enjoy Mode creates a theatre-like arrangement.

Like the Kia EV6, the Concept EV9 also features fast-charging technology. It gets a 350-kW charger that recharges 10% to 80% battery in just 20 to 30 minutes offering a cruising range of 480 km.

What are your thoughts on the Kia Concept EV9, let us know in the comments.

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