Large 2023 KIA EV9 SUV will come to UK

Kia has confirmed its boldly styled EV9 electric large SUV will arrive in the UK in 2023, sitting at the top of its lineup. Unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show in 2021, it had been thought its Telluride-matching size may limit it to overseas markets.

Measuring 4,930mm in length, 2,055mm wide and 1,790mm tall, the concept is larger in size than the Kia Sorento and will offer three rows of seating – a rarity amongst electric models. It will also be the biggest model based on the modular E-GMP platform, so a battery capacity of at least the 77.4kWh found in the EV6 is likely. If that’s the case, it should get a range of around 300 miles – the lighter and considerably more aerodynamic EV6 can manage up to 328 miles between charges.

It’s likely the EV9 will also be offered with a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive, although a single-motor at the rear is also possible if an entry-level, long-range version is deemed to be a potential seller. Thanks to the E-GMP platform’s 800-volt architecture, it will also be able to charge at speeds of up to 350kW.

The EV9 has a boxy, chiselled design, with a closed ‘Digital Tiger Face’ nose to improve aerodynamics. The Concept EV9 has a solar panel at the base of the windscreen, and retractable roof rails that help smooth airflow when not in use. Exterior cameras replace traditional mirrors and there are 22-inch alloy wheels with a geometric pattern. Some features like the rear-hinged rear doors are unlikely to make production, while design elements such as the triangular rear pillars and minimalist interior are likely to be closer to the finished SUV. The latter features slim seats, an ultrawidescreen 27-inch display floating above a slim dashboard and a ‘pop-up steering pad’ in place of a conventional steering wheel.

The Concept also has front seats which can rotate to face the third row, while the middle seats fold down to create a table. Coupled with the panoramic sunroof, this ‘Pause Mode’ creates a ‘first-class lounge’.