'The Ultimate Electric SUV' Kia EV9, Driving Hands-Free

Kia Unveils Flagship Electric SUV EV9 Worldwide Premiere
Equipped with Large-Capacity Battery Over 500km Range
Applies Autonomous Driving 3 HDP... Supports Wireless SW Updates
Reduced Use of Leather Seats... Sustainable Design Strategy

Kia has unveiled its flagship electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the EV9, for the first time in the world. Kia has poured all advanced innovative technologies into the EV9, the top model in its electric SUV lineup, including a large-capacity battery with a driving range of over 500 km and Level 3 autonomous driving technology. The company plans to establish an annual production and sales system of 100,000 units, making it the central model of the brand's electrification strategy.

On the 29th, at an online media conference where the EV9 was revealed for the first time globally, Kia President Song Ho-sung emphasized, "The EV9 is a model that contains the core message of what kind of brand Kia will become," adding, "It will play a central role in the individual electrification models to be launched in the future."

First, Kia equipped the EV9 with a large-capacity 99.8 kWh battery that offers a driving range of over 500 km. Compared to the Kia EV6 GT, which is one class lower and has a range of 342 km, this means an increase of more than 150 km. Kia offers two models: a 2WD model with a rear-wheel motor producing a maximum output of 150 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm, and a 4WD model with front and rear motors producing a maximum output of 283 kW and maximum torque of 600 Nm. For the all-wheel-drive model, adding the booster option results in a zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.3 seconds.

Kia concentrated innovative technologies in the EV9, highlighting its function as an SDV (software-defined vehicle). Kia applied the brand's first Level 3 autonomous driving technology, 'Highway Driving Pilot (HDP),' to the EV9, which allows hands-free driving on highways at speeds up to 80 km/h. While Level 2 autonomous driving only assists the driver, Level 3 shifts partial control of driving and variable detection to the system. This technology autonomously adjusts speed according to changing speed limits or curved roads and maintains a safe distance by detecting vehicles ahead or those cutting in.

Kia operates a 'Connect Store' where customers can purchase desired software products to add features. These include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, which supports remote parking, exiting, and parking assistance; Lighting Pattern, which allows additional purchase of digital pattern lighting grilles; and Streaming Plus, which enables enjoying video and audio content in the car. Additionally, an over-the-air (OTA) software update function has been added. Without visiting a service center or connecting separate equipment, software can be updated wirelessly to use new features such as updated navigation map information.

The EV9 design faithfully reflects Kia's design philosophy, 'Opposites United.' This philosophy harmoniously arranges contrasting shapes. While the exterior emphasizes a grand and straight-lined traditional SUV feel, the interior mainly features rounded, curved shapes.

The front exterior features Kia's family look, the 'Tiger Nose,' reborn as a 'Digital Tiger Face.' Digital pattern lighting is applied to the grille, giving a futuristic impression. The pattern lighting can be changed to the driver's preferred design.

Another advantage of the EV9 is its space utilization, which leverages the characteristics of electric vehicles. By applying the dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP, the interior space is maximized. The seat configuration can be changed into four types, including 7-seater and 6-seater 3 models, allowing for various space arrangements. When the second-row seats are equipped with swivel seats that rotate 180 degrees, the second and third rows can face each other.

Kia embedded the brand's commitment to sustainability in the EV9. Instead of leather materials, plant-based materials such as corn and sugarcane are used progressively. More than 70 eco-friendly materials made from recycled PET bottles are used in one EV9. Kia plans to apply 10 essential materials considering sustainability to new cars to be launched in the future.

Kia will exhibit the EV9 and EV9 GT-line at the Seoul Mobility Show starting on the 31st of this month. Full-scale sales and mass production are planned for the second quarter after certification by relevant authorities is completed. President Song said, "We are pushing for domestic sales starting in the second quarter," adding, "We will sequentially introduce the model to major global markets in the second half of the year and reshape the electrification competition landscape in the global automotive market."