2024 Kia EV9 SUV is a family-size dedication to EVs

The place are all of the mass-market, family-size electrical SUVs?

They’re not right here but. As a substitute we now have a bunch of not-quite-family-size electrical crossovers with racy rooflines, and a rising cohort of really spacious electrical SUVs with luxurious value tags.

It’s shaping as much as be an enormous alternative for Kia, because the 2024 EV9 SUV might be right here very quickly. And, as Inexperienced Automobile Experiences skilled final month in a closed-course preview, it’s precisely what’s wanted for this untapped market.

At Hyundai and Kia’s California proving grounds I used to be allowed a primary probability to stand up shut with the EV9 exterior of an auto-show flooring. I drove it, too. For these autos—described by Kia as production-level, global-spec prototypes—taking them out on public roads wasn’t but permitted.

General, it presents households a mixture that might be arduous to withstand: three helpful rows of seating, an estimated EPA vary effectively over 250 miles for a lot of the lineup, an OEM-supported bidirectional charging toolset but unmatched by some other EV, and a quiet and comparatively mushy journey that felt refreshing versus the market’s plethora of crossover EVs strutting the efficiency aspect.

2024 Kia EV9

Table of Contents

EV9 design: Telluride, Soul, and sci-fi

Don’t let the seemingly science-fiction-inspired design particulars lead you astray, after a couple of minutes of climbing round this automobile, it’s not one thing you’ll dwell on. Whereas up on a stand or a good showroom flooring the EV9 can really feel imposing, upright, and edgy-futuristic, stepping as much as it parked in an enormous stretch of tarmac helped spin these proportions otherwise. Stepping again at a distance, the EV9 seems much more like a scaled-up Kia Soul—not a nasty factor by any means.

Going by the general measurement, and the profile, the EV9 will be summed up as an electrical counterpart to the extremely standard Telluride SUV.

The Kia EV9 measures 197.2 inches lengthy, whereas it’s 78 inches large and 70 inches tall general. That makes it considerably bigger general than the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, or Cadillac Lyriq, all of which have simply two rows of seating. However, it’s considerably smaller than the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Volvo EX90, or Tesla Mannequin X, all of which will be three-row autos.

That pegs it inside a fraction of an inch of the Telluride in almost all these key dimensions, though its 122-inch wheelbase is about 7 inches longer than that of the Telluride.

Regardless of SUV poses, the chunky look defies aerodynamics, to some degree. Contemplating all of the frontal space, it makes good with a 0.28 coefficient of drag for the highest GT-Line.

2024 Kia EV9

300 miles of vary on lower than 100 kwh

That results in an necessary level: Regardless of its boxy form and three rows, the EV9 will go as much as 300 EPA miles on lower than 100 kwh of battery, Kia says.

A lot of the fashions within the EV9 lineup will include a 99.8-kwh battery pack. They embrace Gentle, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim ranges. The bottom Gentle rear-wheel-drive model with this battery will make 201 hp and 258 lb-ft and hit that 300 miles, whereas the remainder of the dual-motor lineup will make 379 hp and as much as 516 lb-ft of torque, incomes estimated EPA rankings of 270-285 miles of vary.

A price-leading Gentle trim degree (additionally single-motor-only) will embrace a smaller 76.1-kwh battery pack and make 215 hp and 258 lb-ft, whereas incomes an estimated 225 miles of vary.

A warmth pump might be elective on Gentle fashions with the bigger pack and customary on all others with that pack.

2024 Kia EV9

Kia EV9 driving impressions—closed-course version

The entire autos I drove on the occasion have been top-of-the-line GT-Line all-wheel-drive variations—good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.

On a big, clean skidpad space I used to be welcomed first to check acceleration, on a stretch that added as much as virtually a quarter-mile. Foot-to-the-floor sprints, adopted by some dynamic skidpad dealing with time, demonstrated the distinction between the EV9’s drive modes—and that the top-trim mannequin launches authoritatively. By that I discovered that Regular and Sport modes ship the identical final energy (and acceleration occasions), as I hit about 97 mph, however Sport offers you a perkier impression as you tip onto the accelerator. Eco mode each softens the accelerator calibration and dials again energy; Kia didn’t have specs on precisely how a lot, however it knocked about 10 mph off these acceleration runs.

2024 Kia EV9 prototype drive

Beware that Kia pegs the vary chief of the lineup, the single-motor Gentle mannequin with the 99.8-kwh battery, at 8.8 seconds to 60 mph, so it is not going to really feel almost as fast.

Slower may not all the time be slower. Kia is boasting that with the EV9 it is going to be for the primary time providing over-the-air upgrades to automobile attributes, at further price. It’ll, for example, permit house owners of the middle-trim fashions, in any other case rated at 443 lb-ft of torque, to faucet into the complete 516 lb-ft of the GT Line.

2024 Kia EV9 prototype drive

On a high-speed closed circuit I used to be additionally allowed to convey the EV9 as much as—and effectively past—freeway speeds, with time to check the EV9’s energetic lane management system and its much-improved lane following, set to be a part of the elective Superior Driving Help (AHDA) system that may embrace Lidar within the EV9. The next is now clean at U.S. freeway speeds and doesn’t lose its calm as much as about 80 mph, although we may really feel some digital bobbling backwards and forwards above that.

In all, I obtained the prospect to push the EV9 previous 105 mph, and I can attest that along with it feeling steady there, it’s astonishingly quiet. Kia factors to low-noise tires and insulated window glass as measures that give the EV9 extra of a premium really feel than some customers would possibly count on. It factors out that the EV9 is as quiet inside at 55 mph as a Vary Rover, whereas nonetheless providing extra skidpad grip (0.84g) than a Vary Rover or the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (4Matic). It additionally claims higher braking efficiency than each of these fashions.

2024 Kia EV9

EV9 journey, dealing with, and dynamics

On a skidpad, amongst cones, I obtained the prospect to push the envelope dynamically, and located that the EV9 corners predictably. Simply don’t count on the EV6’s handling-focused energy supply to hold over to the EV9. General, propulsion and traction programs are tuned rather more conservatively. Throw the EV9 rapidly into a good nook and you’ll rapidly discover the traction limits of the Hankook tires, together with modest physique roll. General although, having the hefty battery pack down under helps preserve it a lesser model of what you’ll discover when you did the identical in some gasoline-powered three-row SUVs.

The EV9 weighs almost 5,900 kilos within the totally loaded GT-Line model I drove, and contemplating that and the mushy tuning, this massive electrical SUV feels surprisingly nimble. The crew behind the EV9 factors to the five-link suspension—in a considerably completely different association than utilized in different E-GMP fashions up to now—as serving to quell a few of these physique motions regardless of the mushy tuning. It definitely helps decrease nosedive on arduous braking and squat-and-lift throughout fast takeoffs.

2024 Kia EV9 prototype drive

Kia’s drive alternative most likely put the EV9’s suspension by way of the paces rather more than any public-road drive route would have—with one exception. There wasn’t a scenario that might permit me to nook exuberantly on an imperfect highway floor, to check out how that suspension permits the burden to shift round.

One factor the drive system within the EV9 merely doesn’t allow is shifting extra energy to the rear wheels with a prod of the accelerator. Whilst you can “get the tail out” in some conditions within the EV6, with exuberant driving and the suitable mode, underneath no scenario does the EV9 allow such a factor. It’s a household automobile, proper?

2024 Kia EV9

Kia EV9 off-roading and towing

This closed-course preview drive of the EV9 additionally included some gentle off-roading. The EV9 has a 4WD Lock that electronically synchronizes the motors, splitting energy evenly between entrance and rear to assist make this highly effective SUV extra delicately surefooted on the path. It labored its allure on a dusty path that was a mixture of fine-grit gravel and rutted filth. It disengages if you speed up previous 31 mph—or, I used to be informed, as quickly because the system can inform you’re driving on pavement.

Whereas the EV9’s floor clearance is a measly 7.8 inches, its water-fording depth is nineteen.5 inches and its very quick overhangs assist it do effectively with method and departure angles—if not breakover, so watch that pack within the center. On a steep, dusty 22-degree descent and ascent the EV9’s hill-descent and traction programs carried out with no hitch.

Towing capability might be 5,000 kilos, and software program will determine load and alter vary accordingly.

2024 Kia EV9

An electrical Telluride? No, higher than that inside.

The extra I sat within the driver’s seat, crawled across the inside, after which drove this electrical SUV, the much less it felt like an electrical Telluride. Adjusting the seat to my liking—I’m a long-legged 6-foot-6—I cranked the decrease cushion downward and the seatback extra upright and located a greater driving place than I can obtain within the EV6 or within the Telluride, with a transparent view outward and round, and a number of other inches of headroom but above.

As a lot as automakers extol the space-maximizing packaging benefits of EVs and skateboard platforms, the outcomes don’t all the time maximize house in ways in which makes a distinction in seating—the Kia EV6, for example, which is constructed on the identical platform because the EV9 however comes up oddly quick in headroom and flooring house. With the EV9, alternatively, Kia has managed to package deal a no-compromises upright crossover physique over the comparatively thick battery pack. Right here, the roofline is far flatter and extends again with out a lot of a bow till across the third row.

Going by cabin alone, the gloriously well-packaged Ford Flex got here to thoughts. Getting out and in is straightforward; door cuts are beneficiant; and second-row seats are adjustable in ways in which assist with third-row entry. I may get into the third row fairly simply, though with the second row again in place, it was certainly small for legroom—however not headroom.

2024 Kia EV9 prototype drive

The spatial bullseye might have a easy clarification: It’s one of many few three-row autos I can consider that doesn’t push the hip level of the third-row seats considerably larger than the opposite rows

Additional, second and third rows embrace cupholders and USB-C ports. A dual-level “floating” heart console extends from between these in entrance to simply forward of the second row, the place these in that row may reap the benefits of its sliding storage, and a drawer that pulls again.

2024 Kia EV9

2024 Kia EV9 prototype drive

With all three rows in place for passengers, there’s a bit over 20 cubic toes of cargo house; however if you fold each rows ahead that expands the cargo space to just about 82 cubic toes. There is a small frunk, additionally—simply giant sufficient for a cellular charging cable and a purse or laptop computer case.

It wasn’t all honeymoon inside. The interface felt a slight step backward, because it does away with the great and simplified dual-purpose strip of buttons, as used within the EV6, and as an alternative brings extra of this stuff as much as the display screen. A 12.3-inch gauge cluster and local weather management show now flows almost underneath the identical casing to a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, settings, navigation, and data. Impressions might change as soon as we’ve had extra time with this method

Wallbox Quasar 2 with Kia EV9

Modern bidirectional charging comes customary

As Kia factors out, when the EV9 arrives late this yr it is going to be the one electrical three-row SUV to supply 800-volt charging. That enables the bottom mannequin with the smaller battery to cost at as much as 236 kw and from 10-80% in 20 minutes, whereas the bigger battery will cost at as much as 215 kw and handle that cost in 24 minutes. House Degree 2 charging with a 48-amp charger (requiring a 60-amp circuit), for a full cost, takes 6.75 hours and eight.75 hours, respectively with the 2 packs.

As Kia has underscored, the EVs would be the first U.S. EV with an automaker-approved bidirectional charging answer (with the Wallbox Quasar 2) that applies to each house backup and vehicle-to-grid performance—that means that house owners is not going to solely be capable to energy the home throughout a storm or brownout, however they’ll additionally be capable to use their automobile to assist the grid, or probably act as buffer with house photo voltaic and vitality storage. That’s performance not supplied by Tesla or anybody else proper now, and it’ll turn out to be out there within the first half of 2024.

Wallbox Quasar 2 with Kia EV9

Kia and its carefully associated Hyundai and Genesis manufacturers haven’t but dedicated to the Tesla NACS. Nevertheless it does level out that it’s one of many seven main automakers uniting to put in not less than 30,000 high-power fast-chargers nationwide, as a part of a yet-unnamed new community.

Aside from bidirectional charging particulars, most of those particulars surrounding the EV9 have been launched months in the past, and the important thing worth issue right here—the sticker value—stays weeks away.

2024 Kia EV9

Kia EV9 value and worth—nonetheless TBA

Bringing it again round to what finally issues to many households—value—it’s eye-opening how alone out there the EV9 might be at arrival. Set your filters to 3 rows of seating and one thing with sufficient house to suit, say, a grandparent in similtaneously two dad and mom and two youngsters in baby seats, and your totally electrical area turns into very, very slim.

For something this measurement, almost each automaker has centered EV efforts on primarily the identical class of car. Learn: upmarket.

The Mercedes EQS SUV begins in six-digit territory, and the Rivian R1S will begin at $79,800, for a 260-mile Customary Pack model that hasn’t but been delivered. Within the Tesla Mannequin X, you cope with gimmicky falcon-wing doorways, a possible steering yoke, and principally, a design that was first delivered eight years in the past. The Volvo EX90 received’t be right here till later in 2024, and also will carry a price ticket close to $80,000. The Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, and Cadillac Lyriq solely provide two rows of seating. Maybe essentially the most direct rival to the EV9 might be its company cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 7, a mannequin that may have a considerably swoopier roofline which may have an effect on its big-family prowess.

Kia proper now could be taking 40 global-spec EV9s—like those we have been in—on a nationwide tour of greater than 220 dealerships to offer prospects a hands-on expertise. In early October it plans to begin accepting $1,000 reservation charges for individuals who need to be first in line—with potential bonus presents to be included. Deliveries are attributable to begin round December.

2024 Kia EV9 prototype drive

Primarily based on earlier hints from executives, Inexperienced Automobile Experiences estimates the bottom value to be under $60,000 for the Gentle mannequin with the smaller pack, as much as round $80,000 or extra for the highest GT-Line pushed right here. Executives trace that they’ve been following Tesla value cuts, and subsequent yr as manufacturing shifts to the U.S. the EV9 will possible be eligible for a few of the EV tax credit score.

The EV9 might be made on the similar website because the Telluride some customers might liken it to. Whereas the primary EV9 deliveries might be coming from South Korea, the U.S.-market EV9 might be made in Georgia beginning in 2024, making it the primary Kia EV to be U.S.-assembled. That Georgia plant already makes the Telluride, plus the Sorento, Sportage, and K5.

In line with this trajectory, of ever-higher-volume EVs, Kia EV manufacturing can also be set to begin in 2025 on the $5.5 billion Hyundai-Kia “Metaplant” close to Savannah, Georgia. That plant is initially set to make 300,000 EVs of the mixed manufacturers yearly, with a possible enlargement later to 500,000 yearly.

Every of Kia’s electrical steps within the U.S. have led away from area of interest fashions and towards making EVs mainstream. The EV9 lays that out clearly and commits to go massive. Now, what’s subsequent?