Kia EV 9: Kia's Cult-Edge

In 1974, Kia built its first passenger car, and nearly 50 years later, its first cult classic. Kia chose Area 3 in Dreieich for the presentation of the EV9: A cubic cult location that perfectly matches the angular character of the EV9. Skeptical inquiries in the editorial office: EV9 - again? Weren't we just there? Yes, but at the prototype presentation. Kia was able to transfer so much from the exterior of the prototype to the production model that some colleagues didn't notice the difference.

Okay, the rear door now opens conventionally and the interior looks a bit more “grounded” than in the study, but: Kia has indeed brought the individual swivel seats into production (albeit only as an option) and also offers an airy ambience in the third row. If you don't need the luxury seats, you can simply order the baseline – three rows are always on board.

Take a break – optionally with relaxation and swivel seats in the second row

If the second row is equipped with the mentioned “relaxation seats,” all passengers in the first two rows can recline their seats during a charging break. The swivel variants can be turned 180 degrees. There are also charging ports and cup holders in the third row. Kia has packaged this so stylishly that Skoda's future seven-seater top model with significantly more reserved proportions will have to come up with something special next to it. This also names the future main competitor, alongside various Land Rovers and Mercedes-Benz off-roaders as well as the future sister model from the parent brand Hyundai… The claim and scale of the EV9 are nothing small: With a length of 5.01 meters and a wheelbase of 3.1 meters, it stands out!

Kia is also taking the next step digitally

Kia aims to further optimize the operation. We notice a “triple panoramic display” that includes the two large-format screens of the digital instrument cluster and the navigation system, each with 12.3 inches, as well as a 5.1-inch display for showing and controlling the climate functions. A head-up display is intended to provide the driver with additional display comfort.

In addition to the physical buttons on the steering wheel, there are the “hidden” sensor buttons below the touchscreen, which only become visible when the vehicle is turned on. The navigation system with smartphone interface enables standard Bluetooth multiple connections, allowing two mobile devices to be connected simultaneously. Android users should find it easier to connect their smartphones to the infotainment system with the Google Fast Pair Service. An improved voice recognition system based on natural language is also said to have been installed. The EV6 was indeed a bit stubborn in this regard. Among other things, navigation, the audio system, and temperature regulation can be controlled via voice command.

Practical: The car wash function at the touch of a button

Through the quick access menu “Quick Control Screen,” which can be accessed by swiping down from the top edge of the screen, frequently used functions can be controlled without navigating through menus and submenus. However, we find the “Car Wash Mode” really smart. It controls all settings required for an automatic car wash via the infotainment system: This ensures that all doors and windows are closed, the side mirrors are folded in, and the door handles with automatic flush function remain retracted.

But Kia also continues to develop digitally: New is the highway traffic jam pilot (planned for the GT-line), which is intended to enable level 3 autonomy driving in selected markets. The mentioned Kia Connect Store offers additional digital functions and services on demand for a fee. This allows the EV9 to be customized to individual needs at any time via "Over the Air" Update (OTA).

Up to 541 kilometers range according to WLTP - enough for long distances even in the worst case

The exterior impresses, the space as well, and there was a big step forward in infotainment - time to take a look at the drives. They are so compact that there is 52 liters of frunk under the front hood with all-wheel drive and even 90 liters with rear-wheel drive. Behind the third row, there are 312 to 33 liters, and behind the second row, even 828 liters of trunk space. But we digress...

So, despite its noticeable "build," it reaches up to 541 kilometers as a rear-wheel drive (though it has to give up off-road capabilities mentioned earlier). And since it offers 800-volt technology, it can ideally "refuel" power for 239 kilometers within 15 minutes. The drag coefficient is low at 0.28 given its shape. We kneel down briefly and see: A very special 3D underbody cover that is convex at the front and concave at the back, combined with aerodynamically optimized wheels and air curtains in the front bumper.

However, Kia is upgrading the batteries, because with 21.0 or 22.8 kWh/100 km, the EV9 is not exactly frugal. The “big one” offers 99.8 kWh and can be combined with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive (AWD). Below this, there is a rear-wheel drive in some markets with a 76.1 kWh battery, which is not initially intended for Germany. In the top model, both E-machines deliver 283 kW (385 hp) and 600 Nm to the wheels, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. If you purchase the "Boost" function in the Kia Connect Store, the 100 km/h mark is reached in 5.3 seconds with 700 Nm - for those who need it for their ego... In contrast, the rear-wheel drive with a 99.8-kWh battery is quite tame: 150 kW, 350 Nm, and 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h - almost compact class among e-cars, but completely sufficient! With a smaller battery, 160 kW is available for a sprint in 8.2 seconds - the lower weight is noticeably helpful here!

Now Kia can also use the smartphone as a car key

Good for fleets and families: In addition to the smart key, the driver can also use a smartphone to lock or unlock the doors, start or turn off the vehicle, control the theft warning system, and open or close the tailgate. This is because the EV9 is the first Kia to offer the new "Digital Key 2". It works with ultra-wideband technology (UWB), and the driver doesn't even need to take the smartphone out of their pocket to unlock the doors. The digital car key can be used simultaneously by up to three other people, with the owner being able to specify which functions are available to whom and for how long.

Various options can be added via Kia Connect

Throughout the vehicle's lifetime, these upgrades will cover all vehicle areas, from safety and comfort features to driving performance and the exterior appearance, and even the infotainment system. But - and here we can give G-Class or Defender drivers some reassurance - the EV 9 can never be elevated to a true hardcore off-roader: 177 mm ground clearance, 2.5 tons empty weight, and the long wheelbase along with a chassis more geared towards driving activity set natural limits to the off-road ambitions of the cult box. Still - with the EV 9, Kia has set another milestone for itself - just keep building them the same way for the next 50 years - thanks to over-the-air updates, the technology will always stay up-to-date!

What does this mean?

Kia wants to know! From the futuristic EV 9 study, the Koreans brought a lot into series production - creating a new classic with the potential to become a long-running and cult vehicle in Kia's lineup, which also gives the angular design a sustainable aspect. It's nice to see that software, safety, and digital functionalities have also been further developed alongside.