The Kia Concept EV9 previews a new range-topping flagship for the firm’s fast-expanding electric car range.
Revealed at the Los Angeles motor show alongside the technically related and similarly positioned Hyundai Seven concept, the Concept EV9 is expected to go into production before 2024. Sales in the UK are considered likely as part of the firm’s push towards electric cars.
At 4929mm long, 2055mm wide and 1790mm tall, the Concept EV9 is only marginally smaller than a Range Rover, a car that will have its own all-electric version by the time the EV9 makes production. While the all-electric Range Rover will surely have a price in excess of AUD$160,000, the production EV9 is expected to come in at around half that.
The Concept EV9 has twin motors for four-wheel drive and a 0-100km/h time of around five seconds in its ‘performance model’ guise – although it is not yet confirmed whether this version will wear the same GT badge as the top-rung 430kW version of the EV6.
Styling work was overseen by Kia design chief Karim Habib. Its rugged look includes the next evolution of Kia’s ‘Tiger Face’ front grille, which has gone digital on the Concept EV9 and allowed for a new air vent design at the front that reduces frontal mass to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
A solar panel also features on the front ducts to allow extra charge for battery, while further aerodynamic efficiency comes from the 22-inch triangular-design alloy wheels.
There are plenty of show car flourishes in the Concept EV9 that will be toned down or replaced for production, such as its dramatic rear-hinged doors and pared-back, ultra-modern three-row interior, which includes the potential for the second row of seats to be folded completely flat and the first row of seats to swivel round to create a lounge-type space.
