All-electric Kia EV9 SUV undergoes final intensive testing program

MANILA: The Kia EV9 SUV, the Korean carmaker’s upcoming all-electric vehicle, has undergone its final intensive testing program before its launch in the first quarter of 2023.

The Kia EV9 was developed for 44 months at Kia’s Namyang R&D center in South Korea. The next Kia flagship model is positioned to reshape the large electric SUV segment and set new benchmarks in design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology, and comfort.

In this last stage of testing, the Kia EV9 was relentlessly put through a rigorous verification program. Testing on a 4WD climbing hill and rough terrain tracks, as well as deep-water wading, guaranteed maximum reliability even in the most demanding conditions. The performance and roadholding of the Kia EV9 were put to the test on Kia's high-speed, handling, and low-friction courses. “Belgian pave” cobbled road surfaces also gave Kia engineers the opportunity to put the Kia EV9's ride comfort and build quality through the most rigorous tests.

Aside from the test program at Namyang R&D center, the EV9, like every Kia model, has undergone a grueling testing regimen in locations all over the world.

In 2021, Kia gave a sneak peek of its next flagship model in the form of the Kia Concept EV9 at Automobility LA. The Kia EV9 embodies “Opposites United,” the brand’s new design language. It is built on Kia’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), marking the beginning of a new era in advanced, sustainable mobility.

The Concept EV9 served as an example of Kia's interpretation of the SUV form in the age of sustainable mobility. The Concept EV9 combines an interior that defines what an SUV's interior space should be with next-generation all-electric zero-emissions powertrain.

One of the notable features of the Concept EV9 is Kia’s new Tiger Face, which has been redesigned for the sustainable mobility era.

Meanwhile, the interior of the Concept EV9 was based on Opposites United’s “Bold for Nature” design pillar. The first-class lounge features elements of nature. The immersive 27-inch ultra-wide display connects the physical and digital worlds and serves as the hub for all driver and passenger needs, including infotainment, comfort, and climate control. The steering wheel has been reimagined as a pop-up steering pad that is integrated within the interior space.

“The Kia Concept EV9 is another important marker for us in what has been an incredible journey so far for the new Kia brand. Having made our intentions clear — to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions — we have had to carefully assess how the near- to-medium-term future will impact every type of vehicle and model. This includes the SUV,” Kia Global Design Center Head Karim Habib stated.

“In the Concept EV9, we are showcasing how the SUV of today can evolve to play a fundamental role in the sustainable mobility era. The nucleus of the Concept EV9 is a cutting-edge exterior design, a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space and an advanced all-electric powertrain, and these are the core principles that will shape our future SUV creations,” he added.

The EV9 will follow in the footsteps of Kia’s revolutionary all-electric EV6. The Kia EV6 has won a slew of prestigious awards, including the highly coveted European Car of the Year 2022 title.

Photos from Kia

Also read: Kia EV6 to take on a 5,800-km drive from Norway to Portugal in just five days