Kia Concept EV9 banners stunning aesthetics, cutting-edge technology

MANILA: Verily, Kia's interpretation of the SUV form in the era of sustainable mobility is illustrated in the Concept EV9. The Concept EV9 is more than just a show car; it combines aesthetics that stimulate and provoke thinking, an interior that epitomizes what an SUV's interior space should be, and a next-generation all-electric zero-emissions powertrain. It's a taste of what's to come from Kia as the brand continues to pave the way for sustainable mobility.

“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.”

The Concept EV9 envisions a future for the SUV that is both sustainable and environmentally conscious. The Concept EV9 is a high-tech, flex lifestyle vehicle powered by a zero-emissions all-electric motor and built on Kia's innovative Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

With its robust and prominent stance, Concept EV9 reflects an adventurous, energetic, and athletic form, drawing inspiration from Opposites United's "Bold for Nature" design pillar. Such proportions help delineate a three-row SUV footprint from the outside, indicating a vehicle that is powerful, efficient, and ready for action.

The Concept EV9 features Kia's new Tiger Face, which has been redesigned for the sustainable mobility era.

The new grille features a complex star cloud pattern display that is entirely hidden beneath the Concept EV9's body panel when not in use. This sleek astral-inspired design emphasizes the all-electric SUV's high-tech nature while paying respect to the natural environment. Sequential patterns serve as a "welcome light" for the driver and function to place lights properly when driving. The Kia design team was inspired by the star map pattern to make striking vertical daytime running lamps (DRLs) for both the front and rear of the car, resulting in a distinct signature look from start to finish.

The Concept EV9 has been meticulously designed to offer the driver and passengers a dynamic interior environment as the journey experience unfolds against a backdrop of wellbeing, wellness, and mindfulness. The interior of the Concept EV9 has also been heavily impacted by Opposites United's "Bold for Nature" design pillar, mirroring the exterior design.

The all-electric SUV incorporates elements of nature as part of a scenic, first-class lounge. The Concept EV9's immersive 27-inch ultra-wide display bridges the gap between the real and virtual worlds, acting as the nerve center for both driver and passenger needs, including media, climate control, and comfort functionality.

The concept of "tomorrow" is carried over into the steering wheel, which has been reimagined as a pop-up steering pad that is an extension of — and integrated within — the interior space.

Three forward-thinking interior modes capture various journey scenarios and requirements in the all-electric SUV.

When the Concept EV9 is in Active Mode, the all-electric SUV ensures that the occupants of the vehicle have the best possible driving experience.

The other two modes are for when the Concept EV9 is stationary.

Pause Mode transforms the interior into a first-class lounge, allowing passengers to engage with one another while taking use of the natural light coming in from the panoramic roof. The seats switch around in this mode, allowing occupants in the first and third rows to face each other. The first-class lounge is completed by folding down the second-row seats to create a table.

The second stationary mode is Enjoy Mode, which turns the three-row seat configuration around to provide a downtime breakout space. The tailgate opens in this mode, allowing all occupants to engage with the outside world and look ahead and beyond the vehicle while remaining comfortable within the all-electric SUV.

A production version of the Concept EV9 has been announced for Europe in 2023.

Photos from Kia

Also read: Kia EV6 named as the 'best of the best' in Red Dot design awards