√2024 Kia EV9 detailed: Electric SUV with 541km of range, seven seats, and semi-autonomous driving

Kia’s most advanced model is coming to Australia, boasting more than 500km of driving range, semi-autonomous driving tech, and a spacious cabin.

Full overseas details of the 2024 Kia EV9 have been confirmed, with the large electric SUV to feature seating for up to seven occupants, and a claimed driving range of more than 541 kilometres (WLTP test cycle).

Weeks after Kia revealed images of the production-ready EV9, the Korean car-maker has now detailed the features and specifications of its new LandCruiser-sized electric model.

It is due in Australia in the third quarter of 2023 (July to September). Pricing has yet to be announced for Australia, however it is estimated to cost about $90,000 to $120,000 plus on-road costs.

One of the most significant announcements is Kia’s promise of conditional Level Three semi-autonomous driving technology, called Highway Driving Pilot (HDP).

MORE: 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV unveiled, due in Australia this year

Three variations of the EV9 have been announced at this stage: a Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) Standard model with a 76.1kWh battery pack, a RWD Long Range with a 99.8kWh battery, and an All-Wheel-Drive model, also with the 99.8kWh battery.

The entry-level EV9 RWD can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 8.2 seconds thanks to a single 160kW/350Nm electric motor. No driving range claim has been specified for the EV9 RWD at this stage.

The EV9 RWD Long Range delivers (presumably) the greatest driving range, with more than 541km possible on a single charge, and a 150kW/350Nm electric motor sending the SUV to 100km/h from a standstill in a claimed 9.4 seconds.

Kia hasn’t published the driving range of the EV9 AWD, however the vehicle is said to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in six seconds flat, thanks to dual electric motors producing a combined 283kW and 600Nm.

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The EV9 AWD can be optioned with a ‘boost’ feature – available to purchase and download in the car from the Kia Connect Store along with other optional features – which will increase torque to 700Nm, reducing the 0-100km/h time to 5.3 seconds.

For perspective, a twin-turbo V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor performance ute has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds – and the fastest full-size super SUVs from German luxury brands can complete the same benchmark in about 4.5 seconds.

A high-performance EV9 GT has been promised, but Kia says that won’t be launching until early 2025.

So far, Kia has unveiled the standard model and the sportier GT-Line trim – which features revised body styling, black highlights, and an exclusive ‘digital pattern lighting grille’.

Despite its boxy shape, Kia also says the large SUV has a drag coefficient of 0.28 – compare that to a current Nissan Z sports car with a 0.29 Cd.

Up to 239 kilometres of driving range can be added in approximately 15 minutes when using an ultra-fast charger, thanks to the EV9’s 800-volt electrical architecture.

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However, Kia has warned that these figures are based on preliminary data, and final Australian specifications could change.

As mentioned, the EV9 will feature conditional Level Three semi-autonomous driving technology thanks to Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), which promises to allow the driver to “temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle”.

Mercedes-Benz is so far the only car company to have been certified at Level Three in the US based on the Society of Automotive Engineers’ rating system, announced in January 2023.

The EV9 is fitted with 15 sensors – including two lidars – providing 360-degree situational awareness when driving on highways.

Kia says the vehicle can navigate itself on automobile-only roads – including lane changes – while using sensors to ensure the driver keeps their hands on the wheel.

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Furthermore, the vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include remote-controlled parking, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition

The Kia EV9 is 5010mm long, 1980mm wide, 1755mm tall, and has a 3100mm wheelbase, riding on a choice of 19, 20, or 21-inch wheels with an aerodynamic design.

Inside the cabin, buyers can option six- or seven-seat configurations, with all three rows promised equal amounts of space – claimed to accomodate a person up to 182cm tall in the third row, while also providing charging points, cupholders, and air vents.

Reclining second-row seats can be optioned as either a bench seat for three passengers, or twin individual seats ranging from a basic type to swivel captain’s chairs, allowing the four rear occupants to face each other.

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First-row occupants are met with dual 12.3-inch screens – one being the digital instrument cluster, the other looking after infotainment duties – along with a separate 5.0-inch display for heating and air conditioning. Ahead of the driver is a steering wheel with an illuminated badge.

Vegan and recycled materials have been used throughout the cabin – including more than 70 plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets – with Kia announcing it is moving away from animal-derived leather.

While Australian specifications may be different, the EV9 will have a braked towing capacity of up to 2500kg for European markets.

Local pricing and specs are expected in the coming months, with the 2024 Kia EV9 due in showrooms in the second half of the year.

The post 2024 Kia EV9 detailed: Electric SUV with 541km of range, seven seats, and semi-autonomous driving appeared first on Drive.

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