Kia’s First Design Features of Flag-Ship BEV

Kia has released the first official images of its full-size flagship all-electric SUV ahead of its world premiere at the end of this month.

With lifestyle the central focus of BEVs, the Kia EV9’s interior is seen as the car’s main highlight featuring three-row seating aimed at the larger family capability. Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline and flat vehicle architecture allows generous space for all occupants. Offered in both six- and seven-seat formats, Kia employed feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to improve comfort and experience for all occupants, not just the driver.

Charging as an event?

The automaker seems to imagine a scenario where charging the vehicle will become something of a family event. So, those occupying the first and second-row seats can simultaneously recline their seats to relax when the EV9 is charging. The seats in the second row can be swiveled 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those sitting in the third row. The third-row seats also offer cup holders and charging points for mobile devices.

The open, floating panoramic dashboard extends from the steering wheel to the vehicle’s center. Two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with one 5-inch segment display claim to improve the digital experience, offering control of the vehicle’s functions and helping to keep physical buttons to a minimum.

The EV9’s extended display high-definition audio visual, navigation and telematics screen promises a rich and immersive experience. Beneath this screen, an array of hidden type touch buttons provides a start/stop function for it plus heating, ventilation and air conditioning control. The center console is equipped with storage options, including a compartment located at its base.

Exterior

Exterior design is said to pave the way for future BEV design language to be employed by Kia’s designers. It hopes to combine rugged all-road capability with quiet calmness of a sophisticated battery car. Design touches include a ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ and vertical headlamps. This ‘Digital Tiger Face’ features two clusters of small cube lamps within the bodywork adjacent to each headlamp plus star shaped LED daytime running lights to feature on the brand’s future BEV models. Slim rear lights mirror the design of those at the front.

Karim Habib, executive vice-president and head of the Kia Global Design Center, said: “The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility. The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_