Yahoo Autos 2024 Kia EV9 revealed with specs, tech details and more
The 2024 Kia EV9 is here, and while we’ve already seen it both outside and inside, today we get to learn about all of the vital specs, features and tech onboard Kia’s new three-row electric SUV.
As expected, the EV9 is based on Hyundai Group’s E-GMP electric vehicle architecture. On this platform, the EV9 will be offered with two different battery sizes and even more electric motor configurations. The headline model will be fitted with a 99.8 kWh battery pack. For maximum range, Kia will offer a RWD Long Range model with this battery that it says is rated for 336 miles on the WLTP cycle. EPA range is not available yet, but expect it to be lower than WLTP figures. Kia says a company-first underbody cover, new air curtain innovations, exceptionally long spoiler jutting out from the roof and aerodynamic wheels contribute to the vehicle’s 0.28 coefficient of drag, allowing the EV9 this range.
The RWD Long Range model is fitted with a single motor producing 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that will motivate the EV9 from 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds. If range isn’t a priority, Kia will also offer a Standard RWD model fitted with a 76.1 kWh battery pack. Output from the single motor is raised slightly for this model to 215 horsepower, but it retains the same 258 pound-feet of torque — the 0-62 mph time is reduced to 8.2 seconds.
A dual-motor AWD variant will be offered at market launch, too, and it’s only available with the bigger battery pack. Combined output of the two motors — one in front and one in back — is 380 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque — max towing is 5,000 pounds. This version should be more fun to drive, too, as it will do the 0-62 mph run in 6.0 seconds.
If that’s not enough, we’ll break the news to you now that Kia will be pushing after-sales purchase and subscription services to upgrade power output. Kia says that a “Boost” feature will be purchasable/subscribable at the Kia Connect Store, increasing torque to 516 pound-feet and lowering the 0-62 mph time to 5.3 seconds. In case that gives you the ick, Kia did explicitly note that its after-sales options can be either a one-time purchase, or you can pay for them via a rolling subscription.
Range estimates for models other than the RWD Long Range are not available for the time being. You can expect the same fast charging as cars like the Kia EV6, though, since the EV9 is also rocking an 800-volt architecture. Kia suggests that charging at its peak rate (not disclosed yet) will add approximately 149 miles of driving range in 15 minutes — keep in mind that’s with the WLTP cycle in mind. EPA numbers will, again, be lower. Like other E-GMP vehicles, the EV9 will be capable of Vehicle-to-Load charging, but doesn’t provide a U.S.-specific figure for the amount of power.
While exterior design isn’t the big news today, Kia did reveal the EV9 in never-before-seen GT-Line trim. This model gains a distinctive look with unique bumpers, trim-exclusive wheels, black roof rack and most special of all, the “Digital Pattern Lightning Grille.” This front end features Kia’s new technology that allows light to seamlessly shine through the body color paint. Kia says that the pattern it creates on the EV9’s front end is customizable to your taste, and you’ll even be able to purchase additional patterns after the fact to change up the look of your car. Again, this is Kia trying to generate more revenue even after you’ve purchased the car.
