Exciting news for electric vehicle enthusiasts! Kia has finally revealed the pricing and trim levels for the highly anticipated EV9, their first battery-electric three-row SUV available in the US. Set to be officially launched on October 16, 2023, customers can start placing orders for the Kia EV9 at 10:00 AM PST. Let’s dive into the specifics:
Pricing Details and Incentives
The base prices for the Kia EV9 start at $55,000, excluding the destination charge of $1,495. However, there’s an added incentive for early orders. Customers who make a reservation before November 27, 2023, will receive a collection of goodies, including a Webasto Go Dual Voltage Portable EV Charger, a complimentary three-year Kia Maintenance Plan, one year of available Digital Features & Services, and a 1,000 kWh charging credit with Electrify America. A fully refundable deposit of $750 is required to secure the reservation.
Impressive Features and Specifications
All Kia EV9 models are built on the company’s advanced 800-volt E-GMP platform, enabling DC fast charging at up to 350 kW of power. The EV9 also comes equipped with an Onboard Power Generator (V2L), allowing it to power certain appliances and support vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. To enhance parking maneuverability, the EV9 includes features like Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Parking Distance Warning Forward and Reverse.
Trim Levels and Key Features
EV9 Light: The entry-level model seats seven passengers and features a 76 kWh battery, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. The EV9 Light has a range of 233 miles, although official EPA range data has not been announced.
EV9 Light Long Range: This configuration includes a larger 99.8 kWh battery and a single rear motor rated at 201 hp. With a range of 300 miles, it can accommodate six passengers with the option of captain’s chairs for the second row.
EV9 Wind: Also equipped with the 99.8 kWh battery, the Wind features dual motors providing a total of 379 hp and 443 ft-lb of torque. It includes electronic torque vectoring, a heat pump, and a heated steering wheel. The estimated EPA range for the EV9 Wind is 280 miles.
EV9 Land: This trim level adds comfort, convenience, style, and technology features, including a lighted grille with digital patterns, 20-inch wheels, a heated tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a full-display rear-view mirror, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system. It shares the same battery, power, and range specifications as the EV9 Wind, and an optional Towing Package can increase towing capability to 5000 lb.
EV9 GT-Line: The top-of-the-line GT-Line model comes with unique front and rear fascias, 21-inch wheels, and gloss black finishes. The interior provides a premium experience with available relaxation-mode seating. It also features standard Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing for remote parking while the driver operates the EV9 from outside the vehicle. The dual motors deliver the same horsepower as other models, but with a higher torque of 516 ft-lb.
Aesthetic Design and Futuristic Interior
The Kia EV9 showcases a rugged yet sophisticated appearance, emphasizing its short overhangs and long wheelbase of 122.0 inches. The EV9’s design language with its boxy, triangular shape enhances its spaciousness and versatility. Despite its boxy profile, the EV9 maintains an impressive drag coefficient of 0.2818. Inside the vehicle, the driver cockpit features an elliptical-shaped dash with a floating effect. A wide panoramic display combines dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch HVAC screen into one elegant panel. The interior also includes haptic switches for key infotainment features and physical switches for familiar control functions like volume and temperature adjustments.
Connected Car Technology and Convenience
The EV9 is equipped with Kia’s advanced Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. It offers quick processing and high fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls accessible through a simple swipe on the screen. The infotainment system includes navigation-based charging guidance to alleviate range anxiety. Standard features also include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger. Additionally, the EV9 features the innovative Digital Key technology, allowing customers to use compatible Apple, Google, and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys for unlocking, locking, and driving. The keys can even be conveniently shared with others using compatible devices.
Availability and Conclusion
Deliveries of the 2024 Kia EV9 in the US are expected to begin in late 2023. Production will take place in Kia’s new state-of-the-art factory in West Point, Georgia, starting in 2024. The company states that the EV9 is expected to be assembled in the United States using both domestic and globally sourced parts. This suggests that the EV9 may be eligible for federal EV tax credits or rebates, although official confirmation has not been released. While the Kia EV9 offers an impressive electric driving experience, questions remain about its price range, which is significantly higher than its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Kia Telluride. Only time will tell if the EV9 will find success among American consumers.
