Introducing the Kia EV9: A Pioneering Electric SUV for the US Market
Get ready to make some space in your garage because the revolutionary Kia EV9 is gearing up for its grand entrance. Starting at 10:00 AM PST on October 16, 2023, American auto enthusiasts will be given the green light to reserve this trailblazing battery-electric three-row SUV. The build-up has been immense with the EV9, and finally, Kia has put out all the details we’ve been waiting for regarding its price and available features.
Kia EV9 Pricing Revealed
Understanding that the price can make or break a deal, here’s the scoop on what the EV9 will cost you, not counting an additional destination charge of $1,495. Early birds have the upper hand here; anyone who places their reservation before November 27, 2023, with a $750 refundable deposit, will be showered with perks. Among these are a Webasto Go Dual Voltage Portable EV Charger, a three-year maintenance plan with Kia, one year of select digital services, and Electrify America is throwing in a 1,000 kWh charging credit for all new EV9 owners.
Technical Specifications and Features
Each of these SUVs is crafted upon Kia’s advanced 800 volt E-GMP architecture, ensuring rapid DC charging up to 350 kW. The vehicles boast impressive features like the Onboard Power Generator (V2L) to power appliances, and technologies that support vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. Safety and convenience aren’t skimped on either; you’ll find assistance systems for both parking and avoiding collisions on the road.
Trim Levels Galore: From EV9 Light to GT-Line
The lineup kicks off with the EV9 Light, a seven-seater powered by a 76 kWh battery, promising 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and 233 miles of range. Amplified creature comforts include 19-inch alloy wheels and cozy heated and ventilated seats. Up a level, the EV9 Light Long Range enhances battery capacity to 99.8 kWh for up to 300 miles of adventure, while the six-seater option adds classy captain’s chairs.
The EV9 Wind also harnesses a 99.8 kWh battery but revs things up with dual motors totaling 379 horsepower, 443 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated 280 miles of range per charge. Embracing the elements in style, the EV9 Land comes with all the Wind’s specs plus a dazzling lighted grille, luxurious 20-inch wheels, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio experience. Looking for more? The range-topping EV9 GT-Line pulls out all the stops with exclusive design touches, 21-inch wheels, and torque that rockets to 516 lb-ft.
Design and Connectivity
The EV9 doesn’t just walk the walk; it talks the talk with a commanding design that stretches proudly over a 122.0-inch wheelbase, complemented by a dynamic and angular exterior. It’s a marvel in interior design too—inside lies an elliptical-floated dash crowned with a panoramic display for that sleek, futuristic vibe. The EV9’s infotainment is cutting-edge, facilitating quick navigation and featuring user-friendly Quick Controls, while also reducing range anxiety with intelligent navigation-based charging guidance.
Convenience features haven’t been overlooked—with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, and a game-changing Digital Key, the EV9 ensures seamless integration with your digital life. And don’t worry, practicality is respected through haptic feedback switches and traditional physical controls for ease of use.
Production and Delivery Updates
The wait won’t be too long, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2023. The EV9 will call Kia’s new high-tech factory in West Point, Georgia its home starting in 2024, hinting at potential eligibility for federal EV incentives, although an official confirmation is still on the horizon.
Audacious Pricing: EV9 vs. Gasoline Counterparts
Teeming with anticipation, we’ve pondered over smoothies about the significance of the Kia EV9 in the American marketplace. Its prospective success is almost palpable. However, there’s a glaring price disparity between the EV9 ($55,000 to $74,000) and its gasoline sibling, the Telluride ($36,000 to $53,000), challenging assumptions about the downward trend of EV costs as mass production escalates. While Tesla has nailed affordability to a certain degree, we’re left wondering, will the Kia EV9 become the people’s choice for an electric SUV? Only time will tell.
