Kia reveals more details about the EV9 concept, production model coming in 2023

Kia's amazingly on-point branded EV line of EVs is getting larger next year, when the EV9 will join the EV6 in Europe. For now, the EV9 is a concept, which was initially unveiled last November. Today, Kia talked a bit more about the EV9 and gave us more photos to drool over (sorry, we mean look at).

The EV9 is a big three-row SUV and it's not ashamed of that. It's 4,930mm long (194"), 2,055mm wide (80"), and 1,790mm tall (70"), and boasts a wheelbase of 3,100mm (122"). It's using the same E-GMP platform as the EV6, and in Kia's own words it "blends a stunning exterior profile with a visionary interior space that is further accentuated with state-of-the-art tech". The aesthetics are all in line with "Opposites United", Kia's abstract design philosophy.

The SUV "embodies an adventurous, outgoing and recreational form with its rugged and upright stance", being "a vehicle that is highly capable, practical and ready for action", whatever all of that means.

On the front, Kia's iconic Tiger Face "has been reinterpreted for the sustainable mobility era", with the EV9 having a full body colored front "that clearly conveys sustainability values"... somehow. The grille has an intricate star cloud pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body panel when it's not in use.

Sequential patterns create a "welcome light" for the driver and function to appropriately position lights during driving. The star map pattern inspired the Kia design team to create vertical Daytime Running Lamps for both the front and the rear of the car.

The new air vent design reduces frontal mass and improves aerodynamics, while the hood vent duct area is used as a solar panel. Retractable roof rails close inward into the roof when not in use, creating smooth airflow over the EV. The rails are operated with the touch of a button. The conventional wing mirrors are replaced with a "next-gen camera monitoring system", and this improves aerodynamics even more.

The EV9 concept has machined 22" wheels, and there's a "panoramic sky roof" too. In case you were wondering, the exterior color "mimics the expansive depth of the ocean".

On the inside, you'll find a 27-inch ultra-wide display for media, climate control, and comfort functionality features. The steering wheel has been reinterpreted as a pop-up pad. Recycled fishnets have been used to create the flooring of the vehicle, while seating fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. All of the leather used is vegan leather.

The second row seats can fold down and become a table, while the first-row seats turn around and can face the third-row seats, allowing occupants to face each other when the car is stopped, giving a "first-class lounge" vibe apparently. You can also turn all three rows of seats around, open the tailgate, and... look at nature and "gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortably inside the all-electric SUV".