Kia unleash their all new flagship EV9 SUV

Kia announces three versions of the EV9 which include an all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel drive along with two battery sizes

Following the reveal of the Kia EV9 electric SUV, further news regarding specifications has been unveiled. These details include information about battery capacity, range, power, and charging.

The range-topping seven-seat EV will sit higher and be wider than the already existing EV6 and the forthcoming EV5, this is due to its staggering dimension figures at more than five meters long and almost 2 meters wide. As well as this, the most expensive version of the EV9 will feature a 99.8kWh battery due to Kia targeting a maximum range of 336 miles on a full charge on the very longest range version.

Speaking of the battery capacity. Kia will be ensuring that all models will feature its 800-volt electric architecture which will be built into the E-GMP platform shared with the EV6. This tech will make you able to get from 10-80 percent charge in less than 20 minutes.

The EV9 will be offered with rear and dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains. The base RWD will be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds, this is due to it having 215bhp alongside 350Nm of torque and being equipped with a 76.7kWh battery. The AWD variant puts the RWD to shame in the speed and power department, producing a 0-62mph time of just 6 seconds, meanwhile nearly doubling the power output with its 380bhp and 600Nm of torque.

With that being said, however, there is an optional boost function - made available via an over-the-air update - this will increase the torque and reduce the 0-62mph the 5.3 seconds. The AWD version will come with a 99.8kWh, while a third version which is the Long Range RWD will exist and combine a 201bhp motor with a larger battery, Kia claims it will have a range of 336 miles.

Whilst the UK versions are yet to be determined, Kia has said that the line-up will mirror that of the EV6 hatchback. This means there should be an entry-level model, a GT-Line and a GT-Line S. Each version will come equipped with a trio of screens and at least 19" wheels, and a leather-free cabin. Kia says the EV9 will introduce conditional level 3 autonomous tech.

Kia is becoming a real force to beat when it comes to the EV market as the EV9 will be one of the 14 EVs that the company will globally launch within the next 5 years. The EV9 is designed to be the largest and most expensive zero-emissions vehicle in the whole Kia range. The company has already confirmed that as part of its ‘Plan S’ strategy, it will develop a high-performance EV9 GT, to sit above the 577bhp EV6 GT in its portfolio. With first deliveries expected right at the end of this year, the EV9 should land in Kia’s UK showrooms in the autumn.

Now on to the design. Kia calls the front of their models the 'tiger face'. At either side of a body-coloured panel, replacing the 'grille', laser-etched areas of the body allow LED light through. The roof is to sit lower on the EV9 and it has 21-inch alloys. The concept’s rear-hinged back doors have been replaced giving less ground clearance, this is due to a thick enough floor containing the battery pack. But with that being said, the overall finished production car looks remarkably similar when compared with the EV6.

Kia has made brilliant use of the flat floor and included a slide-out table between the front seats. When the rear seats are folded down, they create a flat surface which is ideal for longer loads i.e golf clubs or a weekly shop. Exterior-wise, Kia has continued its theme of clean-looking designs, featuring only gentle curves.

Now to the most important detail, for many of us, regarding the Kia EV9. Prices will be announced at a later date, but are expected to start at around £65,000. Orders are likely to start being taken in the second half of the year.