Kia EV9 Concept All-Electric SUV

Kia recently revealed an all-electric SUV concept, the Kia EV9 concept. The EV9 concept embodies Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The design of the vehicle was inspired by nature and uses upcycled materials developed from waste deposited into the fragile marine ecosystem.

The SUV also offers striking visual aesthetics thanks to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. This has helped the all-electric SUV concept to take on an iconic and bold form, meshing logical and emotional qualities with playful, rugged features and styling cues.

The Kia EV9 fuses together an advanced zero-emissions powertrain, a cutting-edge exterior design and a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space.

Kia EV9 | Shape of things to come

The EV9 concept blends a stunning exterior profile with a modern and sleek interior space that is influenced with state-of-the-art tech. It embodies an adventurous, outgoing and recreational form with its rugged and upright stance. From the outside, such proportions help outline a three-row SUV footprint, signifying a vehicle that is highly capable, practical and ready for action.

The concept also combines its stunning SUV form with state-of-the-art engineering. The all-electric SUV delivers driving range of up to 300 miles. It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350-kW charger that allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to replenish energy from 10% to 80% in 20-30 minutes.

The machined 22-inch wheels further add to the geometric appearance and robust nature of the EV9 concept. A triangular aero design piece controls the airflow around the wheel and creates a visual contrast to the circular nature of the wheel to fully express the Opposites United design philosophy, making sure a balance in harmony extends into every element and section.

Kia EV9 | Transformative interior space

Mirroring the exterior design, the interior of the EV9 concept has also been greatly influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar of Opposites United. The EV9 concept has been carefully crafted to offer the driver and passengers a transformative interior space as the journey experience evolves.

The EV9 concept has an all-encompassing DLO panoramic sky roof. This not only offers passengers relaxing views from above but also opens the potential for positive impact on wellness and mood. The panoramic roof, with its sky-gazing views, further adds to the sense of lightness and being in contact with the environment.

The beautifully sleek glass structure creates a direct connection to the outside environment, be that sunshine flooding into the cabin on a blue-sky day, the tranquil sound of rain during a weekend drive in autumn or the calming feel of the luminous glow of moonlight and the stars on a cloudless evening.

The Kia design team was looking at sustainable and ecological materials for use in the EV9 concept. Recycled fishnets have been used to help create the flooring of the vehicle and seating fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. Also, vegan leather, which is far more ethical and sustainable compared to conventional animal leather, was used throughout the interior space. Kia plans to gradually reduce the use of animal leather in all its vehicles.

Kia EV9 | Innovative interior modes

The interior of the EV9 concept explores new perspectives as the journey experience evolves. The all-electric SUV has three forward-thinking interior modes that capture different journey situations and requirements.

Active Mode is when the EV9 concept is on the move, making sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience from within the all-electric SUV.

The two other modes relate to when the EV9 concept is not moving.

Pause Mode modifies the interior space to be more akin to a first-class lounge, giving occupants the opportunity to directly interact with each other while benefiting from the light streaming in from the wide panoramic roof. In this mode, the seats switch around to enable occupants seated in the first-row and third-row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table, completing the first-class lounge arrangement.

The second stationary mode is Enjoy Mode, which opens the interior into a downtime breakout space by turning around the three-row seat configuration. In this mode, the tailgate opens, giving all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortable inside the all-electric SUV.