We recently had the opportunity to spend two days in Napa Valley, California, as a guest of Kia to experience firsthand the space, luxury, technology, and efficiency of the all-new Kia EV9. As the first mass-market, truly accessible third-row, all-electric SUV, the EV9 is a game-changing vehicle that promises to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of electric vehicles.
Charging, Battery, and Driving Range: Powering Ahead in Every Trim Level
The EV9 offers a cutting-edge approach to charging, battery technology, and driving range, ensuring a seamless and efficient electric driving experience across all trim levels. The standard powertrain includes a 76.1-kWh battery coupled with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor, providing ample power to the rear wheels. For those seeking an extended driving range, an optional 99.8-kWh battery is available in a single-motor configuration, boasting an impressive EPA-estimated 304 miles of all-electric range. Opting for the dual-motor, 283-kW (379-hp) torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration elevates performance further, delivering up to 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
Its 800V electrical architecture facilitates ultrafast charging on high-speed DC chargers, capable of going from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes. With a maximum DC charging speed of up to 235kW, the EV9 offers quick charging compatibility with compatible DC chargers. The convenience extends to Level 2 charging with the 10.9kW onboard charger, providing an expedient charging option for daily use.
Kia introduces a groundbreaking feature with its unidirectional charging capability on the EV9, empowering owners to utilize the vehicle's battery not only for driving but also as a versatile power source during emergencies and to reduce dependence on the local power grid. This innovation, known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V1G), allows electricity to be supplied to the EV9 based on various factors, such as favorable electricity prices, whether from a photovoltaic system or the public electricity grid. V1G dynamically manages the EV9's power and charging times to optimize cost benefits, ensuring it charges when electricity rates are most affordable.
The EV9 also offers advanced Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) capabilities, turning the electric SUV into a power supplier and buffer for private or semi-private use. In this role, the EV9 acts as an energy absorber during periods of high solar energy availability and an emitter when power is needed, eliminating the need for additional batteries for storage. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also aligns with sustainable practices.
Another groundbreaking feature is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), where the EV9 serves as a storage and buffer for buildings and contributes to the electricity grid. Owners can return electricity to the public grid through their EV9, creating a symbiotic relationship and potentially earning compensation based on the kilowatt-hour price.
Additionally, the EV9 incorporates Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which includes both V2L Inside (socket in the interior) and V2L Outside (connector in the charging socket). Both types provide a maximum output of 3.68 kW, enabling users to charge or power electric devices or even other electric vehicles. This versatile range of features positions the EV9 as an exceptional electric SUV for driving and a dynamic and adaptive energy solution, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
During our afternoon drive through the beautiful rolling hills of Sonoma County and Napa Valley, the EV9 embodied the essence of an electric SUV; it not only delivered on performance but also promised to deliver on practicality with an available 7.8 inches of ground clearance and an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. The variety of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Mode (with Snow Mode added to AWD models), showcased the driver's ability to tailor the driving experience based on preferences and prevailing conditions. In the world of electric SUVs, the EV9 stands as a beacon of innovation, delivering remarkable power, efficiency, and versatility across its trim lineup.
Connected and Ultramodern Technology:
The EV9's next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system offers a seamless blend of technology and convenience. With quick controls, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless phone charging, the EV9 keeps occupants connected. The vehicle's ability to receive over-the-air updates ensures continuous improvement over time.
Kia America, Inc.
The Kia Connect Store opens up a world of exciting digital features and services, including performance upgrades, unique lighting patterns, and advanced parking assist. Boost, available at launch, enhances acceleration, and various other digital features are being developed to enhance the in-vehicle experience.
Kia America, Inc.
Premium Design Language:
From the moment you lay eyes on the Kia EV9, it's evident that this is not just an electric SUV; it's a masterpiece of design. The boxy, triangular design language not only gives it a rugged appearance but also serves a functional purpose, emphasizing the vehicle's short overhangs and the long 122.0-inch wheelbase. At 197.4 inches (GT-Line), the EV9 is slightly longer than the Telluride SUV, showcasing its substantial presence.
The Digital Tiger Face at the front and Star Map daytime running lights make a bold statement. The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, a Kia first, adds a captivating touch, especially with the Dynamic Welcome Light feature. The rear boasts slim Star Map taillights and flush door handles, contributing to the EV9's clean and sophisticated profile.
With attention to detail in every trim, from base to GT-Line, the EV9 offers a variety of appearances. The GT-Line that we spent the day testing stands out with its gloss black finishes, body-colored pockets, and exclusive 21-inch dark-colored alloy wheels. The availability of gloss or factory matte finish paint options adds a layer of personalization, making the EV9 visually polarizing yet delightful.
Modern Sanctuary: Interior Design
Step inside the EV9 and enter a modern sanctuary designed for comfort and convenience. The elliptical-shaped dash creates a floating effect, housing a wide, combined panoramic display with dual 12.3-inch screens. The futuristic yet user-friendly cockpit features hidden-until-lit haptic switches, ensuring practicality alongside the high-tech aesthetic.
Depending on the trim level, the driving experience can be elevated with features like a 12-inch full-color head-up display, a full-display mirror, and a premium 14-speaker Meridian audio system. The attention to detail is evident in the ambient mood lighting, Relaxation Mode front seats with power-operated leg rests, and a soothing massage function.
The EV9's interior is about luxury and sustainability. Inspired by the award-winning Telluride, it incorporates earth-toned interior color combinations and Kia's new interior design philosophy, "Ten Must-Have Items." Using non-leather polyurethane, BTX-free paint, and partially recycled materials showcases a commitment to eco-friendly luxury.
Kia America, Inc.
During the press briefing, a member of the product planning team highlighted a fascinating aspect of the Kia EV9—the remarkably quiet cabin during driving. He emphasized a common misconception about electric vehicles, noting that not all are inherently quiet. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, which generate "white noise" from the engine that can mask other external sounds, electric vehicles lack this ambient sound. This absence of "white noise" poses a unique challenge in reducing cabin noise in EVs. Kia addresses this challenge with a multi-faceted approach, incorporating acoustic glass and noise-reducing tires with noise-reducing foam and achieving an impressive drag coefficient of 0.28. To provide context, the speaker compared this to the sleek-looking Jaguar I Pace, which, despite its streamlined appearance, has a drag coefficient of 0.29. Remarkably, the Kia EV9's cabin outperforms even the Range Rover in terms of quietness, showcasing Kia's commitment to creating a serene driving experience in the electric SUV segment.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Systems:
Safety is a top priority in the EV9, with a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA-2) has been enhanced to detect various obstacles, providing braking and steering input to prevent or minimize collisions. The EV9 offers 20 standard ADAS features, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.
The EV9 standard features include Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). LFA 2 detects lane markings and vehicles on the road, assisting the driver in steering to keep the vehicle within the lanes. LKA, on the other hand, recognizes lane boundaries and helps the driver steer when the vehicle departs from the lane without using the turn signal. Both features seamlessly enhance safety and comfort. Lane Following Assist uses the same sensors as LKA for more comfortable driving.
The Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) takes convenience to the next level on highways. It helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead, assists with lane changes, and keeps the vehicle centered in the lane. The latest models come with a "Highway Lane Change Assist" feature, providing an added layer of control and safety during highway driving. HDA 2 is classified into different levels, incorporating Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Highway Lane Change Assist, Hands-On Detection, and Lane Keeping Assist. The introduction of Hands-On Detection (HOD) ensures accurate hands-on/off judgment performance, enhancing safety and avoiding false alarms. The Kia EV9 is the first model to feature HDA 2 with Hands-On Detection, showcasing its commitment to advanced driver assistance technology.
In fact, the EV9 is equipped with an advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC) system that enhances the driving experience with cutting-edge features. The Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) includes Zone (NSCC-Z) and Curve (NSCC-C) functionalities. NSCC-Z intelligently adjusts the speed to comply with road speed limits, ensuring safe driving on highways and motorways. NSCC-C goes a step further by automatically decelerating based on the curvature of the road, enhancing safety on curved roads and entrance/exit ramps. The system allows drivers to define maximum speed and preferred safety distance, and SCC-ML (Machine Learning) takes it to the next level. Using AI technology, SCC-ML learns the driver's style while the SCC is off, reflecting over 10,000 driving patterns when activated. This groundbreaking feature customizes the Smart Cruise Control experience, making the Kia EV9 one of the world's first cars to incorporate AI-based ADAS for a personalized and intelligent driving experience.
A Pinnacle in Electric SUVs:
The Kia EV9 stands out as a pinnacle in the electric SUV segment. Its combination of premium design, futuristic interior, cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and a high-performing powertrain make it a trailblazer in the automotive industry. Kia has successfully crafted a vehicle that embraces the future of electric mobility and sets new standards for luxury and efficiency in the SUV market. The EV9 is more than an SUV; it's a transformative experience on wheels.
