Having just launched the EV6 to great international acclaim, Kia Corporation has shown off its all-electric Kia Concept EV9 at the AutoMobility LA.
Key points;
Following the launch of the EV6, the Kia Concept EV9 hints at the next model in Kia’s dedicated EV line-up.
The all-electric SUV concept embodies Kia’s commitment to sustainability, following the recently showcased ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ vision.
Opposites United, the new design language from Kia, heavily influences the Concept EV9’s adventurous and angular exterior.
Kia says the interior space takes inspiration from the ‘Water Element’ of Opposites United, establishing a positive relationship with the outside world.
Just like the EV6, the Concept EV9 is known as a dedicated EV from Kia, having been carefully developed and optimized on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
Concept EV9 embodies Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, having recently showcased the company’s future vision at the ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ digital presentation. The design of the vehicle was inspired by nature and uses upcycled materials developed from waste deposited into the fragile marine ecosystem.
From the outside, such proportions help outline a three-row SUV footprint, signifying a vehicle that is highly capable, practical, and ready for action. A low gravity side body creates maximum and instant impact with the sharp crystalline inspired fender volumes that sit high up on the vehicle. This low side body profiling effect makes the fender volumes of the Concept EV9 pop out, resulting in a strong SUV stance.
Concept EV9 measures 4,930mm in length, 2,055mm width, 1,790mm height, and has a wheelbase of 3,100mm. The concept also combines its stunning SUV form with state-of-the-art engineering. The all-electric SUV delivers a 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.
Tiger Face goes digital
Kia’s iconic Tiger Face facade has been reinterpreted for the BEV era and is showcased on the Concept EV9. The new BEV-focused grille houses an intricate star cloud pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body panel of the Concept EV9 when not in use. This stylish lightshow further highlights the high-tech nature of the all-electric SUV while still paying homage to the natural world. Sequential patterns create a ‘welcome light’ for the driver and also function to appropriately position lights during driving. The star cloud pattern inspired the Kia design team to create standout vertical Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) for both the front and rear of the car, in turn creating a unique signature look from start to finish.
Aero Efficiency
Further enhancing aero efficiency are retractable roof rails that close inward into the roof of the Concept EV9 when not in use, creating smooth airflow over the vehicle. When needed, the roof rails can be raised by a simple touch of a button, further emphasizing the all-action and all-go nature of the Concept EV9. A next-gen camera monitoring system that replaces the conventional wing mirrors further improves aerodynamic properties while also enhancing the spatial awareness of the driver.
Natural light
At the rear of the Concept EV9 is a compelling yet beatifically delicate triangular d-pillar treatment that acts as a visual focal point and resonates with the SUV’s angular design elements. The innovative d-pillar design also creates a unique Daylight Opening (DLO) signature.
Transformative interior space
Inside the all-electric SUV is a design undertaking that integrates the qualities of nature, movement, and stillness as part of a scenic, first-class lounge. The panoramic roof, with its sky-gazing views, further adds to the sense of lightness and being in contact with the environment. An interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display connects the Concept EV9 from the real world to the virtual one, while serving as the nerve center for all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control, and comfort functionality features. This sense of ‘tomorrow’ extends from the visionary interior design and into the steering wheel. The automotive industry today treats the steering wheel like a separate product – a total standalone subsystem; the Concept EV9, however, takes a radically different approach in which the pop-up steering pad is an extension of an integrated and harmonized within – the interior space.
Innovative interior modes when not moving
The interior of the Concept EV9 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 Concept EV9 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 Concept EV9 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 comfortably inside the all-electric SUV.
Whilst concepts are just that, concepts, no doubt we’ll see some design and function clues come from it. The company say, the concept EV9 embodies part of Kia’s strategy as the next possible addition to the high-tech BEV line-up.
Comments