Kia announced its intentions to increase the level of electrification of its model range in November last year when it presented the EV9 concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. One of many electric vehicles on the modular E-GMP platform shared by Hyundai and Genesis, the SUV will have three rows of seats and a stylish design.
It is known that the production model will retain up to 90 percent of the show car style, but Kia still heavily camouflaged this prototype shown in the first spy video.
The electric EV9 was spotted in busy German traffic. The square shape suggests that Kia prefers practicality to efficiency, since this high and almost flat roof is great for height above the head, but is far from ideal from the point of view of aerodynamics.
Compared to the concept car of the same name, the prototype has already lost side cameras in favor of conventional rearview mirrors, although a large SUV can still be sold with cameras in countries where legislation allows it.
Also, the serial version of the electric car will have a traditional middle rack. As for the wheels, they are a size smaller than the 22-inch sets of the EV9 concept and have an interesting U-shaped design with four spokes. Judging by the cutouts in the camouflage, the headlights and taillights will have an unusual shape and location.
The concept had a large wheelbase of 3,100 mm, which is almost 200 mm more than the EV6. This should give engineers enough space to install a larger battery. It will certainly be needed since the additional size will lead to an increase in the weight of the electric car.
The South Korean brand has already confirmed that the EV9 will go on sale at the end of next year, presumably as a 2024 model. In the USA, a new electric car will cost $50,000.