New Kia EV9 flagship SUV previewed ahead of March reveal

By Sam Phillips

1 Mar 2023

The Kia EV9, the firm’s new flagship large SUV, will be revealed later this month – and has been seen again in some new teaser videos.

The new machine is the Korean firm’s second bespoke EV, and was first previewed by a concept model revealed at the Los Angeles motor show in late 2021. Production versions sporting camouflage livery have also been seen testing extensively as it is readied for launch.

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A new video on Kia’s YouTube channel hints at the silhouette of the machine, and the distinctive headlight design that it is set to employ. The preview suggest that the EV9 will retain the distinctive styling from the concept version.

The brand’s new flagship SUV will be the second Kia model to use Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP electric architecture, following the brilliant EV6. The EV9 has been designed with a focus on the US and Chinese markets, but the firm has said that, despite its size, there is sufficient demand to launch it in the UK.

The machine was previously seen testing, with Kia saying that every facet was “pushed to the limits of durability” at venues including the firm’s Namyang research and development centre in Korea.

During its final development phase, the EV9 was also tested on a 4WD climbing hill, rough terrain tracks and a deep-water wading pool, to ensure maximum reliability in all conditions.

Kia said that testing on high-speed, handling and low-friction tracks put every element of the EV9’s performance under scrutiny.

As part of the final tests, Namyang's ‘Belgian pavé’ cobbled road surfaces were used to enable Kia engineers to subject the EV9’s ride comfort and build quality to the harshest possible trials.

Alongside the test programme at Namyang R&D centre, the EV9 was tested all over the globe. A prototype version of the EV9 was recently spotted testing on European roads.