Dj Chilu 
Kia has revealed the newest model in its electric vehicle (EV) series – the EV9 – a three-row SUV positioned as the flagship of the automaker’s EV platform.
“The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
The SUV will make its worldwide premiere in late March, during which the company will disclose all product information and its plans for a global rollout.
What we know so far
No details have been revealed about the EV9’s drivetrain thus far, including its power and battery specifications. However, it is built upon the same modular platform as other Kia electric models such as the EV6.
This means it will have a long wheelbase and a completely flat floor for greater legroom and overall passenger comfort.
The three-seat rows are available in either a six or seven-seater configuration, and the first two rows have access to full recline modes. Furthermore, the second-row chairs can swivel 180 degrees so occupants can directly engage with those seated at the far rear.
The third row, meanwhile, gets its own cupholders and USB charging ports.
The dashboard features no less than three screens, comprising a floating HD display with two 12.3-inch touchscreens for the infotainment and driver, as well as a smaller 5-inch monitor for additional functions like the on-board navigation that helps to “keep the physical buttons to a minimum.”
Physical inputs are still present, however, allowing users to engage with the heating, ventilation, and climate control functions.
Outside, the body is accentuated by a “digital pattern lighting grille” with two clusters of cube-shaped LED headlights accompanied by slim daytime running lights.
This new “Digital Tiger Face,” as Kia describes it, will set the blueprint for its future EV model designs, it said.
The sides feature geometric wheel arches, flush door handles, and triangular body panels, while the rear sports slim LED taillights.
Kia electric cars in South Africa
Kia confirmed at the end of last year that it would be bringing its electric cars to South Africa, including the EV6.
“We sense a healthy appetite not only for electric vehicles as a whole in South Africa, but also for the EV6 specifically,” said Gary Scott, CEO of Kia South Africa.
“We will look to launch EV6 in limited volumes, and to introduce further models that will establish a more diverse powertrain offering across varying segments for private, commercial, and fleet use.”
The Korean automaker’s global strategy is to release at least two battery electric cars per year, leading to a portfolio of 14 models by 2027.
The EV9 appears to be the latest entry in this list, though it has not been disclosed whether it will be brought to Africa.
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