Kia has confirmed that it will offer the EV9 electric SUV in Europe and the UK from 2023 as its new largest model.
Previewed by the Concept EV9 that was unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show late last year, it is similar in size to the US-only Kia Telluride and was devised specifically to cater for the demand in that market for large SUVs. But with growing calls for such vehicles in Europe, it will now be offered for sale here as well.
While the EV9 is unlikely to sell in great numbers in the UK due to its size, Kia believes that it can serve as a brand-building halo model by winning over buyers of Range Rovers and other large premium SUVs.
The Concept EV9 uses the same Hyundai Motor Group EV-specific platform as the current Kia EV6 crossover, with its 4930mm length and 3100mm wheelbase both the largest that can be achieved. Those dimensions are set to be retained for the production version.
The EV9 is likely to have a dual-motor powertrain giving four-wheel-drive, but an entry-level variant with a single motor on the rear axle is a possibility.
The E-GMP platform…
