Kia recently vowed to become an electric-only automaker, and it is certainly taking that goal seriously. Earlier this month, the Korean marque teased the silhouette of its next big reveal before showing a more revealing teaser a couple of days later. This teaser was of a car that we now know as the Concept EV9, an all-electric SUV that is basically the combustion-free version of the impressive Kia Telluride. The concept has now been shown at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. So take a close look at the wedgy design - this is the future of Korean luxury electric motoring.
Kia itself says that the Concept EV9 is "the clearest signal yet from Kia as to what might be the next addition to its new-generation EV lineup," so we can expect to see spy shots of development models before too long. Like the Kia EV6, the Concept EV9 was developed on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The automaker says that its design is inspired by nature - we are getting a swordfish vibe from this look - and "uses upcycled materials developed from waste deposited into the fragile marine ecosystem."
Based on the Opposites United design philosophy of the brand, the Concept EV9 suggests that future Kia models of all sorts will be radically styled.
The three-row concept measures 194 inches in length with a width of 81 inches and a height measurement of 70 inches. The wheelbase is 122 inches long. Kia says that this concept is capable of up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. When that runs out, ultra-fast charging technology thanks to a 350-kW charger allows the battery to get from 10% to 80% in just 20-30 minutes, but since this is a concept, Kia has even added a hood vent duct area incorporating a solar panel. Other efficiency-boosting ideas include retractable roof rails for better aerodynamic properties and cameras in place of mirrors for the same purpose.
Kia has also worked to include natural light through a "beautifully delicate triangular D-pillar" that acts as a focal point for the SUV thanks to a unique 'Daylight Opening (DLO)' signature. Machined 22-inch wheels boast a triangular aero design that controls airflow around the wheels while another DLO comes via the panoramic sky roof. This is an EV that is meant to make you feel at one with the outside environment, and if these DLOs make it to production, this could be the most enjoyable SUV for passengers ever. Inside, a first-class lounge features a 27-inch ultra-wide display controlling all media, climate, and comfort features.
The Concept EV9 also offers three interior modes. Active Mode is when the car is on the move while Pause and Enjoy are for when you're stationary. The former makes the interior feel more like a lounge with the front seats rotating to face the third row and the second row folding into a table. Enjoy Mode turns the three rows towards the rear of the SUV and opens the tailgate, basically turning the car into a viewing deck. If you'd like to see what these modes look like in person, the incredible concept will be on display at the LA Auto Show now until November 28, 2021. Here's hoping the next Telluride is just as amazing.