Kia is rapidly proving that Tesla is not the one mainstream model able to delivering a compelling electrical car.

After impressing with its 2023 EV6 compact crossover, Kia has launched the 2024 EV9 three-row SUV as a observe up. Kia supplied a primary take a look at the EV9 in mid-March, and on Tuesday the automaker confirmed specs.

Kia is not shy about calling the EV9 its new flagship, and that is not solely as a result of the SUV might be among the many most costly fashions in Kia’s lineup, but in addition as a result of it helps outline the automaker’s focus going foward: electrical mobility, main know-how, and sustainable supplies.

The EV9 is predicated on Hyundai Motor Group’s versatile E-GMP platform, which can also be discovered within the EV6. The devoted EV platform options an 800-volt electrical structure able to bi-directional charging, vehicle-to-grid capabilities, and high-speed charging claimed so as to add nearly 150 miles of vary in quarter-hour.

Relying in the marketplace, the EV9 might be provided as normal with a 76.1-kwh battery and rear-wheel drive. Above this might be a 99.8-kwh battery which might be obtainable with both rear- or all-wheel drive. The very best vary might be with the 99.8-kwh battery and rear-wheel drive, a determine Kia estimates to be about 300 miles when measured by the EPA.

EV9s with the 76.1-kwh battery and rear-wheel drive may have roughly 214 hp from a single motor on the rear. Including the 99.8-kwh battery will drop the facility on the rear-wheel-drive EV9 to 201 hp. The 99.8-kwh battery and all-wheel drive may have a dual-motor system good for about 380 hp, or sufficient for 0-62 mph acceleration in six seconds. For extra efficiency, a Enhance function that might be obtainable for buy by Kia’s personal Kia Join Retailer app retailer will add further torque to assist ship 0-62 mph acceleration in 5.3 seconds.

An alternative choice from the app retailer might be a light-weight sample for the digital mild panel that replaces the standard grille on the entrance of the car, a function first proven on an EV9 idea from 2021. The sunshine panel might be provided on the premium GT-Line grade.

The know-how does not finish there. Kia additionally plans to supply an automatic driver-assist function that can rank at Degree 3 on the SAE scale of self-driving functionality. Which means the system will be capable to present hands-off, eyes-off functionality in sure situations. Kia is but to supply full particulars on the system however mentioned it’ll solely perform in sure elements of the globe. Known as Freeway Driving Pilot, the system will depend on 15 sensors, together with two lidars. Kia will initially supply the system within the GT-Line grade.

The EV9 measures roughly 197 inches in size, which makes it roughly the identical measurement as Kia’s Telluride, one other mid-size three-row SUV. Nevertheless, packaging benefits of the EV platform means the EV9’s 122-inch wheelbase is almost eight inches longer than the Telluride’s wheelbase, resuting in additional inside area.

The EV9 might be provided with seating for six or seven with a second-row bench seat or obtainable captain’s chairs. The captain’s chairs can swivel as much as 180 levels to permit second-row passengers to work together simpler with these seated within the third row. The primary- and second-row seats can recline so passengers can calm down whereas the EV9’s charging. Each the second and third rows fold flat to create immense cargo area, however no measurements can be found but.

Up entrance, the dashboard incorporates a 5.0-inch show flanked by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, all housed beneath a single pane of glass. Just a few exhausting buttons are retained, however most capabilities appear relegated to the screens, that are augmented by touch-sensitive buttons. Premium choices embody massaging seats, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, and ambient lighting. Kia mentioned it additionally used sustainable supplies within the cabin, together with supplies derived from corn, sugar cane, pure oils, and recycled PET bottles.

Kia mentioned the EV9 will begin gross sales in chosen markets within the second half of the 12 months. Actual timing for the U.S. ought to be introduced following the SUV’s native debut scheduled for subsequent week’s 2023 New York auto present.

Kia can also be holding again on pricing data, although officers have hinted the EV9 and Telluride may have a value hole much like that of the Niro EV and Niro hybrid, or the EV6 and Sportage. That can possible give the EV9 a $15,000 value differential between it and the Telluride, placing the EV9 beginning value someplace within the $50,000 bracket.

Kia plans many extra EVs on its quest to realize carbon neutrality by 2045. The automaker has already confirmed it’ll have 14 EVs in its lineup as quickly as 2027, together with a pickup truck to be constructed within the U.S.