Kia Motors, as part of its ambitious Kia 2.0 transformation strategy for India, is set to bring its flagship electric SUV, the EV9, to the Indian market next year. Unveiled as a concept at Auto Expo 2023, the production version of the EV9 made its global debut in March 2023.
Kia EV9: A Step Above the EV6 in India
The Kia EV9 will position itself above the EV6 in the Indian market. It boasts a spacious three-row cabin with versatile seating options, catering to various needs. Furthermore, it offers both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, along with multiple range options.
EV9 and the Kia 2.0 Strategy for India
Under its new Kia 2.0 strategy, Kia India aims to achieve a remarkable 10% market share in the highly competitive Indian market within the next few years. As part of this strategy, the company plans to introduce new models, including the EV9, while also expanding its touchpoints to approximately 600, enhancing its presence and market share in the country.
The Impending Arrival of the EV9
Kia India CEO, Tae Jin Park, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the EV9 to the Indian market in the coming year. Park stated, “Next year, we also want to bring the EV9, which is really high in the EV product range.” Kia intends to adopt a top-down strategy, positioning the EV9 and EV6 as premium offerings in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market. Additionally, Kia plans to launch a mass-market EV, manufactured in India, by 2025.
Design and Features of the EV9
The EV9 represents Kia’s most luxurious and expansive electric SUV globally. Designed under the guidance of former BMW stylist Karim Habib, the EV9 embodies a distinctive two-box design, exuding a bold and upright SUV character. Its styling cues are indicative of the direction Kia is taking with its future models. The spacious three-row cabin offers various seating configurations, accommodating different passenger requirements. Kia’s three-row EV9 electric SUV aims to compete with similarly priced and sized EV SUVs from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
Powertrain Options and Range
Internationally, the EV9 offers three powertrain options. The entry-level EV9 RWD variant features a 76.1 kWh battery pack, paired with a single rear-mounted 160 kW motor. It delivers 215 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, offering an estimated range of 358 km according to Kia. The EV9 RWD long-range variant boasts a larger 99.8 kWh battery and a 150 kW (201 hp) motor. With this configuration, the EV9 achieves an impressive range of 541 km based on the WLTP cycle. The top-of-the-line EV9 AWD variant utilizes two electric motors, delivering a combined power output of 283 kW (380 hp) and 600 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, Kia has not yet disclosed the range figure for the high-performance AWD model.
India Launch Details for the EV9
The EV9 is expected to be the most expensive Kia model in India, similar to its positioning in other markets. With the BMW iX serving as one of its key rivals, the EV9’s anticipated price in India is around the Rs 1 crore mark. Kia plans to offer the SUV as a fully imported model, with limited units available, mirroring the strategy employed by its German competitor. Alongside the EV9, Kia also plans to introduce the all-new Carnival MPV and the Sonet facelift in the Indian market next year.
In conclusion, Kia’s upcoming EV9 flagship electric SUV is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian market. With its top-tier features, spacious interior, and impressive powertrain options, the EV9 aims to solidify Kia’s position in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles in India.
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