The Kia EV9 is set to join the Kia EV6 crossover in dealerships by late 2023. This marks the beginning of a new design era for Kia as part of its ambitious ‘Plan S’ to introduce 13 customized EVs by 2027.

Kia’s chief brand officer, Artur Martens, emphasized the significance of the EV9 in reshaping the brand’s image and highlighted the brand’s commitment to dealer reform and expansion into new segments.

The EV9, with three rows of seating, will be the most expensive and largest Kia model to date. The base Air trim starts at £64,995 and offers the longest range of 336 miles per charge. The GT-Line and GT-Line S variants are priced at £72,495 and £75,995 respectively, while the top-of-the-line six-seat GT-Line S model costs £78,745.

The EV9 represents a significant milestone as the first Kia model entirely designed by former BMW designer Karim Habib. Habib stated that future Kia models will have obvious visual connections, while also avoiding a “Russian doll” approach to design.

The production version of the EV9 closely resembles the radical concept Kia unveiled in Los Angeles in 2021 in terms of its silhouette and design cues. However, it features a lower ride height due to a thicker battery pack and 21-inch wheels (19-inch and 20-inch options will also be available). Some of the concept car’s sharp edges have been softened. Kia refers to its design philosophy for the new EV family as “Opposites united” and describes the EV9 as a fusion of sleek, sculptural design and confident, assertive geometry.