The biggest, boldest, and most expensive Kia ever to hit Australia is taking shape.
The electric EV9 SUV has been snapped wearing no camouflage for the first time. Images posted on Instagram by nacional.collector show the car on Chilean roads, and it’s every bit as bold as we’d hoped.
A reveal is expected to take place in March or April, ahead of the EV9’s arrival in Australia late in 2023.
Although some details have been toned down (the 22-inch wheels and suicide doors), the silhouette and light design of the production car look fairly true to the concept.
The Concept EV9 measured in at 4930mm long, 2055mm wide, and 1790mm tall with a 3100mm wheelbase.
For reference, that’s 50mm shorter, 80mm wider, and 40mm taller than the Hyundai Palisade large SUV. The Concept EV9 also has a 200mm longer wheelbase than the Palisade, for maximum interior room
Around 400 units are allocated for Australia, Kia Australia COO Damien Meredith confirmed earlier this year.
The EV9 is the second Kia built on the e-GMP dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture, which underpins the EV6, as well as the related Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Genesis GV60.
Hyundai will bring out its own version of the EV9 based on the Seven concept revealed last year.
Pricing and power outputs haven’t been confirmed, but a market research survey sent to Kia owners and seen by Car & Driver suggests the EV9 will be offered with single- and dual-motor powertrains.
Concept EV9 
Five variants were detailed, starting with a single-motor model offering 149kW/339Nm and a claimed 0-96km/h time of 8.5 seconds; ranging to a dual-motor flagship with 386km of range, 298kW and 651Nm, and a 0-60mph claim of 5.2 seconds.
Kia didn’t detail the drivetrain specifications of the Concept EV9, but claimed it has a range of up to 483km.
The concept could be DC fast-charged at speeds up to 350kW, which means it could be zapped from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 to 30 minutes when connected to a suitable public charger.
