Seoul 2023: Kia unveils all-new flagship EV9 SUV to the public

After a series of design previews and technical detail releases, Kia has finally let the world see its first full-size electric SUV in the metal.

The Korean manufacturer unveiled the EV9, its flagship three-row electric SUV at the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show held at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX).

The EV9 is only the second dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) from Kia that's underpinned by the award-winning E-GMP platform of the EV6. For the first time, we can physically see the EV9's concept car-like exterior, as well as its luxurious interior that can be configured in different ways.

As seen from previous digital images, the EV9's front end creates a future-oriented look with a digital pattern grille and small cube LED projector headlights for its unique light signature. From the side, the 5-meter long EV9 shows the classic large SUV silhouette with boxy styling, straight angular lines and huge wheel arches that house its unique-looking set of wheels. At the rear, the body's angular shoulder line is highlighted by the LED taillights, giving the EV9 its strong and muscular posture.

Inside, the EV9's dashboard is dominated by a panoramic wide display that combines a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 5-inch A/C screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Furthermore, the EV9 is the first Kia electric model to have a column-type shift-by-wire system. It has an integrated start button to the shifter for easier vehicle operation from ignition to parking and driving.

Kia has a total of six EV9s on display at the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show – three units of the standard EV9, and three units of the GT-Line variant that has the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) autonomous driving software.

The 2023 Seoul Mobility show runs from March 30 to April 9, 2023.