The 2024 Kia EV9 is the all-electric Telluride with plenty to charm to take on the ageing Tesla Model X.
Kia has expanded its electric vehicle line-up in America with the upcoming 2024 EV9. The EV9 will be the first three-row all-electric SUV from the Korean brand and would be the most affordable in its class. Kia captured everyone’s attention with the stunning EV9 Concept back in 2021. Though it didn’t reveal much, it was obvious that we were looking at a vehicle with similar proportions to Kia’s gas-only Telluride SUV.
The first images of the all-new EV9 reveal it’s good news all around. The Telluride’s electric sibling looks fantastic, and has all the ingredients to make it a major hit like the EV6. Kia will reveal technical details about the new EV9 flagship electric SUV soon. If priced right, the EV9 could easily wipe the floor with the Tesla Model X and offer tough competition to rivals from Rivian and Mercedes-Benz.
The 2024 Kia EV9 Is The Three-Row Tesla Model X Rival We Need
The Tesla Model X made headlines when it made its debut. That was mainly due to its stunning exterior design, gullwing rear doors and a cabin full of high-tech goodies. But with a price tag north of $100,000, it was simply unaffordable to a significant portion of the population. That holds true even today, which is one of the reasons why Tesla sold very few of them in 2022. This creates an excellent opportunity for the new Kia EV9.
There aren’t that many three-row electric SUVs in the market right now. And the ones on sale, like the Model X, are out of reach of regular buyers. However, the EV9 will likely have a base price just shy of $60,000, which means it will vastly undercut its rivals and still offer the three-row experience.
The EV9 scores high in terms of its looks too. It is not as sleek as the Model X, but it doesn’t need to be. It has the bold ‘Digital Tiger Face,’ which looks quite spectacular. Since the styling of the production model is extremely similar to the EV9 concept, it looks pretty big and butch on the outside. The headlights and the taillights get radical designs and create exciting patterns when they light up also resembling the design from the concept.
Not all styling elements of the concept have made it to the production version. The EV9 will not get the rear-hinged suicide doors at the back, but that was quite a stretch. However, the stellar triangular wheels will be available as an option. With all the attractive features, a commendable range, quirky nature and the lower pricing, the Kia EV9 makes the Tesla Model X irrelevant. Kia’s flagship electric SUV will be able to cater to the mass-market, something the Model X has failed to, so far.
Families Will Love Swiveling Rear Seats Of The Kia EV9
The Model X made huge waves with its minimalist cabin layout. But it has gone too long in the tooth. Most will not complaint about EV9’s interior, though. Contrary to the concept, the production version’s cabin is slightly busier due to a few noticeable changes. The EV9 rides on Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform, which translates into loads of room on the inside. The brand says that they have designed the interior of the electric SUV to be comfortable and rich with technology.
The 2024 EV9 will be available in either a six or seven-seat configuration. But the party piece has got to the second-row seats, which swivel 180 degrees, so the occupants can chat with those sitting in the third row. This feature easily trumps the Model X Falcon doors, which now seem like pure vanity.
The new EV9 also comes with an exciting infotainment and connectivity setup. The layout is similar to what we have seen in other Kia cars, but the technology is all new. Though specific details are still under wraps, Kia has shared that the EV9 will get a pair of 12.3-inch screens meshed together to form a central unit. The brand has done away with most physical buttons save for a few HVAC controls and a volume knob under the central vents.
The 2024 Kia EV9 Is The All-Electric 3-Row Telluride
When the new EV9 makes its market debut, it will sit as the all-electric alternative to Kia’s gas-only Telluride three-row SUV. Naturally, this means it has much to live up to since the Telluride has become a favorite in its segment. But this also hints at what we can expect from the EV9 in terms of its power output and range. The Telluride isn’t focused on performance but offers a great drivetrain built for hauling and efficiency.
Details related to EV9’s powertrain are yet to be revealed by Kia. But this new EV will likely get a single and dual-motor setup. These will likely be an upgrade from the system used on the smaller EV6 to factor in the EV9’s added weight and size. The power output of the single motor EV9 should ideally clock at around 200 horsepower. And that for the dual-motor, about 400 horses. All-wheel drive will be optional and available with the dual-motor layout.
Kia says that the EV9 will offer close to 300 miles of range. And buyers will be able to charge it at a 350 kWh station. But the brand hasn’t revealed the exact size of the battery packs. This and the other details about the EV9 will be revealed when this SUV makes its debut later this month. And with all that it has to offer, it is all set to become Tesla’s worst nightmare.
Source: Kia
