What's all this about?

After showcasing its eye-catching design earlier this year, Kia is now lifting the lid on the technical specs of the new seven-seat EV9. With the electric SUV market heating up, family buyers especially will find it refreshing to see a proper seven-seater option, and Kia has high hopes for the EV9's popularity.

It looks massive. How roomy is it?

Now, let's dive into the numbers. At 5,010mm long, the EV9 is undeniably spacious, though it's not as colossal as some initial images might have suggested. It measures 1,980mm wide and 1,750mm tall, slightly larger in all directions that the Sorento with the vital figure being the 3,100mm wheelbase, ensuring a roomy passenger area. The standard model gets a three-seat middle row and two seats in the rear. Kia will also offer a six-seat option that sees the two middle-row seats capable of swivelling around through 180 degrees in addition to reclining. When all seven seats are in use you'll still have 333 litres of boot space at your disposal, but fold those third-row seats, and the figure grows to a generous 828 litres. There's even a nifty front storage compartment under the bonnet, ranging from 52 to 90 litres depending on the drivetrain.

That dash looks fancy...

Prepare to be blown away by the EV9's interior technology. Behold the Triple-Panorama-Display, a dashboard layout featuring three screens. You've got a 12.3-inch display for the driver, a 5.1-inch screen dedicated to the climate system and seat heating, and another 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Kia's latest operating system powers the latter, allowing you to connect two devices via Bluetooth simultaneously. Android users will appreciate the Google Fast Pair Service, while Apple CarPlay is available for iPhone users. Designers have also made part of the dashboard fascia haptic, with buttons becoming illuminated when available, similar to the Nissan Ariya.

Sounds tech-heavy. How hard has Kia gone in?

Well, you can say goodbye to physical car keys because the EV9 lets you use your smartphone as a digital Smart Key. Thanks to Ultra-Wide Band technology, the car will detect the key stored on your device without needing to take it out of your bag or pocket. It's possible to unlock the doors and start the car hassle-free. Plus, you can share the digital key with up to three other people and have complete control over how long they have access to it.

The infotainment system includes a Car Wash Mode that activates the appropriate settings for a trip to the car wash with a simple button press. It folds the door mirrors, closes the windows, and keeps the flush door handles snug against the bodywork. Kia plans to offer upgrades for the EV9's entire lifespan through the Kia Connect store. These over-the-air (OTA) updates will bring exciting functions like Remote Start Parking Assist 2.0 and the ability to stream content — great to keep you entertained while charging. Kia also plans to offer an upgradable torque boost. That could be very useful if you do some occasional towing.

Speaking of performance…

Underneath that chunky body lies the same E-GMP architecture as the smaller EV6. The EV9 packs a big 99.8kWh battery with both rear and all-wheel drive options. The rear-wheel drive version offers a 150kW output (equivalent to 204hp) and 350Nm of torque. It provides an impressive driving range of 336 miles (WLTP), goes from 0 to 62mph in 9.4 seconds, and reaches a 115mph top speed.

For those craving all-wheel-drive traction, the EV9 has you covered. It features two electric motors with a combined output of 282kW (383hp). Baseline versions divide the torque, with the front axle motor delivering 250Nm and the rear motor offering 350Nm, while the GT-line version sees both motors producing 350Nm each.

"The EV9 sets new standards for the segment while completely redefining it," said Jason Jeong, President of Kia Europe. "It brings the vehicle of tomorrow to the world of today, encouraging people to embrace the change to electric vehicles and inviting them to be part of the transformation of mobility. The EV9 will play an integral role in transforming the Kia brand and reshaping the way people move."