KIA to take on Range Rover with large new electric SUV called EV9

Published on 27 August, 2022

Overview

It goes to show the way the marketplace is reacting to the advancing electric era when KIA is sizing up the likes of Range Rover with the introduction of its big electric car, the EV9 .

The latter will hit the road (and off-road) after being revealed officially in the first quarter of next year.

And the company has released ‘spy’ pictures of the car being tested (below).

By all accounts, it is being given a serious test in all sorts of terrain and weather conditions.

The brand is revealing that during its final testing phase, the EV9 is undergoing a “gruelling verification programme”.

A lengthy list of hurdles includes hill climbing, rough track and deep-water wading as well as the unforgiving cobbles of Belgian roads.

The punishing testing regimen in locations all over the world is designed to make it a match for the bigger 4x4s in all departments.

The range-topper EV9 was shown as a concept earlier this year.

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From what we can gather, it will have a long wheelbase (3,100mm) – that is the biggest that can be made on the Electric Global Modular Platform – the same platform used by the EV6.

Expect a 4WD dual-motor as well as an entry-level version that has a single motor powering the rear axle.

KIA says the EV9 has been designed and engineered to “transform” the large electric SUV segment. And that can only mean that it will take on the current giants of that sector and include – yes – the Range Rover.

Developed over 44 months, it aims to be the best it can be on design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology and comfort.

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