Kia has been caught testing its upcoming flagship SUV on public roads in Europe. Still heavily camouflaged, a few of the concept’s design details can be seen through it all.
The three-row SUV was previewed at the LA Auto Show in November 2021 with the EV9 concept. Defined by its boxy style and “conceptual” proportions, the show car was a sign of the big electric SUV that was to come.
Some of the concept’s essence can still be sensed here, though. Beyond the scale and the shape, two design lines meeting at a sharp point just over the front wheel and a clamshell hood are both visible here despite the camouflage.
Read More: Kia Confirms EV9 Electric SUV Flagship Coming To Europe In 2023
Although this prototype has mirrors instead of the rearview cameras, and slightly smaller wheels than the concept had, those mirrors still look pretty sharp and aerodynamic, while the four-spoke wheels lend the SUV some visual intrigue.
Unlike on the concept, though, the rear doors will open in the traditional way, so don’t expect to see suicide doors on the production EV9. This test vehicle appears to have a solid roof, unlike the LA show car, which had a massive panoramic sunroof.
Kia said that the EV9 Concept offered up to 336 miles (540 km) of range, as well as next-generation fast-charging that could power the SUV up from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. Based on the E-GMP platform, Kia reckons that the electric motors will be powerful enough to haul this big SUV from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in about five seconds.
See: What The Production 2024 Kia EV9 Electric SUV Will Look Like
The study measured in at 4,930 mm (194 in) in length, 2,055 mm (81 in) width, 1,790 mm (70 in) height and has a wheelbase of 3,100 mm (122 in). That makes it a little less than three inches shorter than the Kia Telluride. Still, that’s enough for three rows of seats and plenty of tech.
Kia confirmed that it will start selling the EV9 in 2023 in various markets around the world including North America, Europe and Asia.
