Kia has shown this, the EV9 concept at the Los Angeles motor show. Right across the hall, Hyundai is showing off its own all-electric large SUV concept, the Ioniq 7. While the two companies are, technically, joined at the hip within the larger Hyundai Motor Group, never forget that they are genuinely rivals, too...
Sharp-edged styling
The EV9 is big, blocky, and generally looks like an evolved combination of the styling of the US-only Telluride large SUV and the smaller Sorento which we get over here. It's arguably not as clean-looking as the Hyundai, but its sharper edges and more obviously rugged mien may well find a production version many friends. Also, is it just us, or is there a hint of futuristic FJ40 Land Cruiser about it?
"The Kia Concept EV9 is yet another important marker for us in what has been an incredible journey since the start of the year. Having made our intentions clear - to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions - today we are proud to show the world our all-electric SUV concept, which fuses together an advanced zero-emissions powertrain, a cutting-edge exterior design and a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space," said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center.
The EV9 is based on the same E-GMP electric car platform as the recently-launched EV6 (which itself has just broken a Tesla-held record by crossing the US, coast-to-coast, with a mere seven hours of charging time) and gets a dramatic front-and-rear hinged door that opens up the entire side of the car.
The Concept EV9 measures 4,930mm in length, 2,055mm in width, 1,790mm in height and has a wheelbase of 3,100mm. Underneath, there's enough battery for a claimed 500km range, and Kia claims that the battery can be topped up to 80 per cent from a 350kW charger in as little as 20 minutes.
'Digital' Tiger Grille
Up front, there's a 'digital' reinterpretation of the traditional Kia 'Tiger Face' grille. Being as EVs don't really need a grille very much, the space instead is taken up by "an intricate 'star cloud' pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body panel of the Concept EV9 when not in use." The lighting system's patterns create "a 'welcome light' for the driver and also appropriately position lights during driving." There's also distinctive L-shaped daytime running lights and a massive panoramic glass roof, which Kia says "not only offers passengers relaxing views from above but also opens the potential for positive impact on wellness and mood. The beautifully sleek glass structure creates a direct connection to the outside environment, be that sunshine flooding into the cabin on a blue-sky day, the tranquil sound of rain during a weekend drive in autumn, or the calming feel of the luminous glow of moonlight and the stars on a cloudless evening."
Up on top of the bonnet, where a conventional SUV might have a big air vent, there's a solar panel instead. Kia says that: "This gives BEV owners an alternative source of energy when they are not close to a charging station" although it declines to mention how long it might take to charge the battery from the solar panel...
Further up, the roof rails retract when not in use for improved aerodynamics, and the door mirrors have been replaced by compact cameras for the same reason. Those massive wheels have 22-inch rims, in case you were wondering.
Swivelling seats
Inside, there's a low, wide, 27-inch digital display that dominates the shelf-like dashboard. The wheel, a small hexagonal affair, is designed to fold away into the dash when the EV9 is being driven in autonomous mode. When you're doing that, the seating layout changes too. While the EV9 is, in theory, a seven-seater, under autonomous control, the first row of seats can be swivelled around to face the third row, while the middle row of seats folds down into a table.
Or, when stopped, all three rows of seats can turn around to face rearwards, so that everyone can enjoy panoramic views of nature out of the open tailgate. Good for electric safaris, we guess?
Kia says that the whole design of the EV9 has been inspired by water, and to back such styling nonsense up with something rather more concrete, recycled fishing nets have been used to create the floor of the vehicle and seating fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. Also, vegan leather, which is far more ethical and sustainable compared to conventional animal leather, is used throughout the interior space. Kia plans to gradually reduce the use of animal leather in all its vehicles.