Since debuting its EV9 Concept last year (see video), Kia has kept its all-electric crossover hidden until now, when it finally rolled out of the design HQ for some pre-production tests.
Like its conceptual predecessor, the test vehicle has Y-shaped creases on the fenders. The vertical headlights are also present, although in a somewhat toned-down form. Gone are the suicide doors, and while the taillights stay mostly true to the original design, they look noticeably thicker.
The electric car is slated to arrive in the USA in 2023 based on the E-GMP platform with around 300 miles (483 km) of driving range. Replenishing the charge to 80 percent will likely take no more than 30 minutes, and the standard 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) sprint time should be close to five seconds. The starting price during the pre-order phase is expected to be around $50,000.
A while after the Kia EV9 goes on sale, a high-end GT version may complement its lineup.