The Kia EV9 is being pushed in testing a few months ahead of its launch date.
It’s no secret that Kia is working on a large electric SUV to go up against the upcoming electric XC90 and more. This model, called the EV9 (the Concept EV9 when it first appeared) will appear some time in 2023 and we’re sure customers are already lining up, given the popularity of Kia’s other electric vehicle, the EV6. This too is built on the same impressive E-GMP bones.
Good news is the EV9 is well on track in its development. The South Korean company today shared that the 44 month long development process has now culminated in some hardcore durability testing at Kia’s global Namyang R&D centre.
It’s now being put through its paces with 4WD hill climbs, rough terrain driving, deep water wading and more. They’re also putting it through its paces on Belgian cobbled roads.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Kia has revealed details of the final intensive testing program undertaken by the Kia EV9 ahead of its world debut in 2023. The all-electric Kia EV9 will become the brand’s flagship model and will revolutionize the large electric SUV segment, while accelerating Kia’s brand transformation and affirming its leadership in sustainable electric mobility.
Developed over a period of 44 months to set new standards in design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology and comfort, every facet of the EV9 is currently being pushed to the limits of durability at Kia’s global Namyang R&D center in Korea.
During this final testing phase, the EV9 is relentlessly subjected to a grueling verification program on a 4WD climbing hill and a rough terrain track, as well as a deep-water wading test, to ensure maximum reliability even in the most challenging conditions. Kia’s high-speed, handling, and low-friction tracks place every element of the EV9’s performance and roadholding under the strictest scrutiny. At the same time, the unforgiving cobbles of the Belgian road enable Kia’s engineers to subject the EV9’s ride comfort and build quality to the harshest possible trials. In addition to the test program at Namyang R&D center, like every Kia model, the EV9 has also been subjected to a punishing testing regimen in locations all over the globe.
Kia first gave the world a preview of its newest flagship model in the form of the Kia Concept EV9, unveiled at AutoMobility LA in Los Angeles last year. Personifying ‘Opposites United,’ the brand’s groundbreaking new design language, the EV9 production model will represent the pinnacle of what is possible with an SUV. The Kia EV9 developed on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will usher in a new era in sophisticated, high-technology, sustainable mobility.
Taking a bow in the first quarter of 2023, the Kia EV9 will follow in the footsteps of the brand’s ground-breaking all-electric EV6, which has garnered numerous critical accolades, including the highly prestigious European Car of the Year 2022 title.
