Kia EV9 gets final tech tests ahead of 2023 world debut

Kia revealed details of what the automaker is calling "the final intensive testing program undertaken" for its EV9 ahead of its world debut in 2023.

The Korean automaker said that the all-electric Kia EV9 will become the brand's flagship model and that it will "revolutionize the large electric SUV segment, while accelerating Kia's brand transformation and affirming its leadership in sustainable electric mobility."

Kia said the EV9 was developed over a period of 44 months and that the crossover intends 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," the company said in a statement.

Kia said that during final testing, the EV9 is being subjected to a "grueling" verification program on hills and rough terrain, as well as in deep water, to ensure maximum reliability in challenging conditions.

"Kia's high-speed handling and low-friction tracks place every element of the EV9's performance and road-holding under the strictest scrutiny," the company said. "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 the EV9 in the form of the Kia Concept EV9, unveiled at AutoMobility LA in Los Angeles last year. Personifying "Opposites United," the brand's new design language, Kia says 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," Kia said. The E-GMP platform is shared with Hyundai.

The EV9 goes on sale in the first quarter of 2023, following the all-electric EV6, which has garnered critical accolades, including European Car of the Year 2022.

Kia has said the EV9 should achieve a 300-mile range.

The automaker has plans to debut 14 EVs globally by 2027, with eight EVs for the U.S. by 2029, including a new Niro EV and possibly a midsize electric pickup. The company also said it intends to convert half of its new-vehicle sales from gasoline to electric by the early 2030s.