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It’s official: Kia will produce the 2024 Kia EV9 and start selling the it Europe in 2023. The EV9 is one of Kia’s most-anticipated vehicles. The EV9 is a highly-stylized, all-electric, seven-passenger, SUV that looks like it comes from the future. Until now, most have only speculated on the specs, pricing, and release date for the EV9.

A prelude to future Kias (and Hyundais)

The new Kia EV9 will go into production and head to Europe as a 2024 model.
The Kia EV9 | Kia

Kia calls the Concept EV9 “A prelude to what’s coming next from Kia,” in a press release announcing the production of the large SUV. If that’s true, the next generation of Kias will look fantastic.

“In the Concept EV9, we are showcasing how the SUV of today can evolve to play a fundamental role in the sustainable mobility era. The nucleus of the Concept EV9 is a cutting-edge exterior design, a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space and an advanced all-electric powertrain. And these are the core principles that will shape our future SUV creations,” said  Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre, in a press release.

How much will a 2024 Kia EV9 cost?

Kia and Hyundai will use the modular E-GMP to underpin cars and SUVs.
Kia and Hyundai’s modular EV platform | Hyundai

The 2024 Kia EV9 is a “flex lifestyle vehicle,” the company says. But what that looks like is an all-electric three-row full-size SUV with an open cabin and some cool features that could preview future SUVs. It’s expected to cost about $50,000 to $55,000, depending on options.

The EV9 is built on Kia and sister-company Hyundai’s E-GMP, or Electric Global Modular Platform. E-GMP is the chassis, battery, motor, and electric system. Where it differs from other manufacturers’ platforms I that its wheelbase is scalable, which means it could form the basis of city cars and large SUVs.

The Concept EV9, which is expected to be close to the production version’s size, is 194 inches long, or about three inches shy of the Kia Telluride. It’s also also two inches wider than the Telluride, at 80 inches, making it wider than a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Related: What’s Behind the 2021 Telluride’s Almost Perfect Consumer Reports Road Test Score

The company says the E-GMT can provide a full charge in 18 minutes, and provide up to a 500 km, or 310-mile, range.

Will the EV9 come to North America?

The Kia Concept EV9 is a preview of the design language the company will use on future cars and SUVS.
Kia Concept EV9 | Kia

Kia hasn’t said whether the EV9 would come to North America any time soon. But, it looks like it would slot right in as an electric competitor to its other large SUV, the Kia Telluride. The Telluride has been Kia’s best-selling SUV in the U.S. for the last two years. That means we know there’s a market for a full-size SUV with the Kia badge here.

If it does come to the U.S., it will have to compete with VW’s ID.4 SUV.

Where’s the 2024 Kia EV9’s Tiger Face?

Kia has tried to make its "tiger face" or "tiger nose" grille prominent on all its cars.
Kia Concept EV9 | Kia

For about 15 years, Kia’s designers have worked hard to integrate its Tiger Face branding on all of the company’s models. The EV9 has a very blocky, stylized, version of that in its grill. If you squint, you can see it.

But, because the Concept EV9 is electric, it doesn’t need a traditional grill. So, it’s now called the Digital Tiger Face. The new front end has a star cloud pattern that turns into marker lights when you’re driving. The hood vent now houses a solar panel that will augment charging, too.

Other funky design elements that Kia added to the concept that may or may not make it to production include retractable roof rails, a 27-inch-wide display, expensive-looking 22-inch machined wheels, a panoramic sky roof, and front doors that open like a clamshell.

Related: Kia EV6 Is Just the Beginning, With Electric Plans for EV1 to EV9

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.