2023 Kia EV9 to come in four flavours

Australian Design Rule compliance data for the 2023 Kia EV9 has been published online, suggesting that patiently waiting customers will have four variants and two powertrains to choose from when the big seven-seat electric SUV is released in the coming weeks.

Opening the range will be a single-motor variant good for 160kW of power and a likely 350Nm (torque output isn’t quoted in the documents), drawing current from a 76.1kWh battery pack and rolling on 19-inch wheels as standard.

The base model tips the scales at 2312kg, has 177mm of ground clearance and will be able to tow up to 900kg so long as the trailer has brakes – 450kg if it doesn’t.

The remaining three variants are all powered by a 282kW dual-motor powertrain providing significantly stronger performance, as reflected by their vastly superior 2500kg maximum braked towing capacities.

All these versions, including the range-topping GT-Line, are fitted with a 99.8kWh battery that should add an improved driving range – as their ‘Long Range’ compliance designation suggests (versus the lesser single-motor ‘Standard Range’ variant).

Missing from the line-up is the single-motor long-range version – a curious omission that Kia Australia wasn’t willing to clarify given it’s yet to release any official information relating to the eventual EV9 line-up.

Regardless, it’s almost certain that none of the compliance-related nameplates will be retained in showrooms since Kia has previously confirmed its dedicated EV models will elemental nameplates going forward, specifically Air, Earth, Water and Light.

The familiar GT-Line moniker will be the exception to the rule at the top of the core EV model ranges, until the high-performance GT variants materialise at a later date – which in this case will be 2025.

Odds are the base model will be called the Air, while the two mid-range options will be Earth, Light or Water depending on their specification, with the only tangible difference between them at this stage being 19-inch wheels on the second tier offering and 20s on the penultimate one.

It’s worth noting the compliance data doesn’t give us an insight into the finer standard equipment details, but it’s a foregone conclusion the GT-Line will be loaded with kit – reflected by its 2636kg tare weight – and retail well north of $110,000.

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