SPY PICS: Kia EV9 strips off for the ’Ring

The 2023 Kia EV9 has been spotted testing both on and around the Nurburgring this week, wearing a lot less camouflage than the last time we saw the all-new large electric SUV.

Without the thick black wrap hiding virtually all the details, this latest sighting is easily our best look yet at Kia’s upcoming EV flagship and we’re excited to report the big three-row family hauler will bring a few key differences to the futuristic concept that previewed it.

The most obvious ones are the three raised ridges on the outer edges and centre of the bonnet, none of which were seen on the 2021 Los Angeles motor show concept vehicle.

Another key difference can be seen in the rear haunches; the prototype’s hip line is drastically higher than the concept’s nd there are fewer creases leading into it.

Integrated door-handles as per the Kia EV6 are present, as are physical wing mirrors and a solid roof (versus the show car’s glass unit).

As seen in the previous spy images, the production Kia EV9 will have a marginally more traditional front lighting signature than the scattered design of the concept and we’re yet to see anything close to the aerodynamic tri-spoke wheels that debuted in LA – this particular prototype is fitted with thermal-friendly 21-inch open five-spokers.

Said hoops are wrapped in low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber, specifically in a 285/45R21 profile.

The wide, high-performance tyres and open-design alloys (for better brake cooling) combined with the racy Recaro bucket seats and half roll cage spied within the cabin suggests to us this specific EV9 prototype is fitted with the flagship dual-motor powertrain, which Kia says will be able to launch the big SUV to 100km/h in around five seconds.

Obviously the Recaros and roll cage won’t be available in the production-spec vehicle, but certain racetrack and safety regulations must be adhered to at various stages of development.

Underpinned by the Hyundai Group’s now familiar e-GMP chassis architecture, the EV9 is anticipated to debut the Korean auto group’s next-generation fast-charging technology, which sources say will be able to apply an 80 per cent charge in just half an hour.

This should prove handy if Kia can make good on the EV9 show car’s promise of certain versions offering a driving range of up to 540km.

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