by Kia enlisted existing customers to help the automaker finalize specifications for the upcoming EV9 three-row electric SUV. Telluride the owner sent two stores (electricity and Vehicle and Driver) details of a survey they received from Kia asking about the potential specs of the EV9. The survey wanted to know which EV9 buyers would choose from among five unnamed versions with price, range, horsepower and torque, seating capacity, drag power, wheel size, and 0-to-60 time. At the bottom, a $56,000 entry-level SUV offers a 200-mile range, likely a 200-horsepower engine. 250 pound-feet of force and torque, seven seats, zero traction and 8.5 seconds to 60 mph on 19-inch wheels. The variant directly above offers the longest range of the five contenders at 290 miles, and it seats six thanks to a second-row captain’s seat and can tow 2,000 pounds.
The flagship could be a $73,000 car that can go 240 miles on a single charge, twin engines producing 400 hp and 480 lb-ft, seating 6, pulling 4,500 pounds, and hitting 60 tops. mph in 5.2 seconds on 21-inch black wheels. The larger wheels add 0.4 more ground clearance and it is said to have black exterior trim.
The full chart looks like:
- Trim 1: 56,000 USD / 220 MI RANGE / 200 HP / 250 TQ / 0 LBS TRUCK / 19″ WHEEL / 8.5 S / 7 JUST
- Trim 2: $61,000 / 290 MI / 200 HP / 250 TQ / 2,000 LBS / 19″ / 8.9 S / 6
- Version 3: $63,000 / 260 MI / 400 HP / 380 TQ / 3,500 LBS / 19″ / 6 S / 7
- Cut 4: $68,000 / 240 MI / 400 HP / 380 TQ / 3,500 LBS / 20″ / 6 S / 6
- Trim 5: $73,000 / 240 MI / 400 HP / 480 TQ / 4,500 LBS / 21″ Black / 5.2 S / 6
According to owners who spoke with Electrek, one of the flashiest options is the $4,800 package that offers semi-autonomous driving.
There aren’t enough options yet to have a closely competitive set. Out of three rows cross that shoppers can buy right now, at the low end, all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 makes 225 horsepower and 288 lb-ft, is rated for 243 miles, and starts at $55,550. However, its third row is not recommended for anyone taller than 5’4″. Price $53,490 Tesla Model Y The long-range 330-mile range offering a third row is similarly challenging in terms of headroom. At the high level, Rivian R1S starts at $84,000 as it currently only comes with the Big Pack, makes 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft, can tow 7,700 pounds, and is rated for 321 miles on a single charge.
Kia confirmed to have sent out a survey to customers but would not give any specifics in the survey. The EV9 will launch around the middle of the year before going on sale at the end of the year.
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