While the Kia EV6 is already here, Kia has plans to bring a larger electric SUV to the United States. The Kia EV9 is expected to arrive sometime in 2023 and will give people the option of getting an EV with three rows of seats. But there’s actually something more exciting about this three-row SUV, it could offer Level 3 autonomous driving.
What is level 3 autonomous driving?
A Level 3 driver assistance feature allows you to engage in various activities while driving your SUV. It’s known as conditional driving automation, so it doesn’t mean a car is autonomous. Kia has stated that it has the technology to give level 3 driving to the EV9 SUV. But it’s not yet clear if the US will get that feature when it first goes on sale.
According to interesting engineering, Mercedes-Benz is the first automobile manufacturer to obtain Level 3 driving approval in the United States. Unfortunately, Kia’s system isn’t quite there yet. By the time the EV9 SUV arrives, that could change.
The Kia EV9 will be bigger than the EV6
In terms of size, the Kia EV9 will be bigger than the EV6. The EV6 is an electric SUV with two rows of seats and the EV9 will have three. On top of that, the EV9 looks like a boxy SUV. Thanks to that design and the platform on which this EV is mounted, the interior will be spacious.
If you’ve been waiting for an EV that can handle family life, the Kia EV9 certainly could be it. Essentially, you can view this vehicle as the electric version of the Kia Telluride. With an estimated range of about 300 miles, it’ll also be practical enough for everyday use.
When will the EV9 go on sale?
According to Engine1the Kia EV9 should arrive during the first half of 2023. Its MSRP will likely be around $50,000, making it cheaper than other three-row electric SUVs currently on the market.
Hyundai Motor Group has said that Kia will have seven all-electric vehicles by 2027. The first of these is the EV6, and the EV9 will be the second to arrive. More and more brands are starting to go electric. Ford even offers an electric version of the F-150. So it makes sense that Kia is taking the move to electric vehicles very seriously.
Once the Kia EV9 arrives, it’s likely to start selling in fairly limited numbers. At least, that’s been the case with the EV6 so far. Supply chain issues are having a significant impact on the electric car market. And brands like Kia are certainly affected.
Hopefully, by the time the EV9 arrives, Kia will have approved its Level 3 driving system. If so, buyers will be treated to a truly advanced safety system. Even if level 3 doesn’t make a car drive itself, it will be an interesting feature to start seeing more of.