![Swivel seats!? Kia reveals new images of EV9 SUV inside and out ahead of global debut [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Kia-EV9-Rear-Hero.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Swivel seats!? Kia reveals new images of EV9 SUV inside and out ahead of global debut [Video]
Weeks after teasing the public with a peek at its shadowy exterior, Kia has finally shared its first official images of its upcoming EV9 SUV both inside and out. Described with an “opposites united” design philosophy, this all-electric SUV looks like it will offer plenty of space inside and atop Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform and has unique six- and seven-seat options you’ve gotta see.
The Kia EV9 will debut as the second all-electric model donning the Korean automaker’s new “EV” series nomenclature and its first three-row, all-electric SUV. Like the EV6 crossover that proceeded it, the EV9 its built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s 800V E-GMP platform, offering a “technology for life” design philosophy throughout that, “promotes intuitive interactions between humans and machines.”
Last summer, we got our very first look at the EV9 prototype, although it was a camouflaged version. In late January, we reported what we believed to be the expected specs of the Kia EV9, which could arrive in five different trim options. We will learn if that’s true later this month, but more on that below.
In February, we shared what appeared to be the first public sighting of the EV9, which very closely resembled the original concept that debuted back in November of 2021. However, Kia would not confirm if the video was legitimate. Instead, it released some teaser footage of its own featuring a dark silhouetted exterior, promising more visuals to come.
Today is that day and Kia has shared the following exterior and interior images you’ll see below, alongside an official unveiling video. Have a look.
Our first official look at the Kia EV9
As you can see from the images above, the Kia EV9 does in fact closely resemble the original concept EV introduced two years ago. The automaker states that a “bold for nature” design philosophy went into the exterior of the SUV, which combines elements from both the natural and material worlds.
The front features a “digital pattern lighting grill” that helps make up the Kia EV9’s signature “digital tiger face.” Do you see it? Kia points out that two clusters of small cube lamps (notice it’s not calling them “parametric pixels” like Hyundai does) are placed within the body adjacent to each of the headlamps. LED daytime running lights offer an animated lighting pattern than you can see in the video below.
Other exterior features include polygonal design language, particularly noticeable on the SUV’s side profile as well as triangular structures in the fender. The rear features slim lights that mirror its front, offering what Kia describes as a, “strong and confident stance.” Onto the interior.
While we’ve previously been able to surmise what the exterior of the Kia EV9 will generally look like, this is our first real look at its cabin, and it’s pretty. Given the super flat E-GMP platform to build upon, Kia’s designers prioritized space, comfort, and technology throughout the interior of the three-row SUV. Per the release:
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for all occupants to connect and relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats. Offered in both six and seven-seat formats, Kia captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers equality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver.
As you’ve probably already noticed in the images above, the Kia EV9 is unique in that its second row seats can swivel 180-degrees to face the passengers seated in the third row… or if those passengers want to wave at the cars behind them like some of us did in station wagons as children.
The panoramic dash features two 12.3-inch touchscreen to control vehicle functions while limiting physical buttons, simultaneously providing more opportunities for upgrades over-the-air in the future. Charging points are available throughout the cabin, including a wireless pad in the front along with ports in the third-row.
Kia states the EV9 will make its official global debut later this month, when it will share more information about the electric SUVs performance, trim levels, etc. We will be sure to keep you in the loop as those pertinent details come in, but in the meantime, check out the full EV9 unveiling video below:
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Environment
Baidu- and Geely-backed JiYue brand unveils ROBO X EV that goes 0-100 km/h in under 1.9 sec
JiYue, a Chinese EV brand focused on delivering all-electric “robocars” to the masses, has unveiled its latest model, and it’s quite a deviation from its previous EVs—but in the best way. Earlier today, JiYue launched the ROBO X supercar, designed for high-speed racing. By high speed, we mean 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 1.9 seconds. My mouth is watering.
JiYue has only existed since 2021, when parent tech company Baidu announced it was expanding from software development into physical EV production, joining forces with multinational automotive manufacturer Geely.
The new “robotic EV” marque initially launched as JIDU with $300 million in startup capital before garnering an additional $400 million in Series A funding, led by Baidu, in January 2022.
In August 2023, Geely took on a larger role in JIDU alongside a greater financial stake as the brand reimagined itself as JiYue, inheriting the JIDU logo and its flagship model, the 01 ROBOCAR.
In December 2023, Baidu and Geely unveiled a second model called the JiYue 07. It was born from JIDU’s ROBO-02 concept, which debuted in 2023 and was designed to compete against the Tesla Model 3 in China.
The 07 finally launched in China earlier this year with 545 miles of range. With an all-electric SUV and sedan on the market, JiYue has unveiled an exciting new entry in the form of a performance supercar called the ROBO X. Check it out:
JiYue’s new ROBO X EV is available for pre-order now
JiYue showcased its new ROBO X hypercar in front of the crowd at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show earlier today. Similar to previous models but with a unique spin, JiYue described the ROBO X as an AI smart-driving supercar that, for the first time, blends artificial intelligence and autonomous driving into a high-performance, race-ready EV.
When we say “high performance,” we mean a quad motor liquid-cooled drive system that can propel the ROBO X from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in under 1.9 seconds. JiYue called the new ROBO X a “performance beast” with “the perfect balance of excellent aerodynamic performance and high downforce.” JiYue CEO Joe Xia was even bolder in his statements about the ROBO X:
For the next 20 years, the design of supercars will bear the shadow of Robo X. This is the best design in the history of Chinese automobiles today, and it is a landmark presence.
Fighter-style airflow ducts bolster the EV’s aerodynamics, efficiency, and overall posture. Per JiYue, the two-seater ROBO X is expected to deliver a maximum range of over 650 km (404 miles).
The new supercar features falcon-wing doors, a carbon fiber integrated frame, and a professional racing HALO safety system offering 360° of support. The interior features an AI smart cockpit with SIMO real-time feedback to give drivers an immersive racing experience.
Furthermore, JiYue said the vehicle will utilize parent company Baidu’s Apollo self-driving technology, which could make it the first electric supercar to apply pure-vision ADAS technology that enables track-level autonomous driving.
Following today’s unveiling of the ROBO X, JiYue has officially opened up pre-orders in China for RMB 49,999 ($6,915). That said, reservation holders will need to be patient as JiYue shared that it doesn’t expect to begin mass production of the ROBO X until 2027.
What do you think? Will people be talking about the ROBO X for the next 20 years?
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This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes the launch of the Lectric XPedition 2.0, Yamaha e-bikes pulling out of North America, LiveWire unveils an electric scooter concept, PNY readying its cargo e-scooters for pilot testing, Royal Enfield’s first electric motorcycle, and more.
The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek’s YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 9:30 a.m. ET (or the video after 10:30 a.m. ET):
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Crude oil futures were on pace Friday for loss for the week, as a supply gut and a strong dollar depresses the market.
U.S. crude oil is down more than 2% this week, while Brent has shed nearly 2%.
Here are Friday’s energy prices:
- West Texas Intermediate December contract: $68.56 per barrel, down 14 cents, or 0.2%. Year to date, U.S. crude oil has shed about 4%.
- Brent January contract: $72.36 per barrel, down 20 cents, or 0.28%. Year to date, the global benchmark has lost nearly 6%.
- RBOB Gasoline December contract: $1.99 per gallon, up 0.46%. Year to date, gasoline has fallen more than 1%.
- Natural Gas December contract: $2.70 per thousand cubic feet, down 2.98%. Year to date, gas has gained more than 4%.
The International Energy Agency has forecast a surplus of more than 1 million barrels per day in 2025 on robust production in the U.S. OPEC revised down its demand forecast for the fourth consecutive month as demand in China remains soft.
A strong dollar also hangs over the market, as the greenback has surged in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory.
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