Will Kia unveil the production EV9 full-size electric SUV at India's Auto Expo 2023?

Kia will showcase its biggest electric vehicle (EV), the EV9 sport-utility vehicle (SUV), at India’s Auto Expo on January 2023.

The Korean carmaker’s Indian distributor released a teaser video for the Concept EV9, showing off notable features like its dazzling LED headlights that look like stars and its huge, waterfall-like LED taillights.

However, it is not yet sure if the brand will also reveal the final production version of the full-size EV, which is slated for launch in 2023.

The EV9 uses a lengthened version of Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform, which is also used in the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 crossovers.

The final powertrain options have not yet been officially released, but it may come in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, as in the EV6 and IONIQ 5.

The EV9 will serve as Kia’s flagship EV and is reportedly 200 millimeters longer than the carmaker’s largest non-electric SUV, the Kia Palisade.

Chunky exterior

Despite its zero-emission mechanicals, the Concept EV9 looks like one of the toughest SUVs in recent memory.

Up front, the dramatic front lights include auxiliary lights integrated into a chrome strip that extends into the fender and lower bumper. The silver trim in the bumper also accentuates its off-roading pretensions.

Down the side, you can see styling cues from U.S. carmaker Jeep, such as the fairly upright windshield, boxy rear end and huge gloss-black trim around the wheel wells. The dramatic triangular wheels and triangular windows behind the C-pillar add an edginess to the SUV.

And finally, the rear end features those cool LED taillights, along with a pert rear bumper that includes more silver trim.

Airy, space-age interior

As with any concept car, Kia went to town with the Concept EV9’s cabin, with many features likely not making it to the final car.

White is the dominant color of the EV’s interior, with awesome features like the floating dashboard, hollow center armrest and rectangular steering wheel giving the EV9 a truly futuristic look.

The SUV also includes neat features like integrated screens for the gauge cluster and the infotainment system, along with beautiful lights that accentuate the interior’s space-age theme.

What features from the Concept EV9 do you think should be carried over the final production version?