Kia To Launch Driving Automation In 2023

It’s fair to say that Kia has surprised many in the auto industry by becoming a serious contender in electric cars. Thanks to competitive offerings and fundamental innovations in design, Kia has gained a lot of respect in recent years.

Kia has taken innovation to a new level by unveiling its first self-driving flagship, the EV9 SUV, which was introduced at the 2021 LA Auto Show and is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).Autonomous Driving Tech

Created on the E-GMP platform, Kia EV9 is a Level 3 self-driving vehicle, equivalent to some Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Tesla models. Level 3 is conditional driving automation based on the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that uses different equipment and AI to make real-time decisions. In 2023, Kia will introduce the autonomous vehicle to the public. 

Kia also unveiled one of its self-driving features, the “Highway Driving Pilot,” which can take over all inputs to provide a smooth driving experience.

“Kia has been undergoing a full-scale transformation which has included changes in corporate vision, logo, product and design, and strategy. To achieve the company’s vision of becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider, we will focus on accelerating the transition to future business models,” said Ho Sung, CEO of Kia.

Slick Exterior

With less than 200 inches in length, the EV9 is a worthy competitor to other seven-seat SUVs like the Tesla Model X and the larger five-seaters like the BMW iX. The latest images of the Concept EV9 show a flat front and a high bonnet line. The roofline stands tall and upright to enhance the vehicle’s functionality and provide ample headroom for rear-row passengers.

While production of the EV9 is still a ways off, Kia has stated that the 2023 electric SUV will feature a 100-kWh battery and an 800V charging architecture that can take the vehicle from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. A high-performance variant will manage the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in less than six seconds.

Unlike Any Other

In designing the interior of this concept car, Kia opted for a blend of simplicity and curiosity. Despite the simple design, the large screen, distinctive center console, and yoke steering wheel give the feeling of driving in a video game. 

Kia has also integrated three innovative modes into the interior: Active, Pause and Enjoy. The first mode offers a standard driving configuration while the wheels roll. The second mode allows passengers to rotate the seats and talk face-to-face when the car is stopped. Using the last mode, you can turn seats to face out of the tailgate when the vehicle is parked.

Kia has also started an eco-friendly movement by using recycled fishing nets for the floor, recycled bottles for the seats, and vegan leather for the upholstery.

Stop on by and speak to a member of our expert Cowboy Kia Team for more details on the upcoming official release, and delivery, of the all new 2023 Kia EV9, along with experiencing other Kia vehicles. Don’t forget to ask us about Kia’s “Upcycle / Recycle” programs.  

Visit our Cowboy Kia website or give us a call.  Cowboy Kia, your exclusive northern Texas Kia experts!