Kia goals to enter a brand new software-driven period with its flagship EV9 electrical SUV. The EV9 would be the Hyundai Motor Group’s first mannequin to supply on-demand options and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The Hyundai Motor Group, together with the Kia and Genesis manufacturers, surpassed GM, Nissan, and Stellantis final 12 months to turn out to be the third-largest international automaker.

Hyundai believes it might probably additionally turn out to be an EV powerhouse, among the many high three primarily based on gross sales by 2030. In response to the South Korean automaker, its first devoted EV, the IONIQ 5 electrical SUV, is already attracting new “premium” consumers.

Kia, a model usually related to affordability, is utilizing the brand new electrical period to redefine its picture. With the model’s first devoted EV, the EV6 crossover, Kia is already difficult the established order.

The souped-up 576-hp Kia EV6 GT will beat a Ferrari Roma, Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder RWD, and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (see the video right here) off the road and prices simply over $61,000.

In comparison with the price of a Ferrari Roma (beginning at $250,000), Lamborghini Huracan ($270,000), or Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (+$500,000), the Kia EV6 GT offers consumers a pretty all-electric efficiency automotive at a fraction of the fee.

Even the Porsche Taycan GTS, which the EV6 edges out in 0 to 60 mph (3.4 sec vs. 3.5 sec), prices twice as a lot beginning at $134,100.

With the launch of the EV9, Kia is taking up one other massive market with a luxurious three-row SUV. The flagship Kia EV9 SUV would be the first Hyundai mannequin to supply on-demand options and OTA software program updates.

Kia enters new software-defined period with EV9 electrical SUV

On Thursday, Kia revealed its Software program Outlined Car (SDV) expertise with the EV9 as the primary mannequin to supply a variety of digital options and software program obtainable by means of the Kia Join Retailer.

The Kia EV9 was formally launched in March as a three-row SUV primarily based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform loaded with options, together with OTA updates, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, and as much as 336 miles of vary.

The automaker says that by means of OTA software program updates, drivers may have entry to new revolutionary experiences which will probably be constantly launched, akin to Freeway Driving Pilot (HDP).

With upgradeable software program, EV9 drivers can entry the newest security, comfort, connectivity, and driving efficiency features by means of the Kia Join Retailer.

The Kia Join Retailer presently provides options like Distant Good Parking Help 2 and Lightning Sample which lets you alter the small dice lamps adjoining to the automobile’s two vertical headlamps.

Beginning with the EV9, the Hyundai Motor Group, together with its sister manufacturers Kia and Genesis, are accelerating towards Software program Outlined Autos (SDVs).

Electrek’s Take

As automakers look to drive income and development amid shrinking margins, there’s a clear pattern towards software-driven electrical automobiles.

Hyundai and Kia are the newest automakers to announce they are going to transfer towards SDVs by introducing expertise like OTA updates and on-demand companies.

Ford CEO Jim Farley highlighted this concept on Tuesday’s first-quarter earnings name, explaining how on his journey to China, he seen that “clients are not simply drawn to conventional luxurious manufacturers with EVs and even {hardware} design anymore.”

He went on to elucidate:

The most effective new manufacturers are providing built-in digital, retail, life-style and expertise which are software program outlined.

Ford’s BlueCruise gained 65% extra miles traveled within the first three months of the 12 months, and as Farley stated, “the rationale why that’s rising so quick is as a result of we proceed to do OTAs” to constantly enhance it and entice subscribers with new options.