Kia’s flagship electrical automobile in Australia received’t function the flamboyant swivelling seat preparations supplied overseas.

A spokesperson for the model confirmed the EV9 shall be a seven-seater solely Down Below as a result of the seatbelt sensors that function on the six-seat configuration don’t meet ANCAP standards.

“Because of the swivel function, the seatbelt reminder system developed for the six-seat configuration makes use of infrared to detect occupants as an alternative of bodily wiring,” a Kia Australia spokesperson stated.

“Whereas this reduces the chance of entanglement when swivel seats are in operation, bodily wiring used within the seven-seat format present extra dependable and constant alerts for occupants.

“The seven-seat format was recognized because the most secure, most practical, and sensible format for the Australian market.”

The complete EV9 line-up hasn’t been revealed for Australia, however Kia Australia executives have beforehand indicated we’ll get a rear-wheel drive Air with a 77.1kWh battery, and two fashions (Earth and GT-Line) with the 99.8kWh battery pack.

Claimed vary for the bottom rear-wheel drive mannequin is 418km. The 99.8kWh battery ups vary to 541km within the single-motor rear-wheel drive mannequin, whereas the lengthy vary AWD has a claimed vary of 497km on the WLTP check cycle.

It’s not clear whether or not each the Earth and GT-Line will function all-wheel drive, or whether or not Kia will provide three separate powertrains.

Within the smaller EV6, the mid-range mannequin options rear-wheel drive in Australia; solely the flagship GT-Line and high-performance EV6 GT function all-wheel drive.

Nevertheless the EV9 is a a lot greater automobile, and can face off with every little thing from the combustion-powered Mazda CX-90 to automobiles like the electrical Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 in Australia.

Kia has beforehand advised media that patrons throughout its SUV vary, from the Seltos to the Sorento, are inclined to desire all-wheel drive. That may counsel the EV9 Earth is extra prone to function all-wheel drive than not.

As for pricing? Kia has beforehand pointed to a beginning worth across the $90,000 mark, and a sticker on the high finish across the $130,000 mark. That may make it the costliest Kia ever in Australia.

Provide shall be restricted. The model is anticipating 100 monthly in its first 12 months on sale, or 1200 within the first yr on sale.

Keep tuned for our evaluate of the Kia EV9 on June 28.

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