2024-03-19 11:40:27
The EV9 represents a new step forward from “Opposites United”, the design philosophy with which different Kia models have won numerous awards.
The recently named supreme winner of the Women’s Worldwide Car of The Year (WWCOTY), has received different recognitions such as the Good Design Award 2023 in the “Transportation” category, or in the iF Design Awards (in the Gold Award category). In addition to being chosen the best electric vehicle in the “Latin Flavor car of the year 2024”.
Kia’s new seven-seater SUV marks a milestone in automotive design, combining attractive shapes with great use of space; as well as the agility of movements of an electric vehicle, with the robustness of an SUV.
Three members of the EV9 design team – Sang-hyeok Han (body), Byung-kyu Park (headlights) and Hyun-soo Kim (wheels) explain interesting details and what lies behind the design of this iconic model.
1. A “sculpture on a rock”
The striking presence of the EV9 shows how one of the four pillars of the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy is realized: “Bold for Nature”. For Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Design at Kia, this concept “is based on the interaction with nature and is inspired by the details, shapes and proportions of the natural and human world.
The design of the EV9 is like a “beautiful sculpture on a rock,” in the words of Sang-hyeok Han. “The wheels and angular steps create the feeling of a rock in nature, and the smooth and connected surface of the body conveys a relaxed sense of space that boldly harmonizes with nature. The volume of the rock-hard fender creates the image of a confident SUV.”
2. A starry sky
“Front lighting was inspired by the constellations of the night sky and the linear beauty of nature” commented Sang-hyeok Han. “The stars have always aroused wonder since ancient times. We came up with a lighting system design we call Star Map, which embodies our longing for constellations that transcend time and space.
The line connecting the brightest star (high beam) to the smaller stars (daytime running lights) forms a headlight. The design and technology used reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability and the future.”
3. Simplicity and solidity
For Sang-hyeok Han, “the silhouette of the EV9 gives a simple and solid impression, while the volumes and shapes of the sides visually show a low center of gravity.
The long, elegant hood, the vertical black A-pillar, the elaborate roof line; and a front and back composed of vertical lines, together create a solid impression. The polygonal volume of the rear bumper is also one of the hallmarks of the EV9.”
Byung-kyu Park explains that “three planes created by straight lines converge in the rear lights. Thanks to this, it is possible, on the one hand, to emphasize the width of the body; and on the other hand emphasize the height of an SUV.”
4. Aerodynamics taken care of in detail
The EV9 also offers great aerodynamic performance, with an impressive penetration coefficient of 0.28, thanks to the shapes of its body, the integration of all exterior elements and unique technological solutions.
The body is shaped like a boat’s tail and tapers towards the rear. The bottom of the bumper is sloped to prevent turbulence and the angular shape of the rear corners also helps with aerodynamic performance.
The outer casing of the headlights and taillights is perfectly aligned with the surrounding surfaces to allow airflow to circulate smoothly and prevent vortexes from occurring on the sides. Similarly, the flush door handles facilitate free flow of air.
Several advanced features have been implemented in the EV9, such as the innovative 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear.
Air curtains integrated into the front bumper direct air along the wheel arches, reducing air resistance. The front grille incorporates an active air intake, which opens or closes depending on cooling needs.
The wheels, a key element in aerodynamics, deserve a separate mention. They work aligned with the air flow that runs through the entire body, reducing air resistance and directing the flow to the sides.
Furthermore, its geometric shapes conform to Kia’s design philosophy of “Opposites United” and the overall design concept of the car. They are perceived as an independent work and, at the same time, they emphasize harmony and unity with the overall design.
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