THE INTERIOR DESIGN
The stylistic revolution brought about by the Kia EV9’s exterior design is also reflected in its avant-garde interior. The cabin has been conceived as a large living space where technology is present but never dominant, so much so that the designers speak of “shy-tech” rather than hi-tech. Jochen Paesen, head of Kia Interior Design Group, explains: “The interior is based on the concept of ‘white space’, or negative space. An element surrounded by emptiness stands out much more strongly. We first designed a rather monolithic, solid object, gradually hollowing out the individual components, from the screen to the centre console to the handles on the door panels, with clarity and elegance”.
The EV9’s spacious and bright cabin is characterised by an elegant yet ergonomic and functional design, premium quality and an exceptionally user-friendly layout. The panoramic floating instrument cluster extends from the steering wheel to the centre of the vehicle. Two 12.3-inch touch screens and a 5-inch segment display enhance the digital experience, offering easy control of vehicle functions and limiting physical buttons to the essentials.
The choice of materials has also been made in the name of innovation, following an unconventional path. It is dedicated to sustainability, but it is not limited to no longer using leather upholstery: ‘We have identified areas where we can make significant changes. For the EV9 we talk about the 10 commandments, from using foams made from natural oils, to parts made from recycled and unpainted plastics. We will follow them in our future models,’ promises Paesen. And Karim Habib, Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center confirms: ‘This is only the beginning, we will always do more.
