May 24, 2023 – With its special suspension design, noise-absorbing tires, and all-wheel drive, the Kia EV9 delivers outstanding comfort balanced with stable dynamic driving feel. During its recent ride & handling tests in Papenburg, Germany, the Kia EV9 was put through its paces, being driven to its limits on a variety of surfaces such as dry and wet handling tracks, challenging rough roads and slanted terrain, as the experts fine-tuned its components to ensure the best driving experience.
“Developing a SUV brings a variety of challenges, especially when working with relatively new technologies like EV”, says Daniel Junker, Advanced Engineer for Ride & Handling at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “To best develop every aspect of the ride & handling we need to test and develop our products in a variety of different circumstances. That´s why we use various proving grounds around Europe to ensure the best possible experience for our customers.”
Testing the EV9 in Papenburg
At the proving ground, the EV9 was performing dynamic lane changes on a multi-lane high speed oval with banked curves, ensuring safe handling on the limit. On the “NHK”, an abbreviation for the German “Nass handling Kurs”, a low-grip, racetrack-like circuit that is constantly sprayed with water the tires and suspension were tested under realistic wet condition for grip and safety.
To conclude the testing the comfort was evaluated on a road lined with different types of vertical inputs, for example potholes, manhole covers and diagonal impact bars. Here the ideal selection of springs and antiroll bars in combination with the matching tuning of the shock absorbers becomes apparent. The result? An overall no-compromises performance with a balanced and smooth ride.
Tuned for EV specifications with no-compromises on performance
Tuning an EV comes with its own set of challenges that differ from a combustion-engine car. For one, engineers must account for the additional weight of the battery. In the case of the Kia EV9, the battery is integrated into the lower chassis of the E-GMP platform. The engineers took advantage of this low centre of gravity and used it to stabilise vehicle dynamics such as roll motions and dynamic weight distribution, resulting in better handling on cornering.
“Imagine you’re running around a corner while carrying a jug of water – if you carry the jug at waist height, you will be much more stable than if you hold that same jug above your head,” says Junker.
When developing the EV9, Kia engineers made a point to balance comfort with performance, meaning the Kia EV9 offers one of the best driving performances in its segment. For example, the EV9 is available with all-wheel drive, which comes with benefits such as faster acceleration and more dynamic driving behaviour. It also offers an excellent steering and braking performance for a vehicle in its segment.
In addition, the Kia EV9 features enhanced regenerative braking control, meaning the EV9 can recuperate energy that would be otherwise lost in braking than before. A second-generation Integrated Electric Motor Booster (IEB) reduces the overall weight of the braking system for improved efficiency. Another braking software, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), automatically reduces vehicle speed when driving downhill. All of these have a direct impact on the driver’s journey, as the car drives more efficient, reducing the times the car must recharge its battery.
The Kia EV9 sets new standards of comfort
As described above the Kia EV9 has been carefully optimised to offer everyone maximum comfort. The new geometry of the Multi-Link front suspension offers a kingpin offset to reduce driving vibrations transmitted to the cabin. A self-levelizing rear damper system improves both driving performance and stability in loaded condition. Furthermore, the vehicle has been equipped with specially developed tires to reduce rolling noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), resulting in a quieter driving performance – even at high speeds.
A centralised control system, the Chassis Domain Control Unit (CDCU), manages all systems affecting the handling of the vehicle, including the brake systems, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which uses partial braking and motor torque compensation when cornering, resulting in safer and more stable driving dynamics.
Another feature, Crosswind Stability Control, an important feature for EVs with large side areas, applies partial braking and steering torque control to counteract strong side winds, keeping the vehicle centred in its lane. “I would describe the driving experience as surprisingly dynamic for its size, yet stable and plush,” says Junker. “With the Kia EV9 we really wanted to emphasise its ‘family SUV’ character, so we focused on providing a smooth and stable ride while retaining as much as possible of Kia´s dynamic DNA.
Offroad capabilities thanks to the Terrain mode
Despite its family-friendly character, the Kia EV9 is capable of driving on a variety of challenging surfaces or even off-road thanks to its Terrain Mode Select system. To activate, drivers can push a button on the steering wheel to enter Mud, Sand, or Snow mode. For each driving mode, the Terrain Mode Select system adjusts the powertrain control, torque distribution, and chassis to adapt the driving to the selected surface and minimise slipping. This results in safer driving and more control, even in low-grip conditions.
About the Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is Kia’s first three-row electric flagship SUV, representing a new era of sustainable adventure. Built on the dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), its athletic performance is complemented by an all-electric target driving range of over 541km, according to the World harmonized Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP). Equipped with ultra-fast 800-volt charging technology, just 15 minutes of charging delivers up to additional 239 km of range. A stunning, nature-inspired exterior design not only looks good, but delivers an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28 for a super performance. A range of high-tech driving, charging, and routing technologies make it ready to tackle any adventure.
