Kia and Rafa Nadal form an inseparable duo. Since 2004. There is no doubt that we are facing one of the best associations that has ever existed between a brand and an elite athlete. Therefore, it is not surprising that the iconic tennis player has reaffirmed his commitment to electric mobility by picking up his brand new Kia EV9, the brand's first electric SUV with three rows of seats.
The delivery took place during the event
In a natural way, and as a consequence of his long association with Kia and its continued commitment to sustainable mobility, Nadal received a Kia EV9 GT-Line in Ocean Blue Matte during the event. The cutting-edge EV9, which spearheads Kia's transformation into a sustainable mobility solutions provider, will be added to his personal collection, alongside the EV6.
“To achieve all these milestones in my career, I have had to constantly evolve. It is the only way to progress,” declared Nadal. “I am fortunate to have Kia as a partner who shares this mindset, and the EV9 is the latest step in the brand's evolution to become a leading global supplier of electric vehicles. “I can’t wait to embark on my next electric journey with this impressively designed and cutting-edge SUV.”
Kia continues to challenge what has been established in the mobility industry and the introduction of the track
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, entered the innovative interactive court to test his skills in various “game modes” and competed against his head coach, Carlos Moyá, on a series of unconventionally shaped courts.
The EV9 constitutes a new reference, with ecological materials that establish new standards in environmentally friendly mobility. And it reaches a milestone by being the first Kia model to adopt the brand's three-step design sustainability strategy.
This strategy consists of phasing out the use of leather, applying ten essential sustainable elements to all new Kia models and continually increasing the use of bio-based materials, such as corn, sugar cane or natural oils.
Larger than an EV6, it requires greater performance. To do this, the EV9 has two batteries available, the 76.1 kWh one for the rear-wheel drive EV9 and the 99.8 kWh one for the long-range RWD and the AWD (all-wheel drive). The basic version has a 150 kW (204 HP) engine, the long-range RWD goes to 160 kW (218 HP) while in the top of the range the power increases to 283 kW (385 HP).
The seats are designed to meet different needs. It can have six or seven seats, depending on the interior configuration. With the relaxation type seats in the second row, it is possible to recline completely. And with the option of swivel seats, those in the second row rotate 180º to allow conversations with the occupants of the third row.
In the driving position, the logo on the steering wheel lights up when the car is started, and the dashboard has a minimalist horizontal design, with the extended screen concept that is so fashionable. And the mirrors are digital.
Destined to compete with the most luxurious SUV vehicles on the market, even with some representative sedans, the Kia EV9 is now available in the Korean brand's dealerships in Spain from 85,100 euros.
