Kia EV9 gets Level 3 autonomous driving, hauling brawn, software updates galore

Kia’s promotional videos tout the EV9 as a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle equally suited to exploring the mountains or taking the family to Disneyland. The battery will also be capable of vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid connectivity.

Tapping the latest trend toward software-defined vehicles, Kia says a host of upgrades will be available from Kia’s online app through over-the-air updates. The offerings, available for either one-time purchase or on a subscription basis, will include such features as Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.0, an acceleration boost function or new digital grille lighting patterns.

The smart parking system allows the owner to park the EV9 from outside the vehicle.

“Following the EV9’s market introduction, even more advanced features will be available through [over-the-air] updates,” Senior Product Manager Sang Lee said. “The Kia Connect Store allows you to browse innovative features for personalizing your vehicle even after initial vehicle purchase.”

And when the EV9 isn’t parking itself, it could be driving itself down the highway.

GT-line versions of the EV9 will be equipped with a new Highway Driving Pilot system that enables Level 3 driving under certain conditions and in certain markets. The technology will allow hands-free driving while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane and distanced from cars ahead.

Kia did not provide details about what markets will get this feature.

The system relies on 15 sensors, including two lidar setups for a 360-degree view.

“Our engineers focused on how to intelligently combine captured images so that the vehicle can better detect potential hazards ahead long before the driver might be able to see them,” Lee said. “[Highway Driving Pilot] can help make your daily commute or even more adventurous journeys more relaxing and give you added confidence.”