Kia Carnival new generation along with EV9 all set to make India debut
Kia is set to unveil two premium offerings in India on 3rd October, 2024 – the new generation Kia Carnival MPV and the EV9 all-electric SUV. Both vehicles will be initially offered as Completely Built Units (CBUs), with prices and delivery timelines expected to be announced at the launch. Both the cars have been teased officially in India.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 will be the brand’s flagship offering in India, priced around Rs. 1 crore (ex-showroom). Built on Kia’s dedicated e-GMP platform, the EV9 is designed as a large, three-row electric SUV, offering both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants internationally. Its design features a boxy, upright structure, closely aligning with Kia’s latest global design language seen on models like the EV5 and EV3.
Globally, the EV9 is offered in three powertrain options – two rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant. This fully electric SUV will be positioned to compete with other luxury electric offerings in India, like the BMW iX. Deliveries for the EV9 are expected to begin by Diwali and it will serve as a high-end alternative to other electric vehicles on the market.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is expected to be priced above Rs. 50 lakhs (ex-showroom), will also be fully imported initially, with local assembly slated to begin later. This new model is the facelifted version of the Kia KA4, which was first showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo under the same moniker.
The Carnival is set to redefine the premium MPV space in India, with no direct rivals at its price point. While the Toyota Innova HyCross tops out at Rs. 30 lakhs, the Carnival will sit above this with the Toyota Vellfire, priced over Rs. 1 crore, as its closest competitor.
India is expected to get the Carnival with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, although international variants include a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The MPV will come with a host of luxury features, including dual 12.3-inch displays, front and rear dash cameras, a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror. Additionally, it will offer seating configurations ranging from 7 to 11 seats, although it’s unclear which versions will be available for the Indian market.
Both the Kia EV9 and Carnival reflect the brand’s ambitions to move upmarket in India, targeting buyers seeking premium experiences. The EV9 aims to capture the growing interest in electric mobility, while the Carnival will appeal to those looking for a luxury MPV with advanced technology and comfort. Kia’s decision to launch these models as CBUs highlights its focus on establishing a strong foothold in the premium segment before considering local production for wider accessibility.
