Kia’s flagship all-electric SUV, the EV9, has secured the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ title at the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024, in the Cars and Motorcycles category. This top-tier recognition at the renowned global design competition celebrates the significant impact of Kia’s innovative ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy on the automotive industry.
The Red Dot: ‘Best of the Best’ award is reserved for groundbreaking designs that set new benchmarks in their fields. This accolade underscores the success of the Kia design team in forging the EV9, marking it as Kia’s first flagship electric SUV and a pioneer in design and functionality.
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, expressed his delight, stating, “The EV9 was envisioned as a bold, authentic SUV that extends the boundaries of design, usability, connectivity, and environmental stewardship. Winning the Red Dot: ‘Best of the Best’ award is not just a triumph for our design team but a celebration for all our colleagues worldwide. It symbolizes our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative and inspiring automotive solutions.”
The award also highlights the compelling influence of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which has been integral in every phase of the EV9’s development. This philosophy merges futuristic design, advanced technology, and sustainable practices, illustrating a seamless blend of natural and modern elements. The EV9 features a confident and serene exterior characterized by a bold stance, clean lines, and smooth surfaces, complemented by distinctive elements like the Digital Tiger Face, Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, and vertical headlamps that emphasize its forward-looking appeal.
In addition, the EV9 showcases Kia’s dedication to sustainable mobility. Launched in 2023, it was the first model to incorporate Kia’s Design Sustainability Strategy. This strategy includes the gradual elimination of animal-sourced leather and the integration of ten essential sustainable materials across all new Kia models, along with a commitment to developing natural and bio-based materials.
The Red Dot Design Award, celebrated for its rigorous assessment of design quality and innovation, this year recognized the influence of the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, particularly praising the EV9’s contemporary design and robust classic aesthetics.
The Red Dot Award ceremony is scheduled for June 24, 2024, at the Aalto Theatre in Essen, Germany, where Kia will celebrate its 29th victory since 2009. The EV9’s array of accolades includes the 2024 iF Design Awards ‘Gold’ award and multiple wins at the World Car Awards 2024, including ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘World Electric Vehicle of the Year.’
