Kia EV9 customers can upgrade their vehicles “over-the-air”

Kia’s new EV9 flagship electric SUV will allow customers to remotely purchase and install new software functions “over-the-air”.

It means customers will be able to effectively “self serve” and choose optional extras on their EV9 after delivery, rather than needing to lock in their choices at the point of order.

The Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) technology can add features like Level 3 autonomous driving functionality through Highway Driving Pilot and there will be further “on-demand” services that customers can choose to purchase through the Kia Connect Store.

Kia says upgradeable software can enhance vehicle functions, including safety, convenience, connectivity, security and driving performance.

The Kia Connect Store offers a range of features, such as Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, which enables drivers to park and exit their vehicles remotely.

The store also offers a feature called Lighting Pattern, which provides five different display modes for the two clusters of small cube lamps affixed to the SUV’s front. Kia's ultimate goal is to provide a wider range of high-tech features in the future.

Customers and retailers can expect Hyundai Motor Group, the parent company to Kia,to expand SDV technology to other Kia, Hyundai and Genesis models.