Kia EV9 Ghost Door Upgrade Review — Enhanced Convenience

Introducing the Ghost Door: A Symbol of Luxury

While the Kia EV9 offers a premium electric SUV experience, a notable absence in its luxury features has been the 'Ghost Door' function, commonly found in high-end vehicles. Today, we explore the installation of the Esclosing system, which brings this sophisticated soft-close door functionality to the EV9. This upgrade transforms even a large, heavy electric vehicle like the EV9 (measuring 800mm in height and weighing 2,500kg) into a more technologically advanced and convenient machine.

Simply put, the Ghost Door, or Esclosing system, is a feature that automatically pulls the door shut completely with just a light touch. Instead of needing to slam the door, a gentle nudge is enough for the motorized latch to guide it to its final locked position. This feature, once a hallmark of luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, is now accessible for the Kia EV9.

How the Kia EV9 Esclosing System Works

The Esclosing system activates the moment the vehicle door makes contact with the striker (the latch on the car body). A drive motor, discreetly installed within the door trim, engages to automatically pull the partially closed door the rest of the way. Due to the EV9's specific structural design, particularly its sliding door mechanism, the Esclosing system can currently be applied only to the second-row doors.

The installation process involves carefully removing the door trim to access the internal components. An electronic latch equipped with a motor is then integrated with the original door hardware. This motor is securely fastened within the trim to prevent any movement and is meticulously calibrated to ensure perfect compatibility with the Kia EV9's existing electrical systems.

Beyond Luxury: Integrated Safety Features

A critical aspect of the Esclosing system is its 'Safety Function'. This intelligent design includes sensors that detect obstacles during the closing process; if an obstruction is identified, the door automatically reopens, effectively preventing finger-pinching accidents. This makes it an invaluable premium option, especially for families with young children or pets.

Given that the Kia EV9 can accommodate up to seven passengers, it's often used by families. The Esclosing system provides an added layer of security for children who may not consistently close doors fully. Furthermore, it enhances security by automatically locking the doors if they are not fully closed after exiting the vehicle, for instance, after parking.

Esclosing vs. Standard Door System on the Kia EV9

The difference between a standard manual door system and the Esclosing system is significant. With a manual door, the user must ensure the door is closed completely. For a large and heavy vehicle like the Kia EV9, this often requires considerable force. In contrast, the Esclosing system uses a motor to complete the door closure, requiring only minimal effort from the user. This offers substantial convenience, particularly for the elderly or individuals with less physical strength.

Additionally, the motorized closure absorbs the impact of repeated door closing, which helps prevent damage to the door structure over time, potentially extending the lifespan of the doors.

Installation Process: Kia EV9 Esclosing

Step 1: Door Trim Removal

The second-row door trim panels are carefully detached. Precision is crucial here to avoid damaging the internal wiring and sensors, especially given the EV9's electronic door lock system.

Step 2: Motorized Latch Integration

The electronic latch, now equipped with the Esclosing motor, is fitted into the door's original locking mechanism. A specialized Esclosing product designed for Korean vehicles, provided by Kakao Parts, is adapted to the specific dimensions of the Kia EV9 doors. The motor is securely mounted to prevent detachment.

Step 3: Wiring and Calibration

Connections are made to the vehicle's electrical system, ensuring seamless integration. The system is then calibrated to ensure optimal performance and safety functionality.

Step 4: Final Testing

After reassembling the door trim, the Esclosing system undergoes thorough testing to confirm smooth operation, proper latching, and the activation of safety features.