Kia EV9: Cost, launch and characteristics

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Kia EV9 is an electric seven-seat SUV that marks a significant step forward for Kia. Priced between £66,000 and £79,000, it boasts a massive battery with a range of over 300 miles, a luxurious interior, and a promise of exceptional smoothness and dynamism. This makes it the fanciest and most advanced car ever produced by Kia.

The EV9 is Kia's flagship model, aimed at cracking the premium electric SUV market currently dominated by Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and Volvo. It comes in three trim levels - Air, GT Line, and GT Line S - all of which come with seven seats as standard. The Air model is equipped with a triple panoramic display, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated seats, and a powered tailgate. All models feature a 99.8kWh battery, offering a range of 308 to 336 miles depending on power. There are two power options available - 201 horsepower with rear-wheel drive or 378 horsepower with four-wheel drive. The EV9 is available for order now, with deliveries expected to begin in January 2024. Prices start at £64,995 for the Air model and go up to £78,745 for the GT Line S with four-wheel drive.

In terms of design, the EV9 stands out with its boxier and more imposing look compared to the EV6. While the base Air model is already well-equipped, the GT Line and GT Line S models offer sportier looks and additional luxuries such as massaging seats, larger wheels, and a premium sound system.

The interior of the EV9 features a triple digital display, with the air-con controls positioned in the middle. Kia has used sustainable and recycled materials throughout the cabin, resulting in a plush and high-quality feel. The standard seating configuration is 2/3/2, but the GT Line S models can be configured as a six-seater with swiveling captain's chairs in the middle row. Safety features are abundant, including self-steering lane keeping assist, self-parking, and surround view monitors.

The EV9 is equipped with a large 99.8kWh battery to match its size. Paired with a 201 horsepower single motor, it offers an official range of 336 miles. Adding a second motor for four-wheel drive reduces the range to 308 miles but increases the power to 378 horsepower. The torque also doubles to 700Nm, providing impressive acceleration. The battery can be charged at speeds up to 350kW, allowing for a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 25 minutes using rapid charging stations.

Pricing for the EV9 starts at £64,995 for the Air model and goes up to £75,995 for the GT Line S variant. While the EV9 may seem expensive, its closest competitors in terms of space and equipment, such as the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes-Benz EQS, start at around £100,000. Other electric SUVs in a similar price range, like the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and Mercedes EQC, may also be tempted by the EV9's additional space and features.

Looking ahead, Kia has plans to release an updated version of the Picanto city car and a brand-new Sorento SUV before the end of 2023. The Sorento will share styling and interior design cues with the EV9, further elevating Kia's position in the market. There are also rumors of another electric SUV, the EV5, which is expected to be similar in style to the EV9 but closer in size and price to the Nissan Qashqai.

FutureCar Staff