Kia is making big moves in the electric vehicle (EV) space, and the new Kia EV9 is one of its most exciting launches yet. It’s a fully electric SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with long-range capability, spacious design, and premium features. If you’re someone looking for a large, eco-friendly SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance or comfort, the EV9 might just be the perfect fit.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Kia EV9 such a strong contender in the electric SUV market.
Design & Style
The Kia EV9 looks bold and futuristic. At first glance, its boxy SUV shape gives it a tough and commanding presence on the road. But at the same time, there are lots of smart design touches that give it a premium and modern look.
The front is defined by a wide, smooth grille panel (since there’s no need for a traditional grille in EVs), along with sleek LED headlamps. The signature “Digital Tiger Face” adds to its visual identity. The large wheels, sculpted sides, and blacked-out pillars give it a strong and sporty feel.
Inside, the EV9 offers a spacious and minimalistic cabin. There’s a focus on sustainability too, with the use of eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and plant-based leather alternatives. The cabin has a clean dashboard with a panoramic digital display stretching across the front.
Engine & Performance
Being an EV, the Kia EV9 doesn’t have a traditional engine. Instead, it comes with a powerful electric motor setup. There are two main versions – a rear-wheel drive (RWD) model and an all-wheel drive (AWD) model. The AWD variant gets a dual motor setup that offers stronger acceleration and better grip on different road surfaces.
In terms of power, the EV9 delivers up to 379 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque in the GT-Line version. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, which is quite fast for a big SUV.
Also, since the EV9 is built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, the weight is distributed well, giving it a balanced drive.
Ride & Handling
Despite its size, the Kia EV9 handles surprisingly well. Thanks to the low center of gravity (due to the battery placement), it feels stable while turning and cruising at higher speeds. The suspension is tuned to offer a smooth ride, and road bumps are managed with ease.
The EV9 also comes with regenerative braking, which allows you to slow down the car by lifting your foot off the accelerator, while also charging the battery slightly. There are multiple levels of regen braking that you can adjust depending on how you prefer to drive.
Steering feels light and easy for city drives, but also offers enough feedback for confident highway runs.
Features & Tech
The Kia EV9 is packed with the latest tech features that not only improve driving but also comfort and convenience.
Here’s a quick overview table of some key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | Dual 12.3-inch screens with touchscreen & controls |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Fully digital with customizable display |
| ADAS (Level 3 Ready) | Advanced Driver Assistance including lane keeping, smart cruise, and auto parking |
| 360-Degree Camera | Provides full view around the car |
| Wireless Charging | For smartphones and in-car devices |
| OTA Updates | Car software updates over the air |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Can power external devices like laptops or even camping gear |
| Voice Control | Smart AI-based voice assistant |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Adds openness and luxury |
This SUV is designed to be a smart hub on wheels. The voice control system lets you operate functions like climate control or navigation with simple commands. Kia has also introduced remote parking assist, where you can park the vehicle using the key fob even while standing outside the car.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
In electric vehicles, we talk about range instead of mileage. The Kia EV9 offers up to 600 km of range on a full charge (as per WLTP standards). That’s enough to take long trips without worrying too much about recharging.
Charging is also quick. The EV9 supports ultra-fast 800V DC charging, which means you can go from 10% to 80% battery in just around 20-25 minutes, if you use a high-speed charger.
At home, it may take 6-8 hours with a standard AC wall box charger, which is ideal for overnight charging.
Price & Variants
Kia has not officially announced the price for the Indian market yet, but based on global pricing and expected import taxes, the Kia EV9 could be priced around ₹85 – ₹95 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the top variants.
Here’s a quick look at possible variants (globally):
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Kia EV9 Light RWD
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Kia EV9 Wind AWD
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Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD
All variants come with different motor outputs, features, and battery capacities. The GT-Line is the most premium one, with the highest power and advanced features.