What’s the verdict on the EV9, the behemoth from KIA, crowned Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year 2024? Every aspect of this large, 100% electric SUV, from its well-defined design and impressive size to its exceptional performance, embodies Kia’s vision for the brand’s future. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the EV9 one of the most sensational vehicles in the CO2 emission-free SUV segment.
The Kia we had the opportunity to test drive was the EV9 GT-Line. There’s a lot of positive things to say about this car, both regarding its exterior and interior design.
The EV9 is based on Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which finds its purest expression in the ‘Digital Tiger Face’ front end. This modern digital face is illuminated by vertical LED projectors, some models adorned with small cubes, creating a futuristic visual effect. This light signature is not just for aesthetics; it signals KIA’s direction in advanced technology.
At the rear, the LED tail light signature, incorporating a graphical constellation motif, gives the EV9 an immediately identifiable character. Flush door handles add to the design’s elegance, while active air flaps enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The alloy wheels, available in 19 or 21 inches, are the final touch that underscores the dynamism and modernity of this SUV.
The interior of the Kia EV9 is a true ode to space and comfort. With three rows of seats capable of accommodating up to seven passengers, the EV9 is designed to offer an exceptional travel experience to all its occupants. It’s worth noting that we had the 6-seat version, with three rows of 2 seats each. The interior design favors simplicity and intuitiveness, with a panoramic triple display that groups essential information and facilitates interaction with the vehicle.
Kia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the choice of interior materials for the EV9. From bio-polyurethane-based leather alternatives to fabrics made from recycled PET bottles, each element was chosen to reduce the environmental footprint while offering a level of luxurious comfort.
The EV9 is propelled by cutting-edge electric technology. The EV9 comes standard with the latest generation of active highway driving assistance (HDA 2), including lane change assistance and presence detection. It benefits from a whole series of driving aid systems and safety equipment to ensure maximum convenience and safety on the road. The interior mirror goes digital and can be used as a simple electrochromatic rearview mirror, or as a screen displaying the camera’s image, allowing the driver to perfectly distinguish the rear of the vehicle when visibility is obstructed.
Both propulsion and all-wheel-drive versions are equipped with a 98 kWh battery for a maximum range of 563 km according to the WLTP standard. The propulsion version has an electric motor of 150 kW (204 hp), while the all-wheel-drive models benefit from two electric motors, increasing the total power to 283 kW (385 hp), for an impressive torque. One of the most remarkable features of the EV9 is its ability to recharge ultra-rapidly thanks to 800 V technology. In just 15 minutes, it can recover up to 249 km of range. Moreover, the bidirectional charging function allows the EV9 to supply energy to external devices, unmatched versatility in the electric ecosystem.
So, what did we think of the Kia EV9 GT-Line that we had the chance to test drive? We are won over by this behemoth that casts a shadow over its competition with its imposing size that impresses on the road. With its futuristic exterior design, a spacious and intuitive interior rich in sustainable materials, and under-the-hood performance that does not disappoint, this large vehicle has everything to appeal to a wide audience. The EV9 is ready to lead the next generation of electric vehicles at KIA, and we can’t wait to see what the brand has in store for the future.
