By Breda Corrigan
The new Kia EV9 is a fully-electric, 6 or 7-seat SUV that boasts near-Range Rover proportions and an impressive array of standard equipment. Although it is large and imposing, the EV9 has a creditable aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.28, thereby aiding energy efficiency and refinement at motorway speeds. The EV9 embodies the Korean marque’s current ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which involves combining contrasting qualities and finding synergies between opposing concepts. Opposites United helps Kia to stand out from the crowd and heralds a new era as Kia adapts to the changing world we live in.
Powertrain & Trim Options.
The EV9 is available in two electric powertrain variants and two trim variants. The entry-level version is the generously-equipped 7-seater ‘Earth’ model (in rear-wheel-drive format only), which comes with key features such as: 19” alloy wheels, triple panoramic display, heated front and second row seats, ventilated driver and passenger seats, head-up display, 360-degree surround-view monitor, premium Meridian sound system, blind-spot collision avoidance with blind spot view monitors, wide projection LED headlamps with high beam assist, and Highway Driving Assist 3. The flagship GT-line model comes with all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard, and it offers buyers a choice of 6 or 7 seats. Additional standard equipment includes exclusive GT-line styling, 21” alloy wheels, dual sunroofs, intelligent adaptive front headlights, and remote smart parking assist 2. The 6-seater version adds extra comfort for the second-row occupants, and these two seats can be swivelled around to face the two rear seats when the vehicle is stationary. Both versions of the EV9 come with a 99.8kW battery featuring Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. The rear-wheel drive Earth model has a 150kW motor which produces 200bhp and 350Nm of torque, and this drivetrain variation can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.4-seconds. The all-wheel drive GT line is powered by twin 141kW electric motors which produce 378bhp and 700Nm of torque, and it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a blistering 5.3-seconds. Not long ago that would be a figure only achieved by a sports car, but here we have a 2,600kg electric SUV managing it with ease. Just like its award-winning, big-selling EV6 sibling, the EV9 is underpinned by Kia’s EV-specific Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and it shares many powertrain components, along with its multi-link suspension system. The EV9 can accept 800V charging from a 350kW ultra-fast public charger, so drivers can add 240km of range in just 15 minutes, or achieve a 10%-80% charge in just 24 minutes. Additionally, a 10%-100% charge can be achieved in just over 9 hours via a domestic wall-box charger. The new high-voltage 99.8 kWh battery pack stores more energy, and allows for a long range of up to 563km, and its bi-directional charging function enables it to power electronic appliances, or even, in the future, your house.
Amazing Road Presence.
The exterior design of the EV9 is undeniably distinctive, with its strong road presence and rugged off-road look sure to turn heads on every journey. Inspired by nature and modernity, its futuristic lines and outstanding design features add to its unique character. At the front, the EV9 features the latest generation of Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, and the distinctive, vertical headlamps are powered by LEDs that are characterised by a thin lens projection or small cube projection, depending on the model chosen. To the rear, a unique star map lamp graphic within the signature LED taillights gives the EV9 an instantly recognisable look. Automatic flush door handles contribute to a modern, high-tech look, while active air flaps with ‘Air Curtain’ improve aerodynamic efficiency. To finish off the distinctive look, low-drag alloy wheels are fitted as standard.
Impressively Spacious.
With a length of over 5 metres, the EV9 is Kia’s most spacious passenger vehicle yet. In addition to being impressively spacious for passengers, the EV9 also comes with a front trunk (often referred to as a ‘frunk’) that can accommodate the charging cables. As would be expected, the boot space is also a substantial size, and with all of the rear seats in place, there is still 333-litres of space available. With the two rearmost seats folded down, this increases to an even more practical 828-litres, while still providing accommodation for up to 5 occupants. However, fold down the back two rows of seats and you will be left with a flat floor, along with a van-rivalling 2,318-litres of space. The high-quality dash is dominated by a super-wide infotainment and instrument cluster that is neatly integrated into one display, and the centre console is equipped with a fast, wireless phone charger. Various ambient mood lights are applied inside the cabin, providing different lighting functions such as speed linkage and car camping mode. The EV9’s touchscreen navigation system offers a wide range of features such as Bluetooth multi-connection as standard, enabling occupants to connect two mobile devices at once, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality is also standard. With Google Fast Pair Service, it is even easier for Android users to connect their phone to the vehicle’s infotainment system. As with other Kia models, EV9 owners can benefit from Kia Connect Live Services, which include online navigation as well as real-time information on traffic, parking availability and parking costs, locations and pricing for EV charging points, and much more besides. The spacious passenger compartment comes with its own connectivity ports, storage bins, air vents and controls, all of which are neatly designed and cleverly located. The EV9 is equipped with a host of active driver-assist and safety features for maximum convenience and safety on the road, and it is the first Kia model to feature Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), which offers Level 3 autonomous driving, where local regulations and driving conditions permit.
Test Car.
My 6-seat EV9 GT-line AWD test car cut quite a dash in its elegant Ocean Blue metallic paintwork with contrasting 21” black alloy wheels. The EV9’s relatively-high driving position and deep windows provide excellent visibility and, when it comes to parking, the all-round vision is enhanced by standard-fit parking sensors and cameras. The EV9’s long wheelbase (3,100mm) and completely flat EV architecture provide generous space for all occupants, with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats. The column-mounted gear selector is also home to the power-on and power-off button, and it is very straight forward in its operation. Despite the weight and size of the EV9, it accelerates with terrific urgency, and it has the ability to overtake slower-moving traffic with unwavering confidence. It feels reassuringly solid at all times, irrespective of the road surface, and it can safely negotiate sharp corners without negatively affecting the sense of calm within the cabin. The steering is nicely weighted, and the cossetting suspension set-up handles road bumps effectively, while the EV9’s strong natural braking performance can be adjusted via paddle-shift levers, and that means that you can choose to drive in one-pedal mode for maximum brake regeneration.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
The amazing Kia EV9 is roomy, very well equipped, and is a real joy to drive. Its handling characteristics are impressive, and all occupants are treated to an outstanding combination of comfort and luxury. The EV9 Earth (7-seat) and GT-Line (6 or 7-seat) models are priced at €77,500 and €85,500 respectively (ex-delivery). All Kia passenger cars are covered by a 7-year/150,000km vehicle warranty as standard.
