Kia EV9 Review: Designed by the Future
Introduction: A New Era of Inspiring Electric Mobility
The Kia EV9 is more than just a flagship electric SUV; it is a statement of intent. A winning combination of space, performance, and sustainability, the EV9 has been designed by the future to reshape our expectations of electric mobility. With its spacious and versatile 6-seater interior, powerful dual-motor performance, and an impressive real-world range, it brings a new era of inspiring journeys. Having already won prestigious global awards like World’s Best Car 2024 and the Reddot ‘Best of the Best’ award, the EV9 arrives as a fully-formed vision of what the ultimate family electric vehicle can be.
Design & Comfort: The Shape of Tomorrow, Today
The EV9’s design is a masterclass in futuristic minimalism and commanding presence. The sleek yet muscular body features Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, and intelligent Ice Cube LED headlamps that create an unforgettable signature. Details like the body-colored automatic flush door handles and 20-inch sporty crystal-cut alloys underscore its premium, aerodynamic profile. The design ethos is a seamless blend of natural inspiration and cutting-edge innovation.
Inside, the EV9 offers a serene and expansive sanctuary. The flat floor of the E-GMP platform creates immense space across three rows. The 6-seater GT-Line variant pampers occupants with 1st and 2nd Row Relaxation Comfort Seats featuring ventilation, heating, and leg support. The 2nd-row captain seats also offer an 8-way power adjust and massage function. The cabin is crowned by a Dual Sunroof and features a stunning Trinity Panoramic Display, creating an environment that is both technologically advanced and incredibly comfortable.
Performance, Range & Technology: Power to Your Journeys
The EV9 delivers exhilarating performance from its high-powered, dual-motor AWD powertrain. It produces a massive 282.6 kW (384.23 PS) of power and 700 Nm of torque, enabling a blistering 0-100 km/h time of just 5.3 seconds. This performance is backed by a huge 99.8 kWh battery pack, providing an ARAI-certified range of 561 km. With its 800V architecture, the EV9 supports ultra-fast charging, going from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes with a 350kW charger. Drive & Terrain modes allow for a customized driving experience, whether on tarmac or venturing off it.
Technology in the EV9 is intuitive and futuristic. The cabin is dominated by the Trinity Panoramic Display, which seamlessly integrates three screens for the driver’s cluster, HVAC controls, and infotainment. It is packed with cutting-edge tech like a Head-up Display, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability to power external appliances, a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Sound System, and the Kia Digital Key 2.0. The advanced safety suite includes an ADAS Level 2 system with over 27 autonomous features, ensuring peace of mind on every journey.
Full Specifications Table: Kia EV9 GT-Line
PE System & Performance
- Battery Capacity: 99.8 kWh
- Drive Type: AWD Dual Motor
- Max Power: 384.23 PS
- Max Torque: 700 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds
- Range (ARAI): 561 km
- DC Fast Charge (10-80%): 24 minutes (350kW)
Dimensions & Capacity
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 5015 x 1980 x 1780 mm
- Wheelbase: 3100 mm
- Seating Capacity: 6 (2+2+2)
- Boot Space: 333 Litres (VDA)
- Frunk Capacity: 52 Litres
Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Multi Link
- Brakes: All Wheel Disc Brakes
- Tyre Size: 275/50 R20
- Wheels: 20″ Sporty Crystal-cut Alloys
Variants
- GT-Line AWD (6-Seater): The flagship variant packed with all performance, luxury, and technology features including dual sunroof, relaxation seats, ADAS Level 2, and V2L.
Safety
- Standard Safety: 10 Airbags, All Wheel Disc Brakes, ESC, VSM, Multi Collision Brake, ISOFIX.
- Advanced Safety (ADAS Level 2): 27 features including advanced Forward Collision Avoidance, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance.
- Parking Aids: 360 Degree Camera, Blind View Monitor, Front/Side/Rear Parking Sensors.
Comparisons: EV9 vs BMW iX & Volvo EX90
The Kia EV9 enters the elite luxury EV space with a unique proposition. Against the BMW iX, which is known for its avant-garde design and brand cachet, the EV9 offers a more practical and spacious three-row seating configuration and superior standard features like relaxation and massage seats. When compared to the Volvo EX90, which shares a focus on three-row seating and safety, the EV9 stands out with its bolder, more futuristic design and potentially quicker performance figures. The EV9’s blend of expansive space, cutting-edge tech, and striking design positions it as a compelling and perhaps more value-oriented alternative to its established German and Swedish rivals.
Pros and Cons: Our Balanced View
Pros:
- Commanding Presence: A true head-turner with a futuristic and muscular design.
- Vast & Luxurious Interior: Unmatched space with three usable rows and first-class relaxation seats.
- Flagship Technology: Trinity Display, V2L, and a comprehensive ADAS suite set a new benchmark.
- Explosive Performance & Long Range: Sub-6-second 0-100 time combined with a 560+ km range.
Cons:
- Premium Price Tag: Expected to be priced well over ₹1 Crore, limiting its audience.
- Sheer Size: Its large dimensions could make it challenging to navigate and park in tight urban spaces.
- Charging Infrastructure: Finding 350kW DC fast chargers to utilize its full charging speed is currently a challenge in India.
Who Is This Car For? Tailored Recommendations
The Kia EV9 is the ultimate choice for:
- Affluent Families: Who need a spacious 6 or 7-seater but desire a futuristic, eco-conscious vehicle.
- Tech Entrepreneurs & Early Adopters: Who want to own the latest and most advanced piece of automotive technology.
- C-Suite Executives: Looking for a statement vehicle that combines luxury, performance, and practicality for both business and family.
- Those Seeking an Alternative to German Luxury: Offering a compelling package of features and space that rivals established luxury brands.
Final Verdict: A Bold, Brilliant Glimpse into the Future
The Kia EV9 is an audacious and brilliantly executed flagship that doesn’t just enter the luxury EV segment—it aims to redefine it. It successfully merges the seemingly conflicting demands of a spacious three-row family vehicle with the striking design and exhilarating performance of a futuristic concept car. The level of technology, from the Trinity Panoramic Display to the comprehensive ADAS suite, is simply staggering. It is a vehicle without compromise, offering immense comfort, blistering pace, a substantial range, and undeniable road presence. For those with the means, the Kia EV9 is not just a car; it’s an experience and a confident step into the future of mobility. It is, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring electric vehicles on the planet.
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)
