Kia has introduced the EV9 GT line in India, priced at ₹1.3 crore. Following the EV6, this is Kia’s second electric offering in the country. The EV9, an SUV with a three-row seating configuration, marks the brand’s first foray into the flagship SUV segment. Targeting a more upscale clientele, Kia is also advancing its environmental sustainability objectives with this vehicle. Constructed on the G-EMP platform, the SUV features a flat battery pack that lowers its center of gravity. Now, let’s delve into the details of the EV9.
Kia EV9 exterior
The EV9 is a manifestation of Kia’s ‘opposites united’ design philosophy. It showcases an SUV silhouette that blends natural elements with manufactured ones. The vehicle boasts a wheelbase of 3100mm and spans 5 meters in length. With a width of 1980mm and a height of 1755mm, it ranks as one of the larger SUVs on the Indian market.
The distinctive tiger face on the front features a digital pattern lighting grille and DRLs, complemented by LED projection headlamps with an ice cube design. Other design features, such as the wheels, sculpted underbody, and air curtain on the front bumper, contribute to the EV9’s aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28, enhancing its efficiency and performance. The EV9 is equipped with 20-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels and boasts a ground clearance of 198mm.
Interior and Features of the Kia EV9
The EV9 features three rows of seating, with the second row consisting of captain’s chairs that offer eight-way power adjustments. These chairs also come equipped with relaxation and massage functions. Additionally, the vehicle includes a dual sunroof positioned above the first and second rows. The dashboard boasts a panoramic display screen that splits the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into two 12.3-inch sections, along with a separate 5-inch HVAC control screen. Software updates are conducted wirelessly via over-the-air updates. The IVRM, an integrated digital screen, provides a rear view from the camera located at the back of the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree camera and features level 2 advanced driver assistance systems with 27 autonomous functions, such as forward collision warning, blind spot collision avoidance, high beam assistance, safe exit assistance, and lane keeping and departure assistance. The audio experience is delivered through a 14-speaker meridian system with active sound design.
Battery and Performance of the Kia EV9
The EV9 is equipped with a 99.8kWh battery, providing a range of 561km as per ARAI testing. It features DC 350kW fast charging, which allows for a charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. The battery delivers 379bhp and 700Nm of torque, powering all four wheels. It boasts a 0-100kmph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds.
The Kia EV9 comes in five colors in India: Snow White Pearl, Panthera Metal, Pebble Gray, Aurora Black Pearl, and Ocean Blue. It has received a 5-star safety rating from GNCAP and is equipped with 10 airbags. Kia touts it as their most advanced vehicle to date. It earned the title of World Car of the Year in 2023 and will be offered with leasing options.