There’s no denying that Kia has undergone an identity shift. The brand has always been a reliably affordable manufacturer, although it is now boldly pivoting towards the premium end of the market. Kia’s elevation of status is certainly present in its resounding 7-seater SUV, the Kia EV9. Promising spacious proportions and luxurious finishes, the EV9 is attempting to redefine Kia.
Overview
Variants: Three variations of the EV9 have been announced at this stage: a Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) Standard model, an RWD Long Range and an All-Wheel-Drive model.
Range: Over 541km (WLTP test cycle)
Charging time and ports:
Kia has announced further details of the ultra-fast rapid charging capability of the brand-new EV9. Up to approximately 238km of electric driving range can be added with as little as 15 minutes of 800-volt charging. The total charge time for 470km will be 10 hours 45 mins with the port location on the rear right-hand side.
Charge port – Type 2
Battery:
Rear-Wheel-Drive Standard – 76.1kWh battery pack
Rear-Wheel-Drive Long Range – 99.8kWh battery pack
All-Wheel-Drive – 99.8kWh battery pack
Power:
The entry-level EV9 RWD can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 8.2 seconds thanks to a single 160kW/350Nm electric motor.
The EV9 RWD Long Range delivers a 150kW/350Nm electric motor sending the SUV to 100km/h from a standstill in a claimed 9.4 seconds.
Kia hasn’t published the driving range of the EV9 AWD. However, the vehicle is said to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in six seconds flat, thanks to dual electric motors producing a combined 283kW and 600Nm.
Efficiency:
City – Mild Weather 162 Wh/km
Highway – Mild Weather 256 Wh/km
Combined – Mild Weather 206 Wh/km
The energy use will depend on speed, style of driving, climate and route conditions.
Acceleration:
0-96.56km/h in 5.8s (Kia EV9 AWD), 0-96.56km/h in 9.1s (Kia EV9 RWD Long Range) and 0-96.56km/h in 8s (Kia EV9 RWD Standard Range)
Top Speed: 185km/h (for all variants)
Torque: 600Nm
Weight: 2660kg
Dimensions: L 5010mm, W 1980mm and H 1755mm
Drive Type: Rear and all-wheel drive
Design & look
Masculine with a sleek-yet-angular polygonal design, the EV9 is captivating in appearance. Despite its size, the EV9 remains a suave and sophisticated vehicle that’ll turn heads, certainly when the cool pixelated LED headlights are on. You can even change their design to suit your mood.
Its design is remarkably futuristic, and little details like electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and body-coloured flush door handles add to that feeling of well-considered finesse. The EV9’s aerodynamic profile is something to behold, with its lines resembling a car at top speed. Exterior colours are inspired by nature, coming in Light, Air, Earth and Water colourways.
Features and interior
Although it’s leaning toward a luxury look-and-feel, this is an EV, so the EV9 considers sustainability, and leather has been switched out in favour of recycled and bio-based materials. Nevertheless, the upholstery feels premium, and the interiors are super-spacious with a calming ambience. This is mainly due to the EV9’s flat-floor architecture, which opens up the space dramatically. A floating panoramic dashboard offers maximum visibility and easy control of the 12.3″ touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with Voice Control and a 5.3″ Climate Control Screen.
When you’ve got a large household that needs transporting from A to B, the Kia EV9 does it in style. Seating can be augmented for lounge-style relaxing. The seats can swivel to face each other or fold down to optimise space. The second row can be split 60:40 and the third row 50:50. There are also comfort features in spades, from USB-C charging ports all over the place to cup holders, adjustable ambient lighting and second-row blinds.
Performance
On a WLTP test cycle, the EV9 showcased an enviable range of 541km. As one would expect of a vehicle this size, the batteries are mighty, with the Rear-Wheel-Drive Standard coming with a 6.1kWh battery pack and both the Rear-Wheel-Drive Long Range and All-Wheel-Drive having a 99.8kWh battery pack. And what a driving experience. Smooth and ultra-responsive steering, nimble braking and a whisper-quiet motor. Despite its weight, the EV9 never feels heavy behind the wheel.
The Kia EV9 comes with a standard Type 2 charger for home use. It can fully power up in nine hours on an overnight AC charger. Using an ultra-rapid 350kW fast charger, you can expect to hit 80% in under 25 minutes.
The Kia EV9 is also set to become the first electric vehicle in Australia to offer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging capability with the more commonly used CCS combo charging plug. V2G technology enables bi-directional charging, allowing owners to draw electricity for EV battery charging, supply electricity to their home or export it to the grid. While it won’t initially be operational, the function is an exciting addition that will later be available as part of a software update.
Safety and warranty
The Kia EV9 is still to receive an ANCAP rating however, Kia state they’re on track for a five-star Euro NCAP rating. There’s a vast suite of safety features on board, which will keep your speed, blind spots, hazards, lane-keeping and stability all in check nicely. Kia’s signature Advanced Driver Assistance System takes the car one step closer to full driving autonomy. Using a 360 camera, Lidar and sensors, the Highway Driving Pilot System can cruise you along using Level 3 autonomous driving.
The Kia EV9’s exact warranty has not been confirmed yet, although most Kia models come with Australia’s first seven-year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty and up to eight years of Roadside Assist.
Summary
With the EV9, Kia has raised its game to sensational new heights, including a higher price point than its previous models, though compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the EV9 is priced competitively. In terms of style, performance and luxurious comfort, it really does rival the established heavy-hitters.
If you’ve got a large family, carpool to work or love going on road-trip coastal escapes, the EV9 will go the distance – and then some. It’s not only desirably spacious; there’s a real sense of luxury that permeates throughout. For Kia, the EV9 is a game-changer.
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