Kia has unveiled its final boss in the form of the Kia EV9, a bold and ambitious all-electric SUV that marks the brand’s most daring venture yet.
Priced from £65,025 for the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Air, this three-row powerhouse is set to hit UK shores this summer. However, those eager to grab the keys right away will have to opt for the more feature-laden four-wheel-drive variants, starting at a steeper £73,275. This is no ordinary Kia—it’s a seismic leap from the days of the humble Rio and well above the Sorento’s starting price of £45k.
But what gives Kia the audacity to square off against heavyweights like the Land Rover Discovery and Mercedes EQE SUV? Let’s dive into this electrifying evolution.
A Challenger in the Premium Arena
To truly appreciate the EV9, one must first understand the context of its emergence. Kia, alongside its sibling brand Hyundai, has steadily built a reputation for crafting some of the finest electric vehicles on the market today. Models like the Niro EV, EV6, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6 have not only solidified their place in the EV landscape but have also managed to unsettle the traditional dominance of European luxury automakers.
As the first fully-electric, full-size seven-seater SUV to hit the market, the EV9 represents a bold statement. Kia isn’t just participating in the EV revolution—it’s leading it, forcing competitors to scramble in its wake.
Off-Road Credentials: Image vs. Reality
Despite its rugged aesthetics, the EV9 is not exactly a trailblazer in off-road capabilities. The twin-motor version provides four-wheel drive and even features terrain-specific modes like Mud, Snow, and Sand, accessible via a steering wheel button. Yet, this is less a rugged off-roader and more a sleek minivan in disguise, decked out as a muscular, all-terrain conqueror.
At over five meters in length and sitting atop 21-inch wheels, the EV9 commands a formidable road presence. However, its true strength lies in its role as a practical and spacious family vehicle rather than a dune-scaling adventurer.
Power, Battery, and Range: A Feast of Options
Kia has equipped the EV9 with a single 99.8kWh battery pack for all its UK-bound models. The GT-Line S twin-motor version, delivering an impressive 380bhp, sprints from 0 to 62mph in a mere 5.3 seconds, a performance that’s staggering for an SUV tipping the scales at 2.6 tonnes. It offers a claimed range of 318 miles, more than adequate for most journeys.
For those willing to sacrifice a bit of acceleration, the rear-wheel-drive variant extends the range to 350 miles. By opting for 20-inch rims instead of the standard 21s, you can eke out even more efficiency. It’s a remarkable feat for a vehicle with aerodynamics akin to a medium-sized leisure center.
| Specification | Twin-Motor GT-Line S | Rear-Wheel Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 380bhp | 200bhp |
| 0-62mph Acceleration | 5.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Range | 318 miles | 350 miles |
| Battery Capacity | 99.8kWh | 99.8kWh |
Tech-Laden Interior: A Mixed Bag
The EV9 comes brimming with technology that’s as forward-thinking as its design. Highlights include:
- Self-parking capabilities.
- A driverless crawl mode for navigating tight spaces without needing to open the doors.
- Autonomous lane-changing on motorways.
However, the abundance of driver assistance features, while undoubtedly helpful, might test your patience with incessant alerts and warnings. Kia has also ensured the standard equipment list is extensive—customers only need to decide on the paint color, sparing them from the agony of ticking endless options boxes.
Sustainability: A Green Core with a Grey Vibe
Kia is eager to highlight the eco-friendly materials used in the EV9’s interior. From recycled plastics to components derived from sustainable crops, the cabin embodies an environmentally conscious approach. Even the paint applied to the trim is crafted with fewer harmful chemicals. Despite these efforts, the interior design skews towards the utilitarian, with a grey-heavy aesthetic that lacks the luxurious warmth of its pricier competitors.
Facing the Competition
The EV9 finds itself in a competitive but relatively niche segment. While brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have dabbled in electric SUVs, their offerings often fall short in practicality, particularly for larger families. Models like the Mercedes EQV lean heavily on their van-based roots, making the EV9 one of the few true seven-seat electric SUVs available today.
| Competitor | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 e-tron | £67,000 – £115,000 | Luxury focus, moderate practicality |
| BMW iX | £70,000 – £120,000 | Advanced tech, striking design |
| Mercedes EQV | £80,000+ | Van-like, spacious, less refined |
| Volvo EX90 | £100,000+ | Upcoming, premium seven-seater |
Verdict: A Worthy Contender
“The Kia EV9 leaves you pondering the age-old question: while a posh badge might be desirable, do you genuinely need one?”
The EV9 is a testament to Kia’s evolution, proving itself as a thoughtfully engineered flagship that balances functionality, innovation, and performance. It’s a vehicle that can withstand the rigors of family life, offers cutting-edge tech, and delivers enough range to justify its premium price.
However, Kia—and indeed all automakers—must find ways to make safety and driver assistance systems less intrusive, ensuring they enhance the driving experience rather than detract from it.
For now, the EV9 carves out a significant niche for itself, standing as a formidable option for those seeking a practical, eco-conscious, and well-equipped electric SUV without breaking into six-figure territory.
A Final Thought: Posh Badge, or Purposeful Choice?
At £75,000, the EV9 presents a compelling case for itself. It challenges preconceived notions about the value of a premium brand name, inviting buyers to reconsider whether prestige is worth the additional cost when a practical, purpose-built alternative exists.
It’s not just a question of luxury anymore; it’s a question of fit-for-purpose excellence. And on that front, the Kia EV9 delivers admirably.