Intro
The automotive industry continues to undergo a transformation with the increase of electric vehicles to the market. Kia has upped the game with its latest SUV, the EV9.
Special mention : Big, spacious and comfortable. Multi-configurable seating positions, loads of charging ports & cup-holders. Charging is good if you’re stuck without access to a fast charger. Luxury feeling materials. Lighter than it looks.
Needs work : Seating configuration can leave room a little tight in the back once the seats are swiveled. There’s so much space that filling it will have an effect on economy (same as any ICE vehicle). Infotainment not as good as previous version from EV6 (as they had to include more functionality). Short cut bar under the infotainment uses haptic feedback & can get knocked accidentally when using the touch screen.
| 380 HP / 4WD | Electric/ Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds | Road Tax €120.00 |
| Price: €85,500 | Boot Space 333 / 828 litres |
This seven/six seat electric SUV has generated a lot of buzz, we delve into its features, performance, and overall appeal. The AWD GT-line starts from €85,500 and comes with 6 or 7 seat configuration, it includes Dual Sunroofs, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Intelligent Adaptive headlights, 21” alloy wheels. The 6-seater version adds extra comfort for the second-row passengers getting individual captains chairs.
Interior
One of the standout features of the Kia EV9 is its spaciousness, from the outset it’s been designed to accommodate a maximum of seven passengers or six comfortably. This makes it an ideal option for families and anyone that needs the seating capacity it offers. This six seat configuration is achieved through a well-thought-out interior layout, ensuring that all occupants have ample legroom and headspace. Additionally, the smart seating arrangement allows for flexible configurations, enabling users to fold down seats for additional cargo space when needed. This flexibility is matched by good shoulder room and excellent headroom even in the third row but you will find that knee room is a minimum. The boot is a decent 490 litres with all 6 seats in place and there’s a further 52 litres under the hood for cable storage.
The EV9 has insanely generous passenger space, with a range of advanced features to enhance the overall experience. The GT Line features 21-inch alloys, two-tone upholstery, electric adjustment on the steering column, massage functionality on the driver’s seat, extending sections on the passenger seat, head-up display, 14-speaker sound system, front and second-row sunroofs as well as multi-configurable seating in the rear and some exterior styling upgrades. With the six-seat layout, you get two captain’s chairs instead of a middle row. They rotate 180 degrees, lift, tilt, slide and manoeuvre into nearly any position you could want or need to make a group outing more sociable. As for passenger creature comforts, you get six USB-C sockets (two per row), second-row window blinds, cup holders for each seat and armrests as part of the captain’s chairs. Also because it is electric it means cabin noise is reduced, added to that there’s very little wind or tyre noise making for a serene passenger environment.
As for the cabin quality, there’s plenty of soft-touch materials in all of the right places. However there’s a haptic panel beneath the infotainment screen for the infotainment short cuts but it’s placed in such a position where you would normally steady your hand before using the touch screen. The system itself responds smartly but the updated user interface isn’t as intuitive as that on the EV6. It may be the increase in functionality but the layout is less user friendly and more finicky.
In terms of safety, the Kia EV9 comes equipped with an array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These features include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. With these technologies, Kia ensures that both the driver and passengers are protected on the road, while accessing will take some time as they’re hidden under a multitude of menus which means you’ll spend the first 5 mins of every journey trying to turn them off, especially for Irish roads which are so badly designed.
Exterior
The exterior design is big and blocky, allowing the vehicle its multitude of space wrapped inside a modern look. Its square lines, distinctive front grille, and LED lighting elements contribute to a visually striking front end.
Under the hood, the Kia EV9 is powered by an advanced electric drivetrain, delivering impressive performance when needed. Long-range capability and quick charging are features which are at the forefront of EV owners’ minds for convenience and peace of mind on long journeys and for everyday use. There’s a single battery pack at 99.8kWh with two motor configurations; a rear wheel drive set-up with 200bhp and 350Nm, or a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive layout with 380bhp and 700 Nm of torque which gets it from 0-100 km/h in a swift 5.3 seconds. The battery gives an estimated 500+ kms between charges which will drop when you find yourself with all seats filled, plus luggage, using the heated or cooled seats and all of the energy draining devices you can think of. Helpfully you can extend the range by using the heat pump and then when you need to top up, fast charging capability gets the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 30 mins.
In terms of driving dynamics, the EV9 is smooth and responsive. Electric vehicles are known for their instant torque delivery, and the EV9 is no exception. Despite its size lending it a hefty appearance, the acceleration is quick and effortless, just don’t expect it to react in the corners the same way a low slung saloon would.
Sustainability
Additionally, the EV9 is designed to be energy-efficient, maximising the range and minimising energy consumption. The regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration and braking, converting it into usable power for the battery. This feature helps to extend the range of the vehicle and optimise energy usage.
Kia is committed to promoting sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. From the manufacturing process to the end-of-life disposal, the company ensures responsible practices and minimises environmental impact.
Conclusion
The EV9 is a genuinely large electric SUV that combines spaciousness, advanced technology, and offers more sustainability to its lifecycle. With either a six or seven-seat configuration, a luxurious interior, and cutting-edge safety features, the EV9 offers a comfortable environment for all occupants. The futuristic design steps up the suv game, while the electric drivetrain has impressive performance and efficiency. The Kia EV9 is one of the biggest options in the electric SUV market, catering to the needs of families, individuals, and professional drivers depending on a spacious and comfortable people carrier. The looks are divisive for some, its size adding to the suv debate. All in it’s a well rounded people carrier which could do with some revisions to the infotainment layout.
