Kia EV9

The Kia EV9’s cabin strikes a balance between postmodern minimalism and sophistication. Upon entering, you are greeted by dual 12.3-inch screens, one serving as the driver’s multi-function display and the other as the EV’s infotainment system. Its infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth Hands-free with voice command, and is paired with a 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System, further enhancing its immersive cruising experience.

Meanwhile, the driver also has access to a 4-spoke leather steering wheel with a paddle shifter, multiple controls, and a heating function, an electro chromic rear view mirror with a full display, as well as tactile controls for the car’s significant interior features, which is a plus for other drivers and passengers who dislike a touch-heavy cabin.

The first row is a nice place to be in, with its cooled driver and front passenger seats equipped with aircell lumbar support, while the third row can comfortably accommodate two adult passengers. The second row is arguably the best spot inside the car, thanks to its relaxation seats with a massage function. The EV9’s eco-friendly leather seats are well-cushioned and ergonomic. Plus, it comes with a dual sunroof setup, elevating the passengers’ premium interior feel.

Aside from that, this EV offers a cavernous trunk space with all the rear seats folded, showcasing Kia’s mastery in producing future-ready vehicles that are practical for everyday use. And, if that’s not enough, it also comes with a decently-sized 52-L frunk (front trunk). For added convenience and functionality, this EV is also fitted with multiple USB ports, a total of six cupholders, front and rear power outlets, and a mobile phone wireless charger.

Appearance-wise, the Kia EV9 looks like it came straight out of a Transformers movie, highlighted by its futuristic ‘Digital Tiger Face’ that replaces the traditional grille with a clean, body-coloured front panel. Its front end is illuminated by ‘Star Map’ small cube LED projector headlamps with sleek LED daytime running lights (DRLs), giving it a distinctive high-tech appearance on the road. Underneath, this EV also features a blacked-out GT-Line-exclusive front bumper with a silver skid plate, adding a sporty touch to its exterior look.

The EV9 has a large, upright SUV profile with a long wheelbase and strong geometric surfaces. Its angular wheel arches, flush door handles, digital side mirrors, and black bridge-type roof rails emphasize its hypermodern but outdoorsy character. This EV rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with dynamic-looking rims, which further reinforce its imposing stance.

Moreover, the rear continues the EV9’s clean, geometric design, with slim Star Map LED tail lights extending vertically along the outer edges of the power tailgate with a proximity sensor. It is also equipped with LED rear fog lamps and an LED high-mount stop lamp, ensuring maximum visibility at all times. Lastly, the wide, uncluttered tailgate and sculpted bumper give the EV a substantial, upright appearance while maintaining the futuristic styling seen at the front.

In terms of dimensions, the Kia EV9 measures 5,015 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height. This EV SUV also comes with a 3,100-mm wheelbase and a 177-mm minimum ground clearance.

In terms of suspension, the Kia EV9 comes with a MacPherson Multi-Link at the front and a 5-Link-Type Multi-Link at the rear. This setup is credited with this EV’s impressive dynamics. It soaks up bumps and other road imperfections with ease while remaining stable and composed through sharp turns and twists. This SUV is also capable of passing through light rocky, muddy, or gravel terrains. Overall, the EV9 delivers a supple and very dynamic riding experience for everyone on board.

The Kia EV9 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates 384 PS of maximum power and 700 Nm of maximum torque. Feeding its electric motor is a 99.8-kWh Lithium-Ion battery that offers a combined (city/highway) all-electric range of up to 505 kilometers and supports DC fast charging (with 350 kW) of 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. The EV9 features a Type 2 AC charger and a CCS2 Combo DC charger and comes with a V2L adapter and a portable charger. 

That said, the EV9 is impressively quick and smooth off the line, thanks to its electric motor’s instantaneous power delivery. It can get up to speed without much challenge, easily overtaking slower vehicles on free-flowing highways. With plenty of torque on tap, it is also capable of taking on steep inclines in the provinces. While it may not be the most energy-efficient EV in the local market, its range is more than enough for everyday city driving and occasional long-distance trips out of town.

Additionally, the driver has the flexibility to adjust its performance depending on his or her current driving conditions, thanks to its three selectable driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco. The EV9 is also equipped with three terrain modes: Mud, Snow, and Sand for taking on light off-road trails.

The EV9 features Kia’s DriveWise technology (ADAS suite), which includes smart cruise control, blind spot detection with blind view monitor and blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane keeping and following assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, a 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as front, side, and rear parking sensors. 

This EV is equipped with front and rear disc brakes, supported by an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, and a multi-collision brake system.

The Kia EV9 hits the sweet spot for affluent families seeking a premium, all-electric SUV that offers an impressive balance between driving enjoyment and everyday practicality. It is an exciting performer, well-equipped with safety features, and just versatile in general.