The EV9, Kia's largest, priciest electric model, will re-shape perceptions of this Korean brand. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Kia's EV9 delivers a chunky SUV vibe in a huge, luxurious, futuristic-looking electric vehicle. There's decent range, an uber-trendy cabin and space for up to seven. This is the new, more interesting face of Kia.

Background

Kia keeps surprising us. Here for example, in the EV9, the marque's largest and priciest car yet, is a fully-electric SUV that's completely different to anything we've seen before from the brand. It bucks the trend of super-sleek full-battery models, which helps this six or seven-seat luxury contender to be supremely family-friendly. An intriguing mix of the familiar and the futuristic. We'll see this chunky 'Opposites United' look again in smaller form with the brand's forthcoming more compact EV5, a design theme very different from the existing more familiar EV6 and one that does indeed meet its intended brief to re-shape the image that customers have of this growing Korean brand. Kia says it wants to 'take a few risks' with its design going forward but retain a mainstream appeal. Is that what's been delivered here? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

It doesn't seem likely that a family seven-seat SUV that looks like this will accelerate to 62mph in just 5.3s, but that's what the twin motor AWD 378bhp EV9 variant that most customers will choose manages. If, understandably, you can't see why a huge family wagon like this needs to go that fast, then Kia will offer you a base spec single motor rear-driven 'Air' version with 200bhp, which is considerably more sedate, making 62mph in 9.4s. That tops out at 114mph (10mph less than this Twin Motor EV9) but uses same big 99.8kWh long range battery, which takes the car 349 miles in 'Air' form - or 313 miles in the AWD model. Predictably, like any car of this kind, it's a big thing to manoeuvre about, especially around town and on narrow country roads. Still, at least there's less body roll than the slab-sided looks lead you to expect, helped by the low-down central siting of the enormous 566kg battery pack beneath the floor - positioning that considerably restricts any pretensions this Kia might have otherwise had towards off-road prowess. Steering feel is accurate but quite lifeless, with feedback one of the parameters you can control via the various drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport', plus a configurable 'MyMode' setting. Because there's no adaptive damping, these modes can't affect ride quality but Kia does provide standard self-levelling rear dampers. There are also six brake regeneration settings, which can be operated by the steering wheel paddle shifters. Impressively, the EV9 can tow 2,500kgs (as much as a Range Rover Velar); can be had with Level 3 autonomous drive technology; and can be parked remotely from its key fob.

Design and Build

The EV era has prompted a whole fresh approach to design from quite a number of brands and Kia is one of them. The EV9, overseen by ex-BMW stylist Karim Habib, is much like the radical concept shown in Los Angeles in 2021, but has slightly smaller 21-inch wheels. And, contrary to the image suggested by the boxy Defender-like silhouette, a lower ride height (because of the required thick battery pack). With the drivetrain beneath the car, you might wonder why it needs such a big bonnet (there's only a small 'frunk' for the charging leads inside). Or such a wide, vertical nose (Kia calls it the 'Tiger Face'), a smooth panel that can be decorated with customisable 'Star Map' LED light patterns shining through from behind. The headlamps and tail lights are both vertically-orientated and in dimensions, we're talking over 5-metres long and almost 2-metres wide - think Range Rover size. Inside, we're already into a new generation of Kia EV interiors, this cabin less visually dominated by twinkling displays, though there are still plenty of them. The new dashboard gets one large 27-inch instrument panel incorporating a trio of screens, flanked by digital rear view monitors at either end of the fascia, if you've ticked the box for that option. The cabin feel is warmer and more up-market that we've previously seen from Kia, with more cloth and fewer textured plastics. There's a 'D'-shaped steering wheel to make viewing the instrument display easier and the column it's attached to has all the main driver controls to avoid clutter elsewhere. In the rear, there's a choice of six or seven-seat layouts being offered: choose a six-seater (only available with top 'GT-Line S'-spec) and the middle row has two 'captain's chairs' that can swivel to face the third row seats. Or can be swivelled towards the door openings to help elderly folk in and out. There are tray tables on the front seat backs and a digital climate control panel for the middle row. Depending on seat positioning, expect a large boot too - 572-litres in size. With all the seats flat, capacity rises to 2,319-litres.

Market and Model

So what'll you pay for one of these? Well from launch, and at the time of launch, EV9 pricing was starting from around £65,000, but that only gets you the base rear-driven 200bhp 'Air'-spec model that few will want. The AWD 378bhp variants start with the 'GT-Line' version (priced from just over £73,000 at the time our our review), but you'd probably ideally want the top 'GT-Line S' spec level, available as we compiled this from around £76,000 in this seven-seat form - or from around £77,000 with a six-seat cabin format. All EV9s from launch shared the same 99.8kWh battery. Three rows of seats are standard on all models, but with the top 'GT-Line S' variant, special individual 'captain's chairs' can be fitted for an extra £1,000, which drops the total number of passengers you can carry from seven to six - two in each row. All EV9s come with complete LED illumination for the headlights, the LED daytime running lights, the tail lamps and the rear fog lights. Plus you get power-folding mirrors, auto headlamps and wipers, a rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, roof rails and silver front and rear skid plates. Plus fingerprint recognition and 'Digital Key' keyless entry. You also get a 'Smart' power tailgate with height adjustment, all-round parking sensors, rear self-levelling suspension, a Thatcham category one alarm, a heat pump to preserve driving range in cold conditions and a clever Vehicle-to-load (V2L) system that allows you to power external devices from the car's main battery. Inside on all models, you get 12.3-inch driver display screen and a 5.3-inch climate control screen. There's also three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, an electronic rear view mirror, a wireless mobile phone charger and a 360-degree surround view monitor. Plus you get manual window blinds on the second row, six USB-C interior charge ports and a four-spoke heated steering wheel with an illuminated emblem. Media features are taken care of by a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation with voice control. And all variants get Kia's latest 'highway driving pilot' system that uses 15 sensors (including a couple of lidar sensors) to offer 'Level 3' autonomous driving (where conditions allow).

Cost of Ownership

In our 'Driving' section, we gave you the drive range stats for this EV9's 99.8kWh battery: 349 miles for the base rear-driven version and 313 miles for the dual-motor all-wheel drive variants. Like the EV6 and other larger Hyundai Motor Group products, this electric Kia uses an 800V e-GMP platform electrical architecture that allows access to the new generation of ultra-rapid public chargers that are springing up around Europe. Connect up to one of these and this EV9 is capable of recharging from 10-80% in 25 minutes when plugged into a 350kW high-powered charger; and gaining up to 148 miles of range in just 15 minutes. The EV9 is also able to distribute charge to other vehicles at up to 3.6kW using it's Type 2 socket, as part of an incorporated 'vehicle-to-load V2L' function. We're not quite sure why you'd ever want to do that, but it might conceivably be useful to charge large appliances using the car's battery 'on an outdoor adventure' according to Kia. Like the EV6, the EV9 is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. This includes the option of Kia's latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump which scavenges waste heat from the car's coolant system. This ensures that at minus 7 degrees Celsius, the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees Celsius. Also featured is the latest generation of Kia's smart regenerative braking system, which is operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel so drivers can quickly and easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximise driving range and efficiency.

Summary

The Kia brand's upward trajectory would probably have continued if we'd stayed in the combustion era, but it's really taken off as this new electric age has progressed. We like the fact that the marque isn't afraid to be different - and particularly here. In a segment full of streamlined toothpaste tube-shaped large luxury EV Crossovers, the EV9's bluff, blocky but still-futuristic looks stand out. As Design Chief Karim Habib says, there's an authenticity to it. The cabin's also a selling point, allowed by the squarical dimensions to be the most practical interior in its class. It makes conventionally-engineered similarly-sized luxury segment 7-seat SUVs like the BMW X7 and the Mercedes GLS feel very yesteryear indeed, limited as they are in so many ways by the constraints of their combustion platforms. We wish the EV9 had been equally ground-breaking in its electric driving range: that's not particularly notable. But the 800V electrical infrastructure that trumps most rivals by providing the potential for ultra-rapid charging is. And in summary? Well it's rather refreshing that Kia doesn't particularly want to be perceived as 'premium'; it's a brand that deserves to be recognised as interesting and different. The EV9 is.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Rear privacy glass

Rain sensing front wipers

Automatic defog system

Electric one touch front and rear windows

Brakes

Electronic stability control

Dynamic brake control

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Downhill brake control

Multi collision brake assist

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Vehicle stability management

Regenerative braking paddle shifter with iPedal functionality

Anti-Lock braking system with emergency stop signalling

Chassis/Suspension

Rear self levelling suspension

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

E-call

Apple car play/Android Auto with voice control

Driver Aids

Front parking sensors

Lane keep assist

Speed limiter

Drive mode selector

Rear parking sensors

Driver attention warning

Power assist steering

Forward collision avoidance assist

360 degree around view monitor

Parking collision avoidance assist (PCA)

Safe exit warning (SEW)

Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

Navigation based smart cruise control with stop and go functionality

Blind spot collision avoidance assist (BCA)

Over air updates (OTA)

Highway Driving Assist 2 with hand-on detection (HDA2 w HOD)

Terrain mode select

Remote Smart Park Assist 2.0 (RSPA 2.0)

Side parking sensors

Rear-Cross traffic collision avoidance assist

Lane Following Assist 2.0 (LFA) with hands-on detection

Driver Convenience

Smart power tailgate

Fingerprint recognition

Driver Information

Blind spot monitor

12.3" Driver display screen

Low washer fluid warning

5.3" Climate control touchscreen

12.3" Touchscreen navigation system

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming door mirrors

High gloss black door mirrors

Electrically folding/adjustable/heated door mirrors with LED indicators

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls

8 Speaker audio system

USB-C port for connection of a media device

1 x USB-C charge port on front passenger

4 x USB-C charge port on rear passenger

Exterior Body Features

Rear spoiler

Body coloured bumpers

Black side sill moulding

Gloss black roof rails

Silver painted front and rear skid plates

Gloss black window surround

GT exterior styling

High gloss black door garnish

Deluxe door scuff plates

Rear side wing doors

Dark Satin Finish Beltline

Roof Rails - Bridge Type

Frunk

Gloss black wheel arches

Automatic flush door handles

Exterior Lights

High level LED brake light

Automatic headlight control system

LED daytime running lights

LED rear combination lights

LED rear fog lights

Small cube LED headlights with adaptive driving beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Rotating Roof Vents in 2nd & 3rd Row

Dual zone air conditioning (Front and 2nd row)

Interior Features

Glovebox

Rear centre armrest with cupholder

Heated steering wheel

Black headlining

Luggage net + hook

Alloy pedals

Electric tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Under floor storage in luggage area

Front and rear door storage

Luggage area load cover

Luggage board

Metal paint interior door handles

1 x Luggage compartment 12V socket

2nd Row centre armrest with and cupholders

1 x Front 12V socket

2nd Row Manual Window Blinds

1 x Luggage compartment 3-Pin socket

2nd row passenger grab handle

E-Shift Column Gear Selector

4-Spoke Artificial Leather Steering Wheel with Illuminated Emblem

Fabic centre console

GT-Line Interior Styling

Two tone artificial leather upholstery

Centre console with storage box

Rear row centre armrest with cupholder

Interior Lights

LED luggage area lights

Frunk LED lights

Customisable ambient lighting

LED front cabin, rear and third row lights

Safety

Height adjustable front seatbelts

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Front and rear curtain airbags

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Active bonnet

Seatbelt reminder warning

Front passenger airbag cut off switch

Front centre airbag

Dual shell horn

Front and rear side airbags

Seats

Rear seat head restraint

Driver + front passenger electric lumbar support

Electric folding 3rd row seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings

All round height adjustable headrests

Front seat back pockets

Driver and front passenger premium relaxion seats

Single front passenger seat

2 seats in 3rd row

50:50 split remote folding 3rd row seats

60:40 split remote folding 2nd ror seats

Ergo motion driver seat

2nd row sliding seat with reclining function

Driver power adjusted memory seat with front passenger power seat

Heated and ventilated front seats and outer rear seats

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Visible vehicle identification number

Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry System

Digital key

Rear occupant alert

Manual child locks

Smart key with motion sensor

Customisable automatic door locking

Customisable automatic door unlocking

Thatcham category 1 security alarm and immobiliser with interior protection

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated LED vanity mirrors

Suede sunvisors

Wheels - Alloy

20" alloy wheels with aero covers

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2435

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 545

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 83

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 24

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 350

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 99.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 699

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 509

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 16.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 22.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 434

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 316

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 350

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: GT Line

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Badge Power: 378

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.3

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 378

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 282

Engine Power - RPM: 4000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516.3

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 275/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5015

Width: 1980

Wheelbase: 3100

Height: 1780

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2648

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3240

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Loading Weight: 592

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 333

No. of Seats: 7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2318

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.3

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Paint - Solid

Solid - Aurora Red

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Midnight black

Premium paint - White pearl

Premium paint - Pacific blue

Premium paint - Shadow Grey

Trim - Leather

Artificial leather - Black with white bolsters