Kia EV9

Overview

As an automotive enthusiast and reviewer, I have had a chance to test-drive the much-awaited Kia EV9. It is with excitement that I undertake looking at this car specifically at this site. The EV9 represents Kia’s first foray into the premium electric electric three row SUV space in India and it is all set to make waves in the market. Uh arbitrator vehicular distinctive as the Kia EV9 represents an electric vehicle, this one is a bold step by the Korean company. The first time I saw the very from this SUV was at its launching event, Its stature and design were intimidating and looked futuristic. The EV9 emulates a modern family moving either in a luxurious SUV or minivan supplemented by electric motives into the new parent’s kid’s vision patiently anticipating receiving from Kia in the near future.

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to the exterior styling, no two words do justice to Shoulders’ setting, than ‘better’ ‘revolutionary’. Who is the prettiest Vivian from the Valdent family? In the process of building are very strict angular lines, thanks to the angular Kia design direction here also adopted in the 1792 Emblem of the Tiguan El concept. If flashing back, the SUV turned one headed in some areas and instead produced superior performance features.

This vehicle building system lies on automotive policy: increasing design as visibility mask wiper on sedan wash mounted on the EV9 body. But as one at the rear, the vertical treatment of the taillights is also very smoking hot and pays respect to the design at the front. All in all, the design of the exterior of the EV9 is and I dare say remains confident and fresh. It is hard to believe that, after much more time has passed than now, it will be any other difference than this.

Once inside the EV9, I was struck by the feeling of space and comfort. Inside, minimalist style seems to be at its pinnacle with regards to active design, ecology focused, and minimalist approach. The rest of the hardware incorporates an enormous curved display that contains the vehicle’s virtual instrument panel and infotainment system. The application of these recycled materials around the cabin is not only part and parcel of Kia’s green ambitions but also increases the aesthetic and tactile appeal of the interior design.

The arrangement of the seating is also quite interesting. In the case of the 6-seater which the automaker is likely to introduce in the Indian market, the second-row captain's chairs can be rotated to face the third row, thus giving it a lounge feel. Just this feature alone is what gives the EV9 an edge over the rest of the pack and improves how families travel.

Performance and Powertrain

Beneath the skin, the EV9 is as good as it looks. The model launching in this country will be the top-spec GT-Line AWD variant with a dual motor of 379 bhp and an outrageous torque of 700Nm. The power source comes as an immense 99.8kWh battery pack and Kia is claiming that this will take a single charge for a range of 561km.

When it came to the driving part, I really enjoyed assessing the EV9. It is hard to imagine what the words ‘massive’ and ‘heavy’ mean when talking about such a bulky SUV, but this particular vehicle is surprisingly able to pick up speed. Kia entertains, if I may say, that the car goes from zero to hundred in Thirty five seconds flat, and sitting behind the wheel of one of these monsters, I leave these claims for the utopia file. Overtaking is not a problem if you have to do so because of the immediate torque available instantly with electric engines, and when fully laden, the EV9 always has enough power and never seems out of breath.

There are no complaints against its all-wheel-drive system because it performs the job of ensuring grip and stability very well which inspires one to be confident when behind the wheel regardless of the situation. For some reason, I remember that I could not test the capabilities of the EV9 off-roading, however, Kia assures that thanks to a high ground clearance and smart AWD such trips are possible.

Charging capability is one of the most outstanding features about the performance of the EV9 as regards electric vehicles. This minute charging enables the charging station reduction for the EV9’s long journeys. I would say from 10% to 80% battery you can do within just 24 minutes which is what a 350kW DC fast charge can do.

Features and Technology

Kia EV9 brings with it a complete package, in all the perspectives as state-of-the-art technology is there to emphasise on safety as well as comfort. The dashboard features two large screens for the 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3 inch infotainment touchscreen which are combined into one oversized display. The design looks clean with a map that is sharp and graphics that do not freeze during scrolling.

The EV9 is the best demonstration of Kia's newest UVO connected car technology allowing to control vehicle functions such as parking, starting, heating or cooling the cabin, and locating the vehicle using a smartphone application. The SUV is fitted with this designer feature where it is possible to install new applications or enhance existing ones, and even bug-fix when the car has already been sold.

The Integrated Vehicle and Driver Monitoring System can be activated with a durable wrist strap. As with most GPS-based applications, it allows the driver to dynamically monitor the track and displays vehicles and their progress in a 2D or pseudo 3D view on the map. My driving experience with these safety assistance systems has been pleasant, they seem to be extremely effective while invasive to the extent that it is annoying.

There is also a high class 14 speaker Meridian audio system, multi zone air conditioning control, two rows of seats are fitted with ventilated and heated options and the roof has a panoramic window. Decor includes amenities in the cabin, where one can find drapes with adjustable colour effects to suit different moods and styles parked.

Variants and Pricing

Kia forays into the Indian market with EV9 GT-Line AWD variant as the only trim offered in this market for the EV9. This makes the buying experience less daunting, and it guarantees that all the EV9s found on the Indian roads will have the best specifications that Kia can offer.

The company charges a sum of ?1.3 crore (ex-showroom) for the EV9. It is clear that this vehicle is in the class of luxury SUVs. Although it is important to consider that the types of vehicles offered at this price are worth every penny in terms of technology and luxury. When alternative luxury electric suv models like the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-benz EQC are put side by side with the EV9 this pole is reasonable given its bigger size and three row configuration.

Market Position and Target Audience

The EV9 is meant for the upper classes of society, as well as for high-tech people, who wish to have a comfortable, large, and ‘green’ car. The three row configuration ensures that it can be utilized by middle large families or for that matter by persons who go out very often with family or friends. .the EV9 has moreover appealed to trend normalizers who wish to stand out from the crowd in terms of vehicle choice and are ready to pay for the most advanced electric solutions.

Given its price point and features, the EV9 is in direct competition with the established German luxury SUVs as well as the other high-end electric SUVs available in the market. Nevertheless, it is well built with striking looks and has enough room inside which isn’t common to these other vehicles, more than likely wooing clients who would have previously not looked towards Kia for their luxury vehicle needs.

Value for Money

While the EV9 car price might leave some searching for the cats with which they have just seen the proverbial canary, to justify the cost as a reasonable one in its class. Competing the latest technologies with powerful performance with aspects of a high standard comes at a cost. In addition, the potential saving on fuel over the years, along with the reduced service visits that come with electric cars should add to the equation towards justifying the price.

Range and Charging

When it comes to its size and features, the EV9’s range of 561km is quite appealing. Under normal conditions, this range should be comfortable and sufficient even for long journeys. The charging speed has also become an important factor in determining the practicality of traveling long distances.

Kia also has plans of increasing the number of charging stations across India, which would further improve customer experience. Also, the company is likely to offer a residential charging unit as part of the purchase, which will eliminate the inconvenience of charging every day.

Competitors and Comparison

Regarding the market for the EV9, it can only be described as having no specific competition. The likeliest alternatives include the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC, which are however smaller and also do not have the third row. It however rides with comparative luxury gas-guzzling SUVs like the BMW X7 and notch Mercedes-Benz GLS where dichotomy are fully electric.

The EV9, an electric car, has more space and has been designed differently than its electric counterparts. The performance of the EV9 is equal or better than most of the models in the group and the EV range is also reasonable. What is however even better than the other marques is the styling and the technologies which appears a more radical approach than some of the older luxury car manufacturers.

Conclusion

Kia has made an interesting and pleasant effort in capturing the inflexible and conservative luxury electric SUVs segment. Among them are a unique appearance, a number of modern technologies, as well as good speed and dynamics. Its whereabouts might be an issue because its price is fantastic but for those who will be able to afford it will have a car that is one of the most advanced in the world.

As a reviewer, let me say how impressed I am with what Kia has been able to do to the EV9. It is an automobile that meets all the standards of luxury SUVs but what is more astonishing is it outshines them in several aspects especially when it comes to design and technology. The EV9 is a clear indication that Kia wants to become a purveyor of high-end electric vehicles and going by how they have positioned themselves in this segment, they are going for it.

The EV9 is not simply new model; it is an evolution in the area of family transportation. It works on the idea of how an SUV can be perceived and brings a new leap in the range of electric cars of its class. As for those customers who seek a luxury and spacious electric sports utility vehicle with all modern features Kia EV9 should be in the first place.