Kia is no longer seen just as a budget brand, but as an entrant into the premium market. Kia is making a massive splash in the luxury electric SUV space with the EV9, going toe to toe with established premium brands. With this change comes the question of is the build quality, fit and finish and feel of this vehicle luxurious? Buyers and industry observers alike are curious how the EV9 compares to the high end stuff from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi in terms of materials, attention to detail and craftsmanship. The discussion moves beyond the visual and tactile aspects to include noise insulation, ride quality and durability of components. The EV9 is a Kia, so the expectations for premium quality are high, especially as Kia is positioning the car at a price point to go head to head with these luxury brands. The EV9’s build quality is compared to traditional luxury vehicles to determine that Kia has closed the gap in perceived and actual quality.