First Drive: Kia EV9

The EV6 brought Kia a bold, new sense of style along with a new technical approach to the way it makes EVs. The EV9 continues the story, and as well as being the most expensive Kia to date, it’s also the most eye-catching. Richard Gooding discovers the newcomer also has family friendly space, technology, and range to please fleet drivers.

What is it?

The first dedicated electric vehicle to be underpinned by the Hyundai Motor Group’s – parent of Kia – E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) which introduces 800V charging technology, the EV6 reset many driver’s expectations of what a Kia EV is.

A six or seven-seat SUV elevating the South Korean brand into luxury vehicle price and market territories, the EV9 does that to even more dramatic effect.

What range does it have?

All versions of the Kia EV9 are fitted with a 99.8kWh li-ion polymer battery. This gives the entry level Air specification model a range of up to 349 miles on the combined WLTP driving cycle, while the mid-spec GT-Line and top GT-Line S models can officially travel up to 313 miles on a single charge. Every EV9 also comes with a heat pump to eke out range.

How long does it take to charge?

Compatible with both 400V and 800V charging infrastructure, with a charging speed up to 210kW, the Kia EV9 can be recharged from 10-80 per cent in around 25 minutes when connected to an ultra fast charger. A 50kW DC chargepoint will fill the same percentage of the battery in just under 90 minutes, and connect the big SUV to a 7.4kW home wallbox, and a flat to full refill takes a little over 14 hours.

How does it drive?

The EV9’s size makes a statement on its own, the car’s sharp-edged and futuristic ‘Opposites United’ design ethos detailing adding to the imposing appearance. It can’t be mistaken for anything else, and while introverts may stay away, Kia has to be applauded for making family EV transport this daring. Inside, there’s a minimalist feel, with two 12.3-inch digital screens sandwiching a 5.3-inch climate control display.

The graphics are sharp and with a row of shortcut haptic buttons ‘etched’ into the dashboard below the screens, usability is given a helping hand. Materials feel as premium as rivals at this elevated price point, and sustainability is a selling point, with a big use of recycled plastics such as PET from post-consumer waste.

A wheelbase of 3,100mm gives lots of room for everyone, and two USB-C ports in every seat row means every device should be catered for, too. For such a big machine, the EV9 is incredibly refined on the move with hushed levels of wind and road noise.

Performance from the 380bhp GT-Line S with all-wheel drive is brisk rather than outright quick, but the car hides its bulk well, with the pace suitably quickened in ‘Sport’ mode, one of four available driving modes. The steering has heft with little feel, but is not artificially light. The car handles tidily and disguises its dimensions very well, although you are reminded of its size in more crowded urban streets.

The ride is also very comfortable, as it should be for a family car. Regeneration is done by steering wheel-mounted paddles, which remains the best way to manage this function.

What does it cost?

Entering a new market and price sector, the EV9 sets out a stall almost as bold as its looks. The EV9 Air costs from £65,025 and is rear-wheel drive only. Equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, auto flush exterior door handles, auto lights and wipers, LED headlights, heated, ventilated and powered front seats, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control.

The GT-Line is priced from £73,275 and you’ll gain 21-inch alloy wheels, GT-Line exterior styling pack, adaptive LED headlights, alloy pedals, and a driver’s power adjustable memory seat with power adjustable front passenger seat. Starting at £76,025, the GT-Line S adds the option of six seats (with a choice of swivel seats in the second row), a head-up display, a tilt and slide sunroof, and a 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system.

How much does it cost to tax?

All Kia EV9 models are currently exempt from VED charges in their first and subsequent years of registration. The large South Korean EV SUV has a two per cent 2024-2025 Benefit In Kind (BIK) value.

Why does my fleet need one?

A flagship model with upmarket aspirations, the EV9 is a bold statement of intent. As a family car, it works well, its more than ample space and versatility key attributes that Kia has pleasingly recognised.

High levels of finish and on-board technology are appealing and although the looks may be challenging for some drivers, the car is refreshingly different from its more established and luxury-branded rivals. And for those, that should be a genuine worry.