Overview
The Kia EV9 is a groundbreaking flagship electric SUV that shifts the brand firmly into premium territory. It stands out as one of the few purpose-built EVs on the market to offer genuine, usable 3-row seating. Built on Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated E-GMP platform, the EV9 matches massive road presence with advanced high-voltage electrical architecture, positioning it as a highly capable, more affordable alternative to luxury electric SUVs like the BMW iX or Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
Design
The exterior design of the EV9 is defined by a bold, boxy silhouette and futuristic touches. Up front, it features a striking vertical LED headlight signature with an adaptive driving beam and a clean, blanked-off digital pattern grille layout. The side profile uses geometric lines, flush electric door handles, and black high-gloss cladding around the lower wheel arches to emphasize its rugged scale. At the rear, the design concludes with distinctive vertical LED lights and a cleanly integrated spoiler that helps aerodynamic flow despite the vehicle's massive, blocky dimensions.
Interior
The cabin focuses heavily on upmarket technology and sustainable craftsmanship, using extensive bio-plastics, recycled fabrics, and artificial leather. A single wide housing stretches across the dashboard to integrate twin 12.3-inch digital displays for the instruments and infotainment, and a 5.3-inch climate control screen nestled in between. Ergonomics are well considered with an e-shift column gear selector that clears central floor space, multiple USB-C charging points in the front seatbacks, and premium front seats with electric lumbar support.
Performance & Powertrains
Every Kia EV9 uses a large 100kWh battery with 800V charging, meaning a 10% to 80% public ultra-fast DC top-up takes just 24 minutes when connected to a 350kW charger. The single-motor RWD powertrain generates 201 bhp and 258 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 9.4 seconds alongside a highly competitive range of 349 miles. The dual-motor AWD option ramps total output up to 379 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque, dropping the 0-62 mph sprint down to 5.3 seconds. Due to the increased power and weight, the range drops slightly to 316 miles.
Practicality
The EV9 offers a cavernous 333-litre boot capacity even when all 7 seats are in use. Dropping the 50:50 split 3rd row down electronically opens up a substantial cargo hold, and folding the 60:40 split second-row bench maximizes overall volume to 2,393 litres. Passenger flexibility is outstanding, featuring sliding and reclining 2nd-row seating with ample headroom and legroom across all 3 rows. Additionally, the RWD variant gains a 90-litre frunk, while AWD models retain a still-useful 52-litre frunk due to the front motor.
Buying
Prices for the Kia EV9 range from £66,645 up to £78,645 depending on the specific model and seat layout. The entry-level line is the Air trim, which comes standard as a RWD 7-seater. Stepping up to the GT-Line brings the powerful AWD system and sportier styling details, while the top-tier GT-Line S allows the choice between the standard 7-seat layout or a premium 6-seat layout featuring captain's chairs that can swivel 180 degrees. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the mid-spec Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 7-seater. While the RWD Air model provides excellent range, the dual-motor setup's added performance transforms the driving dynamics of this heavy 2.6-tonne SUV while maintaining an excellent balance of standard luxury kit and everyday family versatility.