Kia EV9 ‘GT-Line S’
By Bill McCarthy
Scrappage to showstopper
Kia has undergone a remarkable transformation in a relatively short time, evolving from a budget-friendly brand to a serious contender in the luxury car market with the EV9 flagship. The company’s rise was significantly boosted by the scrappage scheme, in the wake of the financial crash, which helped increase its sales by offering affordable, high-value vehicles with substantial trade-in offers.
This strategy allowed Kia to build a strong reputation for reliability and affordability, particularly with its industry leading seven-year 100k mile warranty.
In recent years, Kia has shifted gears, moving beyond economy cars to compete in the premium segment.
How does it look?
The introduction of its first luxury £65,000-plus vehicle, nearer £80k on this tested model, marked a major milestone, showcasing advanced technology, superior craftsmanship, and high-end performance.
Kia has successfully expanded its market reach and positive brand recognition – similar the path of Skoda.
The EV9 is a huge car, built on the firm’s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP), and powered by a huge 99.8 kWh battery.
The overall look is striking (although a bit Marmite to some), with advanced technology, and sustainable materials.
Design is based on the firm’s ‘Opposites United’ according to Kia, the design philosophy that finds harmony in the contrasting qualities of nature, modernity, and technology.
Hmm, I didn’t get it either – they’re god at market speak as well.
Sitting on 21-inch alloy wheels, (again Marmite) it also features integrated roof bars and pop-out door handles.
What does it offer
There are three trims, Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S. Air has a single 200bhp motor driving the rear wheels and a maximum range of up to 349 miles (WLTP), while the other two are all-wheel-drive with dual motors delivering an output of 378bhp and a smaller range of 313 miles.
Both are quick off the mark with the AWD models hitting 60 in 5.3 seconds, stunning pace for such a big hunk of metal.
The EV9 supports 800-volt charging, allowing it to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.
There is a choice of six or seven seats, six on this model, the middle pair being swivelling ‘captain’s chair’ design instead of the three.
A real people carrier, but also a huge load lugger with easy to operate 60:40 split-fold second row and 50:50 split-fold third-row seats that can fold flat to create huge, van-like carrying capacity with a massive 2,393 litres.
Six USB-C charging ports, two per row, are available for charging devices on the move
A premium interior
The interior is, again, huge, bright and comfortable with two glass sun roofs on this model.
It’s a sustainable, premium cabin with recycled materials and vegan leather and a host of hi-tech kit. The large centre console is practical with sliding door with cupholders and secondary control buttons for auto hold, hill descent, rear cam, self-park buttons, plus wireless charging.
The second row seats are heated/cooled, recline with adjustable armrests with access to USB points and allow one-touch access to the smaller third row seats.
Central are dual 12.3-inch screens, the main screen delivering smartphone connectivity voice control and infotainment through the 14-speaker premium sound system, the second displaying driver information.
Other features include head-up display, wireless charging, fingerprint login. The seven-year free Kia Connect, includes online navigation, real-time traffic updates, parking availability, charging point locations, w and the app allows users to access these functions on their smartphones.
An engaging drive
On the road it is a surprisingly engaging drive. Extremely rapid off the mark, it delivers a smooth driving experience and, considering the weight is around three tons, handles reasonably well with a minimal body roll on bends despite its shape.
The self -levelling suspension soaks up nearly everything for a comfortable ride. While not a serious mud plugger, the Terrain modes of Mud, Snow, Sand adapt to prevailing conditions.
The one-pedal driving feature, adjusted to suit via the steering wheel paddles, also adds to the experience, while also adding charge to the battery
Refinement and safety
It is also a quiet place to be, with high-end sound-deadening insulation and thick glass. Packed with safety kit like a full complement of airbags, traction and stability control, blind spot, cruise control and lane departure technology, 360 degree camera and parking sensors.
The best yet
The EV9 is a bit of a motoring rockstar, already lauded by most of motoring media. It seriously increases Kia’s brand recognition, with an eco-friendly, practical and economical, (despite the price tag) premium SUV. The standard kit is premium and too much to list here. And there’s still that seven-year, 100k miles warranty if needed.
Factfile
- Kia EV9 GT-Line S
- Price: £77,025
- Engine: Dual electric motors producing 378bhp , driving all wheels via a single speed automatic transmission
- Max Speed: 124 mph
- 0-62 mph: 5.3 seconds
- Range: 313 miles (WLTP)
- Insurance Group: 45-50
- CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km
- BiK Rating: 2%
- Warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles
On the road 