08/12/2023 The Kia EV9 is a large, no, a very large, car. While everybody and their dog is giving out about big SUVs killing the planet, the Kia EV9 would appear to be a prime suspect. The reality is the EV9 is an excellent people carrier, full of technology, easy to drive while being powered by electricity. The EV9 sits on the E-GMP platform and can accommodate up to seven people or be configured as a more luxurious six-seater with impressive luggage space and before you panic about driving range – after all big car needs big battery in order to deliver reasonable range from a full charge -and the EV9 has one!
The EV9 delivers big as a family car but it will have its uses as a hotel shuttle or as a taxi. The EV9 comes with a very large battery so its range in the real world (circa 400+kms) is very good. Two versions are available: a rear wheel drive ‘Earth’ model with a 204hp (150kW) motor and a range of up to 563km and a GT-Line top of the range with all wheel drive and 284hp (283kW) and a max range of 512km. The EV9 can tow 2.5 tonnes – good news for the horsey and caravan sets. The car is economical with its power consumption too and we could deliver smaller EV levels of power consumption with a light right foot and proper use of regenerative braking. The car on the outside is very handsome and follows Kia’s is new design language – which will see in a range of new cars with the most anticipated being the much more affordable EV5, coming shortly. The EV9 is packed with gadgetry, safety aids, party tricks and innovation – you can even have fingerprint control (like a smartphone) to identify the driver. It lets you set the car up to preferred settings and preferences. The five metre long car is easy to use and very comfortable to drive. You have a very good driving position with ample power. It has a similar size and road presence to the BMW XM – a car that costs twice as much!
The cabin is silent and really well appointed. In terms of quality fit fit and finish the EV9 has a premium feel and this is no surprise as the car feels as special in not more in some cases than the premium German offerings – Kia is rocking their pedestal and consumers ultimately benefit. The dash layout follows the design language first seen in the excellent EV6, but has evolved to now feature some elements that you would find only in premium brand vehicles. Seating is flexible and especially so in the six seater that features two swivelling chairs in the middle row. Our test car had padded seat extenders – even the driver’s seat offers additional support for your lower leg (though not too much so as to interfere with the pedal operation). The rear two seats, I could fit in! and when full there is a usable boot too – but of course there would be the car is 5 meters long – I know! but so often the cargo area suffers in people carriers.
The best thing (at this point in time for me) about the EV9 is the speed at which it can charge at a rapid charger. Now while time spent charging is a pain in the backside for most, the EV9 has a system which will accept DC charging at a very rapid rate (800v). On one occasion during a week of testing, plugged in at an Ionity charger, the peak charge read just over 200kW – now this may be double Dutch to many people who don’t have experience with an electric car, but in the EV9’s case it means that you spend a hell of a lot less time wasting and twiddling your thumbs while charging as electricity can literally be lashed into the EV9 quicker than most EVs and in fairness this is important because of its huge battery. At the launch Kia stressed to us the car’s eco credentials and it sure of recycled ,materials.
The Kia EV9 is a terrific family car. Yes it’s huge yes people will give out saying it’s taking up too much road space in reality it is a very accommodating car that if you need six or seven and have to carry things in the boot as well it’s a viable choice otherwise you have to go down the route of having a van derived electric vehicle (or conventional powered MPV) and these often don’t have the refinement you might desire or feel you deserve. The EV9 is a really good large electric car. Pricing starts just shy of €80,000 – compared to premium rivals it’s a steal. Kia and sister company Hyundai are going from strength to strength and Kia’s design language is excellent and has a freshness to it that makes its range of cars that be more striking. We like the EV9 a lot. Michael Sheridan
