The Kia EV9 is not just another electric vehicle. It’s a game-changer in the luxury SUV segment, offering a stunning combination of performance, design, technology, and comfort. The EV9 is the second model in Kia’s “EV” electric car range, after the EV6, and the first one to be built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated platform for electric vehicles. The EV9 is also the first Kia model to win the prestigious German Luxury Car of the Year award, beating out rivals from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
What Makes the Kia EV9 So Special?
The Kia EV9 is a three-row SUV that can seat up to seven passengers, with ample space and versatility for cargo and passengers. The EV9 has a sleek and futuristic exterior design, with a distinctive front grille that features a digital light signature and a dynamic rear spoiler that enhances aerodynamics. The EV9 also has a panoramic glass roof, providing a spacious and airy feel inside the cabin.
The EV9 has an impressive range of 300 miles on a single charge, thanks to its high-capacity battery pack that can store up to 77.4 kWh of energy. The EV9 also supports ultra-fast 800-volt DC fast charging, which can replenish 80% of the battery in just 24 minutes. The EV9 also has a heat pump system that helps preserve the battery range in cold weather conditions.
The EV9 is equipped with a host of advanced features and technologies that enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. The EV9 has a digital cockpit that consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates that add new features and refresh existing ones. The instrument cluster displays various information such as speed, battery level, navigation, and driver assistance systems.
The EV9 also has an available head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation directions, and alerts. The EV9 also has an available surround view monitor and blind-spot view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings and shows live video feeds of the blind spots on the instrument cluster.
The EV9 also comes with over 20 standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help prevent or mitigate collisions and enhance driver confidence. Some of these systems include:
- Forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection
- Lane keeping assist (LKA) with lane following assist (LFA)
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA) with rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA)
- Smart cruise control (SCC) with stop-and-go function
- Highway driving pilot (HDP), which is a level 3 autonomous driving feature that can control steering, acceleration, braking, and lane changes on highways
The EV9 also has an onboard power generator that can help use the vehicle as a power source for various purposes, such as camping or emergency situations.
How Does the Kia EV9 Compare to Its Competitors?
The Kia EV9 is a remarkable electric vehicle and a formidable contender in the luxury SUV segment. The EV9 offers more power, range, space, and features than most of its rivals while being more affordable.
For instance, the Audi e-tron is another three-row electric SUV that competes with the EV9. However, the Audi e-tron has less power (248 hp), less torque (277 lb-ft), less range (222 miles), less cargo space (57 cubic feet), and fewer standard features than the EV9. The Audi e-tron also has a higher starting price of $66,995, compared to the estimated $56,000 for the base model of the EV9.
Another competitor is the Tesla Model X, which is one of the most popular electric SUVs on the market. The Model X has more power (670 hp) and more range (360 miles) than the EV9, but it also has less cargo space (88 cubic feet), less seating capacity (five or six), and less reliability than the EV9. The Model X also has a much higher starting price of $94,990, almost twice as much as the EV9.
The EV9 also outshines other luxury SUVs that are not electric, such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Porsche Cayenne. The EV9 has more power, torque, range, space, and features than these models while being more eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
Why Did the Kia EV9 Win the German Luxury Car of the Year Award?
The Kia EV9 won the German Luxury Car of the Year award for 2024, which is a prestigious accolade that recognizes the best luxury vehicles in the German market. The award is given by a jury of 18 experts from various fields, such as automotive journalism, design, engineering, marketing, and finance. The jury evaluates the vehicles based on innovation, quality, design, performance, efficiency, safety, and value criteria.
The jury praised the EV9 for its “outstanding design, high-quality materials, excellent workmanship, and innovative technology.” The jury also highlighted the EV9’s “impressive driving dynamics, spacious interior, and long-range.” The jury concluded that the EV9 is “a groundbreaking vehicle that combines luxury, innovation, and sustainability in a unique way.” The jury also commended Kia for its “visionary and ambitious electrification strategy” that aims to offer 11 electric models by 2025 and achieve 40% of its global sales from electric vehicles by 2030.
The Kia EV9 is not only a winner in Germany but also in other markets around the world. The EV9 has received several awards and accolades from various media outlets and organizations, such as:
- The Best Electric SUV of the Year by Car and Driver
- The Best New Car of the Year by Motor Trend
- The Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal
- The Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- The Five-Star Safety Rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The Kia EV9 is a testament to Kia’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and eco-friendly vehicles that meet customers' diverse needs and preferences. The EV9 is more than just a car. It’s a lifestyle choice that reflects the values and aspirations of modern drivers who want to enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without compromising on luxury, comfort, and performance. The EV9 is the ultimate electric SUV that outshines the competition in every aspect.
