Price and Variant
Kia has officially launched its flagship electric SUV, the EV9, in India, priced at ₹1.3 crore (ex-showroom). It is available in a single GT-Line AWD variant, brought in as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). As a premium electric offering from Kia globally, the EV9 delivers both luxury and performance, appealing to those seeking a high-end electric SUV with a substantial range.
Design and Exterior
At over 5 meters in length, the Kia EV9 stands tall as a massive SUV with an unmistakable road presence. Its Digital Tiger Face design, accompanied by sleek LED DRLs and digital lighting patterns, emphasizes its modern and imposing look. The side profile is dominated by large 20-inch crystal-cut alloys, and the rear tailgate features a sporty design with a roof-mounted spoiler and elegant LED tail lights, further enhancing its grandeur.
Exterior Color Options
In the Indian market, the EV9 is available in five monotone color options: Snow White Pearl, Ocean Blue, Pebble Gray, Panthera Metal, and Aurora Black Pearl. These colors add a sophisticated touch to the SUV’s already luxurious and bold styling.
Interior and Layout
Inside, the EV9 showcases a highly modern and tech-laden dashboard with a multi-screen panel that integrates a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a driver’s display, and a 5-inch display for HVAC controls. The cabin comes in two distinct dual-tone themes—white and black or brown and black—offering a premium ambiance. The 6-seater layout follows a 2+2+2 configuration, focusing on comfort across all three rows.
Features and Comfort
The EV9 comes loaded with a wide range of luxury features. It includes 18-way powered driver seats with memory, ventilated and heated seats in the first and second rows, 8-way powered second-row captain seats, dual sunroof, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, wireless charging, 64-color ambient lighting, and a power tailgate. Notably, the second-row captain seats also come with a massaging function and extended leg rests, adding a lounge-like feel.
Passenger Comfort
Comfort in the EV9 is not limited to just the first row. The second-row captain seats feature extended leg supports for added relaxation, while the third-row passengers benefit from power-reclining seats, roof-mounted AC vents, and USB Type-C ports in every row. This ensures all passengers, regardless of seating position, experience a premium and convenient ride.
Safety Features
The Kia EV9 is equipped with an extensive list of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for occupants. It comes with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features. Moreover, the EV9 has received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, solidifying its reputation as a safe family vehicle.
Powertrain and Range
The Kia EV9 is powered by a 99.8 kWh battery pack that supplies energy to dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 384 PS and 700 Nm of torque. With an ARAI-certified range of 561 km, the EV9 ensures long-distance travel with minimal charging stops. It supports DC fast charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger.
Also Read: Upcoming Electric Cars in the Indian Market in 2024 – 2025 (carbikereview.com)
Performance
Though the EV9 is designed as a luxury family SUV, it offers remarkable performance with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 5.3 seconds. Its AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system, powered by the dual electric motors, provides exceptional traction and handling, making it both a comfortable and dynamic driving experience.
Competitors and Market Positioning
At a price point of ₹1.3 crore, the Kia EV9 enters the Indian market as a larger, more spacious alternative to other premium 5-seater electric SUVs such as the BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and Audi Q8 e-tron. With its additional seating capacity, luxurious features, and extensive range, the EV9 aims to carve out a unique space in the high-end electric vehicle segment.
Conclusion
In summary, the Kia EV9 establishes itself as a top-tier electric SUV in India, combining luxury, cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance at a competitive price of ₹1.3 crore. With its spacious 6-seater layout, extensive feature list, impressive 561 km range, and robust safety credentials, the EV9 offers an unmatched driving experience for families and premium SUV enthusiasts alike. Its bold design, innovative comfort elements, and fast-charging capabilities make it a strong contender in the growing luxury EV segment, rivaling established names like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi while setting new standards in electric mobility.
