Every now and then a vehicle comes along that just feels right. Something that has a little hint of special about it. In this case, that’s the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line – a dual motor all-wheel drive electric SUV – pumping out 282kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
Able to sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, which isn’t bad for a 2,600kg car, it has a top speed of 200km/h and a WLTP range of 505km. Powered by a 180.0Ah battery system, it can charge from 10-80 per cent on a high-end DC fast charger in 15 minutes.
Granted that process takes about 10 hours on your standard home power outlet, or just over nine with a 11kWh wall charger, but it’s still not unreasonable. As with all EV’s, you’ll need to plan your route until we have a better national charging network.
That aside, the suspension, while the same across all EV9 grades, feels more tuned in this trim, as the Kia handles amazingly well in the corners, with a real feeling of balance giving you confidence when accessing the higher levels of performance it offers.
Backed up by an astonishing array of safety gear that would take forever and a day to totally cover, we’ll just give you a highlights package. Let’s start with highway driving assist (version 2), and navigation based smart cruise control.
The combination of these two driver assistance systems is astounding. HDA 2 helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway or a motorway. It helps centre the vehicle in the lane while driving, even through a curve.
In case the vehicle on the side is driving very close, it assists to adjust the vehicle’s path, not to be in danger. If driving above a certain speed, holding the steering wheel and operating the turn signal switch, it automatically changes lanes to the indicated direction.
Not to be outdone, as it were, NSCC helps drive at a safe speed on similar roads, using navigation data. In a safety speed zone or a curved section, the speed is automatically reduced appropriately before entering the safety speed zone or the curve section.
A near self-driving system (you do have to have your hands on the steering wheel), it rivals that offered by Tesla, and can get you from point A to point B, on the freeway, pretty much by itself, including using the exit ramps you indicate for.
The GT-Line also grabs side cameras instead of mirrors, in a complex system that has both some pros and cons. On the plus side, you are provided with augmented reality lines which show you if the distance to the car behind is dangerous or risky when changing lanes.
While that level of functionality is great on the road, in parking situations it might just freak you out with the way they behave. You can of course jump out and use remote smart parking assist (again, it’s version 2).
This system lets you remotely park or exit a parking spot. It recognises parking lines and automatically assists with steering, accelerating, decelerating and shifting using the vehicle’s sensors. Braking is automatic if an obstacle is detected.
You don’t need to be in the car for this, which is again, insanely cool. We should tell you that the Kia EV9 GT-Line is also fitted with some extra close side cameras that pop up in the gauge cluster when indicating, just to give you added piece of mind.
It also scores lane keep, traffic avoidance front and rear, parking sensors all around, automatic lights and wipers, and a host of other goodies. Design-wise, the electric 7-seat Kia is very box-like.
From a distance, those lines are sharp and decisive, but when you get closer, you find rounded edges in a look that’s unique to the Korean car maker. Up against the likes of the Audi Q8 e-tron, the EV9 is cut from a different cloth, with its aggressive stance.
That’s especially so when draped in Ocean Blue Matte (as tested). You can opt for Aurora Black Pearl, Flare Red, Iceberg Green or Panthera Metal. Pebble Grey and Snow White Pearl make up the final two choices. We reckon our test vehicle colour is the pick of the bunch.
Now back to the design. Unique light styling makes for a menacing front end. The rear carries the same elegant thin but tall lighting layout that’s found up front, with black accents and huge 21-inch wheels finishing everything off.
Looking more like something out of a rap video than a family SUV, you certainly won’t miss it. The interior is huge, with space so vast your front passenger might be thinking you don’t like them very much when you yell across the cabin to speak to them.
We’re joking of course, but it’s not far from reality with more than plenty of room inside. A 14-speaker Meridian sounds system offers epic level audio quality, while the dash sports a large main screen that’s split into three sections.
It’s made up of dual 12.3-inch screens, forming the instrument cluster and infotainment system, as well as a small screen for climate controls. An augmented reality head-up display provides additional information to the driver.
In what feels like an oversight, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired, but there is a wireless charging pad and the car supports V2L technology. The front seats are Kia’s new premium relaxation offering, which recline, massage, and are heated and ventilated.
There’s even have a foot rest for the passenger. Row two features outboard heating and ventilation too. In terms of storage, there’s a handbag compartment below all the charging ports, and cup holders in every row.
The second row also slides to provide easy access to the very rear seats. Every seat offers decent comfort, no matter where you are in the car. Boot space ranges from 333-litres up to 2,318-litres, depending on your seat configuration.
That means the big Kia not only delivers as a family SUV, but has the space to move house, or load up with Ikea bits and pieces, should the mood take you. It’s priced at $139,600 or thereabouts in our test colour, drive away.
The EV9 GT-Line comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and the option to purchase three, five or seven year service plans. Providing good range, off road modes, great space and decent tech, it should be on your shopping list if you’re after an EV SUV.
The instant torque that only an EV can give you makes it a standout option for those looking for luxury, in a unique package. Does it have some faults, sure, including the fact the dash materials make it look a little cheap and tacky.
There’s those wired smartphone options we mentioned earlier too, and the price is sure to be a shock to those who think Kia only sits at the low-to-mid quality point in the market. Regardless of all that, it’s well worth checking out.
You can find out more about the 2024 EV9 GT-Line from the Kia Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test vehicle was provided by Kia Australia for independent review purposes.
