Kia has finally launched its much-anticipated flagship electric SUV, the Kia EV9, in India, marking a major milestone for the brand’s electric mobility journey. Priced at ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom, pan-India), the EV9 is available as a fully imported unit (CBU), boasting advanced features, impressive design, and remarkable performance. Let’s dive into the key highlights of the EV9.
Futuristic Design and Styling
The Kia EV9 stands out with its striking, boxy SUV silhouette, which blends futuristic elements and modern design. One of its key design features is the digital pattern lighting integrated into the front grille, giving the EV9 a distinct and high-tech appearance. The vertically stacked LED DRLs, known as star map lighting, add to the sophisticated front-end, with a touch of animation for extra flair.
On the side, the EV9 features flush-fitting door handles, a tapered roofline, and sits on bold, aerodynamic alloy wheels. The rear boasts vertical LED tail lights, a sleek blacked-out bumper, and a silver skid plate, completing the dynamic yet luxurious look.
Spacious, High-Tech Cabin with Triple Screens
The interior of the Kia EV9 brings a minimalist and elegant feel with a floating dashboard design. The highlight of the cabin is the triple screen setup, including two 12.3-inch displays integrated with a 5.3-inch climate control panel between them. This sleek setup ensures easy control over key functions, while hidden touch controls for media, ventilation, and other features maintain the clean dashboard layout.
For maximum comfort, the EV9 offers dual sunroofs and relaxation seats for both the first and second rows. The second-row seats feature 8-way power adjustment and a massage function, offering a luxury experience for rear passengers. Ambient lighting with 64 color options adds to the vehicle’s premium feel.
Impressive Powertrain and Range
Under the hood, the India-spec Kia EV9 comes equipped with a robust 99.8 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of up to 561 km on a single charge, making it ideal for long journeys. It features a dual motor setup generating 384 PS of power and 700 Nm of torque, giving the SUV excellent acceleration. The 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in just 5.3 seconds, showcasing its performance capabilities.
The EV9’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system ensures superior traction and handling, providing drivers with confidence whether on city roads or rough terrain.
Fast Charging and V2L Technology
Kia has equipped the EV9 with 350 kW DC fast charging support, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. This fast-charging capability makes the EV9 a practical choice for busy urban commuters or long-distance travelers. Additionally, the EV9 includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, allowing owners to power external devices using the car's battery, perfect for outdoor adventures or emergencies.
Safety and ADAS Features
Safety is a key priority in the Kia EV9. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors. The EV9 also features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
With its robust safety kit, the Kia EV9 has earned a 5-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, ensuring top-notch protection for occupants.
Price and Rivals
In the premium electric SUV segment, the Kia EV9 offers a competitive alternative to the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. While these luxury competitors carry their own appeal, the EV9 stands out with its cutting-edge tech, advanced safety features, and spacious, comfort-focused interior.
With the launch of the Kia EV9, Kia is stepping up its game in the Indian electric vehicle market, offering a futuristic, feature-loaded SUV that’s perfect for those looking for luxury combined with performance, and sustainability.