Kia EV9 Review - Massive Luxury Barge That The Germans Should Fear

Updated: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 13:33 [IST]

The 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show wasn't what you would call the most exuberant or revealing of all the auto shows of that year, but there was one big and bold SUV that caught our eye despite knowing that it would be too big for our roads.

That SUV in question was the Kia EV9 concept. Big, futuristic, and with an interior out of a lounge that blew the minds of everyone on the show floor, it left those gazing at their displays green with envy.

Two years later, the concept became a real SUV and Kia announced plans to sell the new EV9 in the US and South Korea, with other markets to be revealed in the future. At that time, most expected the Kia EV9 to be a no-show in India. So colour us surprised when Kia dropped the EV9 in India on the same day as the new Carnival last October.

With a price tag of Rs 1.3 crore (ex-showroom), the Kia EV9 finds itself in rarified air in the Indian car market, where big wallets are a dime a dozen but badge-snobbery is also the name of the game. So, does the new Kia EV9 have what it takes to take you away from the Teutonic trio and the others snapping at their heels and into its lounge-like cabin? We drove the Kia EV9 at the firm's testing facilities in Andhra Pradesh to find the answers...

Kia EV9 Review: Design & Features - Bombastically Brilliant

The Kia EV9 is offered in just one spec, the top-spec GT Line. At the front, the blanked-off and light-infused digital tiger face grille is flanked on either side by vertical headlights and integrated LED DRLs that flow through them. Also seen are a sculpted bonnet with the Kia badge, a large air intake on the lower section of the front bumper, and underneath which sits a faux skid plate.

The sides of the Kia EV9 are perhaps the best view of the all-electric SUV. The sharp lines of the fenders and wheel arches are accentuated by the soft upward curve of the belt line, floating roof section and the lower section of the doors coming together rather brilliantly. The other dominating features of the EV9 are the large 20-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels.

The rear section of the Kia EV9 continues with its distinct design language, with the taillights flowing down from the large spoiler element to the exaggerated rear haunches, with small elements branching off under the angled rear windscreen. The black cladding seen on the front and sides also makes its way across to the back and plays host to the rear skid plate.

Step inside the Kia EV9's cabin, and you're embraced by a different level of spaciousness. The dashboard is dominated by a triple screen setup that we first saw on the Syros. The 12.3-inch driver and infotainment displays flank a 5-inch screen that controls the HVAC settings (though you do thankfully get physical buttons to avoid its stupid placement).

The slick touchscreen infotainment unit is paired with a Meridian-sourced 14-speaker music system. It supports both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and connected tech with over 100 features as well as OTA updates.

The seats are large and comfortable. The driver's seat is offered with 18-way adjustment and memory function while the front passenger's seat gets 12-way adjustment. The second row consists of two captain seats with ventilation and massage functions and offers more than enough space to stretch out for the people sitting in them. The final row of seats offers a recline function and offers more than enough room for regular adults.

Other highlights of the Kia EV9 include automatic climate control, a four-spoke electrically adjustable telescopic steering wheel with the illuminated Kia badge, V2L, twin sunroofs, automatic climate control and a powered tailgate. The safety kit of the Kia EV9 includes 10 airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESC, DBC, stability control, a 360-degree surround camera with blind spot monitoring, and a Level 2 ADAS suite with 27 autonomous functions.

Kia EV9 Review: Specs & Dimensions - Big Electric Muscle

The Kia EV9 is massive, measuring 5,015mm long, 1,980mm wide, and 1,780mm tall, with a 3,100mm long wheelbase. The Kia EV9 tips the scales at 2,664 kilos.

Powering the ginormous EV9 is a massive 99.8kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed 561km (ARAI MIDC Full) range on a full charge. The battery pack can charge at a maximum charging speed of 350kW. If you can find a DC charger that allows for that, then the EV9 can charge its battery pack from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes.

The battery pack powers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that pushes out 380bhp and 700Nm of peak torque. This allows the Kia EV9 to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 200km/h.

Kia EV9 Review: Driving Impressions - Perhaps A Bit Too Large For Our Roads

There is no getting away from the fact that the Kia EV9 is an absolutely massive SUV, and that huge size is especially impossible to ignore when you're perched in the driver's seat.

However, if you push down on the throttle pedal, the Kia EV9 shrugs off its weight with impressive ease, and you find yourself reaching triple-digit speeds with absolute ease. Take the EV9 to highway speeds, and it comes into its own. The suspension, which feels slightly firm at slower speeds, settles beautifully at higher speeds, soaking up imperfections and delivering a serene cruising experience.

The large, armchair-like seats keep you relaxed even on longer drives, but undulating roads can reveal the softer suspension's tendency to induce a bit of roll, and if you push too hard, the passengers will not appreciate your enthusiasm.

The brakes offer good bite and will bring you to a halt from high speed with absolute ease. The regen braking setup works well, and its most potent level even allows for a bit of single-pedal driving.

Kia EV9 Review: Verdict & Final Thoughts - Massive Luxury Barge That The Germans Should Fear

The Kia EV9 takes the luxury electric SUV game to another level. It is massive both outside and in the cabin, can seat 6 people in absolute comfort and carry their bags as well. Despite its massiveness, it defies the laws of physics and can take off like nobody's business.

The Kia EV9 also comes with a boatload of tech and luxury features that make it more than an ample challenger to the Teutonic dominators of this segment of the Indian car market, provided you can look past the badge snobbery.