Kia EV9 is about to be launched in the Indian market rivaling the Premium Luxury segment of Electric SUVs - BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-Tron, Mercedes EQE, etc. It also rivals some of the upcoming Electric SUVs in India, like Tesla Model X, VinFast VF9, etc. The EV9 is also Kia’s flagship SUV internationally and will replace the EV6 as the brand’s Flagship in India once launched. The EV9 is a pure Electric SUV from Kia, as it holds some true attributes of being one - The EV9 also won the 2024 World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year.  The EV9 is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform that is shared between both Hyundai and Kia EVs. 

Kia EV9 Price 

The EV9 was first launched almost a year ago, in 2023. It will be launched in India via the CBU route, which would also affect its price in the Indian market. Internationally, it is available between 57,000 - 75,000 US Dollars, which are 47 - 63 Lakhs in India. But, as it will be imported to the Indian market, its prices will jump above 1 Crore. 

Kia EV9 Design 

The EV9 offers a huge, boxy SUV look that appeals to the modern-day SUVs. It gets the usual EV-bit - a Closed Grille that resembles the signature Kia’s Tiger Nose Grille shape, which is surrounded by a brushed aluminum border. On both ends, it gets its LED Headlamps with High Beam Assist and Intelligent Front Lighting system. Below this, we also get to see 6 Parking sensors on the Front end. Other than this, EV9’s ADAS Radar is placed lower down in the bumper with Front Cameras in the Windshield. 

The Side Profile is where the size of the SUV is noticeable. It has huge 21’ diamond cut alloy wheels fitted to 265 / 45 section tires. The cladding has been given glossy treatment and is very substantial throughout the SUV’s border. The arches are squared and have been kept minimal. It also gets huge ORVMs which get Auto Folding and Electric adjustability. It also gets flush door handles that pop out like on the Land Rover Range Rovers. Lastly, it has its charging port located behind the rear wheel. 

The Rear end of the EV9 gets Volvo XC 90-like vertically placed tail lamps. They offer all LED functions. It also gets a Powered tailgate with a gesture function. A Shark fin antenna can also be seen positioned up above and 6 parking sensors for the Rear with hidden ADAS Radar lower down. 

Kia EV9 Interiors

The EV9 has a subtle design for its cabin with straight lines and simple shapes. The entire cabin has been wrapped with premium quality materials with the Dashboard, as it offers a mix of premium materials used to enhance the user experience. The space inside the cabin also helps enhance the convenience and comfort of the user. Moreover, with respect to the current trend of button-less dashboards with everything embedded into the Infotainment screen, the EV9 goes on in a different direction with good enough buttons in the cabin for quick functions. 

Starting with the technology on board - a 12.3’ Infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a separate Touch screen between the Infotainment screen & Instrument Cluster for Climate Controls, Touch-sensitive buttons embedded into the dashboard for quick infotainment functions, an individual Volume adjusting scroller between the center AC vents, Quick Climate Control functioning buttons, a 4-spoke steering wheel with plenty of buttons - Cruise control, Media, Instrumentation, illuminating Kia logo, etc; an 8-way Electrically adjustable Driver seat with Memory function, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, an 8-way Electrically adjustable Front Passenger seat, a 3-zone fully Automatic Climate control system, a smart Head-up display with Navigation features, Ventilation function in front row (If the 6-seater version then in the second row, too), Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold function, a proper Charging hub in the lower dashboard, Fingerprint sensor in the Center Console, all adjustable Headrests (in both 6 & 7 Seating option), a 360 degree Camera with 3D view, all four Power windows, a 12.3’ Instrument cluster, Ambient lighting throughout the dashboard, two Sunroofs, an 8-way Electrically adjustable Passenger seats with cooled ventilation feature, etc. 

The Center Console is a huge unit and gets two massive cup holders with a phone/tablet holder. It also houses a fingerprint sensor for access to the vehicle and at last a wide armrest. The second row also gets a hidden compartment coming out from the front center console for better space management. The second row seats also get extra thigh support, which is electrically adjustable as well. The EV9 also gets a special feature in its second row - In the 6-seater version, the seats can be rotated 180 degrees to make them face the third row of seats. 

Kia EV9 Safety features 

The EV9 is equipped with ADAS Level 2 which gets - Parking Distance Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision avoidance, remote Smart Parking Assist, Blind Spot Warning & Monitor, Front Collision avoidance system, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Machine Learning AI technology, Intelligent Speed Limit spotting, etc. 

Besides all of this, EV9 also offers the basics - 9 Airbags, Traction Control, ABS with EBD, and ESP. 

Kia EV9 Powertrains 

The EV9, in India, will offer only one powertrain - a 99.8 kWh Battery pack. This pack will produce 384 hp and 700 Nm torque. This setup will power all of the wheels making it an AWD SUV. The Charging time, when using a DC Fast charger, is said to charge 10% - 80% within 25 minutes. This powerhouse also excels in an acceleration from 0 to 100 km per hour, which happens withing within 6 seconds. Overall, the driving range of the Kia EV9 is expected to be between 450 - 500 km, Kia claims it to be 561 km. 

Kia EV9 Launch date

The EV9 is all set to launch on 3 October 2024. The EV9 has been already revealed digitally by Kia and even started advertising it.