Visiting the Hyundai and Kia test center in the Mojave Desert, the columnist of Car guide Antoine Joubert discovers the new Kia EV9. The electric SUV will go on sale in the North American market by the end of the year.
“We arrive with a vehicle whose format is slightly larger than that of a Telluride. [En ce sens], it is a little longer, wider and lower,” he explains. Depending on the version, six or seven occupants can be placed on board.
Photo: KIA
Up to 480 km of autonomy
Four versions will be offered, all equipped with the 99.8 kWh battery. The Wind variant has the greatest range at 480 km, in particular thanks to its rear-wheel drive. However, the power is lower at 201 horsepower.
Photo: KIA
The Land, Land with Premium package and GT Line versions arrive automatically with four-wheel drive and a cavalry of 379 horsepower and a torque of 443 lb-ft (up to 516 lb-ft with the GT Line in Overboost mode) . The first two can cover 435 km, while the GT Line lowers the figure to 391 km.
Just like the Telluride, towing capacity is up to 5,000 lbs. The on-board computer will calculate the remaining range based on the weight to be pulled. Otherwise, recharging the battery from 10 to 80% using a 230 kW terminal takes 25 minutes.
Photo: KIA
Aerodynamic and quiet
In terms of design, the expert likes the stylistic signature of the EV9. In addition, it is rather aerodynamic since it displays a drag coefficient of 0.28. “We have a massive and angular vehicle,” he notes. He weighs 5,800 lbs. [aussi]so it’s a real tour de force, as far as I’m concerned.”
Photo: KIA
“It is a very stable and quiet vehicle […] We worked to ensure that it was well soundproofed,” he adds. Indeed, the cabin contains unique insulating materials and laminated glass to reduce ambient noise as much as possible.
During the video clip presented at the top of this article, Antoine Joubert gives his impressions about the 2024 Kia EV9… and his estimates on the price!