The hot new Kia EV9 GT will be priced from £82,185 when it lands in the UK later this summer, positioning itself as one of the UK’s fastest seven-seaters capable of dispatching the 0-62mph sprint in 4.6sec. This remarkable achievement places the Korean manufacturer’s flagship SUV directly in competition with premium German alternatives, particularly between the 4 and 4S versions of the Porsche Macan Electric.
The electrifying performance comes courtesy of a 215bhp motor mounted on the front axle and a 362bhp electric motor at the rear combining for a total output of 502bhp. This represents a substantial 124bhp increase over the current EV9 range-topper, the GT-Line S, demonstrating Kia’s serious intent to challenge established luxury brands.
Impressive Specifications and Range
Power and Performance Data
| Specification | Kia EV9 GT | Porsche Macan 4 | BMW iX xDrive60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Power | 502bhp | 408bhp | 523bhp |
| 0-62mph Time | 4.6 seconds | 5.2 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 136mph | 130mph | 124mph |
| Battery Capacity | 99.8kWh | 95kWh | 111.5kWh |
| WLTP Range | 280 miles | 381 miles | 324 miles |
| UK Price | £82,185 | £69,800 | £99,905 |
The EV9 GT’s substantial battery pack enables rapid charging capabilities, with 99.8kWh battery able to be recharged from 10-80% in 24 minutes when connected to appropriate high-speed charging infrastructure. However, the performance focus comes at a cost to efficiency, as the EV9 GT’s range is officially pegged at 280 miles between charges, considerably down on the 349 miles of the more efficient EV9 Air.
Advanced Technology Integration
Beyond raw performance, the EV9 GT incorporates cutting-edge technology borrowed from Hyundai’s performance division. The EV9 GT gets the simulated gearbox and engine sounds from Kia sibling brand Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, enhancing the driving experience through artificial acoustic feedback and gear simulation technology.
Luxury Interior and Design Elements
The cabin receives distinctive performance-oriented touches that differentiate it from standard EV9 variants. Inside, the EV9 GT is differentiated from the standard EV9 by a range of neon-green accents, such as on the steering wheel and on the GT-specific sports seats, which are upholstered in Alcantara and imitation leather. The visual drama extends to customizable ambient lighting that can also be set to the same green tone.
Market Position and Competition
The only seven-seaters faster than the EV9 GT are the Audi SQ7 (taking 4.1sec to hit 62mph) and the Tesla Model X Plaid (2.5sec to 60mph) – although the Tesla is no longer offered in right-hand-drive form here. This positions the Korean SUV in exclusive company among high-performance family vehicles.
Environmental Considerations and Government Standards
As with all modern electric vehicles, the EV9 GT produces zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to improved air quality in urban environments. The EPA’s testing procedures ensure accurate range and efficiency measurements for consumer comparison purposes.
Charging Infrastructure and Practicality
The EV9 GT benefits from growing public charging networks, addressing common concerns about electric vehicle practicality. Its 800-volt architecture enables rapid charging at compatible stations, making long-distance family travel increasingly viable.
The £82,185 price point positions the EV9 GT as a compelling alternative to traditional luxury SUVs, offering comparable performance with zero local emissions and significantly lower running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast does the Kia EV9 GT accelerate?
A: The EV9 GT accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, matching the BMW iX xDrive60’s performance.
Q: What’s the real-world range of the EV9 GT?
A: Official WLTP range is 280 miles, though real-world conditions may reduce this figure.
Q: How does the EV9 GT compare to the Porsche Macan Electric?
A: The EV9 GT offers more power (502bhp vs 408bhp) and faster acceleration, though the Macan provides superior range.
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