Kia EV9: The sun was setting over the Western Ghats as I piloted the Kia EV9 along the winding mountain roads outside Lonavala. The massive panoramic glass roof bathed the cabin in golden light, while the 14-speaker Meridian audio system filled the space with concert-hall clarity.
Behind me, second-row passengers reclined in their captain’s chairs, adjusting their individual climate zones. This wasn’t just another electric SUV test drive – it was a glimpse into how luxury mobility is being redefined for the electric era.
After spending three days with Kia’s flagship electric SUV during its media preview event, I can confidently say the EV9 represents something significant in India’s evolving premium market: an electric vehicle that makes no compromises in its pursuit of luxury, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with EV technology.
Kia EV9 Design Statement: Presence Without Pretension
The EV9 makes an immediate impression through sheer presence. Measuring 5,010mm in length, 1,980mm in width, and 1,755mm in height, it commands attention without resorting to unnecessarily aggressive styling elements.
The design philosophy, which Kia calls “Opposites United,” manifests in a fascinating blend of crisp, geometric surfaces and unexpected organic details.
“We wanted to create something that looked obviously electric, yet unmistakably premium,” explained Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, during the design presentation. “The EV9’s proportions communicate strength and capability, while the details speak to precision and technology.”
The front facade features what Kia calls the “Digital Tiger Face,” an evolution of the brand’s signature tiger nose grille. With no need for traditional cooling, this space has been reimagined with a distinctive LED lighting signature that doubles as a subtle charging indicator, progressively illuminating as the battery charges.
The profile reveals perhaps the most impressive aspect of the design – how Kia’s designers have managed to disguise the vehicle’s considerable dimensions through careful proportioning.
The long wheelbase (3,100mm) is visually shortened by the distinctive C-pillar treatment, while the 21-inch aerodynamic wheels fill the arches perfectly, avoiding the awkward “small wheels, big body” appearance that plagues some electric SUVs.
Around back, the vertical taillights echo the front lighting signature, creating welcome design coherence. The tailgate features a clean, uncluttered design with minimal badging – a confident choice that speaks to Kia’s newfound design maturity.
The Gravity Blue Pearl paint of our test vehicle particularly impressed, exhibiting remarkable depth and shifting dramatically under different lighting conditions – a small detail, perhaps, but one that reinforces the premium positioning.
Cabin Experience: Three-Dimensional Luxury
If the exterior sets expectations high, the interior exceeds them. The EV9’s cabin represents Kia’s most ambitious effort yet, with materials, technology, and spatial design that legitimately challenge established luxury players.
The centerpiece is the panoramic curved display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, visually unified by a 5.3-inch climate control display.
Unlike some screens that feel tacked on as an afterthought, this setup is thoughtfully integrated into the dashboard design, with physical controls retained for critical functions.
“We’ve been careful not to eliminate tactile controls where they still make sense,” noted Jochen Paesen, Vice President of Interior Design. “The balance between digital and physical interfaces is crucial to creating an intuitive user experience.”
This approach is evident throughout the cabin. The climate controls feature physical dials with embedded displays, the steering wheel maintains traditional buttons rather than touch-sensitive panels, and the drive mode selector is a satisfyingly mechanical rotary dial. These elements provide welcome tactile feedback in an increasingly digital cabin environment.
Material quality impresses across all three rows. The seats in our top-spec Gravity Line variant featured a combination of eco-processed leather and recycled polyester, demonstrating that sustainability and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive.
The open-pore wood trim – sustainably sourced, Kia assures us – adds warmth to the otherwise tech-focused interior, while ambient lighting with 64 colors transforms the cabin atmosphere after dark.
Space utilization benefits enormously from the dedicated electric vehicle architecture. With no transmission tunnel and a completely flat floor, the EV9 offers exceptional interior volume despite its already generous external dimensions.
The second-row captain’s chairs in our test vehicle featured heating, ventilation, power adjustment, and even a lounge function that extends a footrest when the seat is reclined.
Most impressively, the third row can comfortably accommodate adults – a rarity even among large SUVs. With 807mm of headroom and 742mm of legroom in the back, plus dedicated climate vents and USB-C ports, the rearmost passengers aren’t treated as afterthoughts.
Cargo capacity stands at 333 liters with all seats up, expanding to 828 liters with the third row folded, and a cavernous 2,318 liters with both rear rows flattened. The front trunk (frunk) adds another 90 liters of storage – particularly useful for charging cables and smaller items.
Technology Suite: Comprehensive and Forward-Looking
The technology package in the EV9 represents Kia’s most advanced offering to date, with features that will eventually trickle down to other models in the lineup.
The infotainment system runs on Kia’s latest connected car platform, offering over-the-air updates, augmented reality navigation, and a comprehensive suite of connected services through the Kia Connect app.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the native interface is so well designed that many users might prefer it.
“Our goal was to create an interface that feels as intuitive as the smartphone in your pocket but optimized for in-vehicle use,” explained Sachin Lawande, President of Vehicle Components Solutions at Hyundai Motor Group. “The system learns user preferences over time and adapts accordingly.”
This adaptability extends to the vehicle’s Digital Key 2.0 feature, which allows owners to use their smartphone or smartwatch as a key, with the ability to share digital keys with family members or friends temporarily.
The driver assistance systems are equally comprehensive. The EV9 features Highway Driving Assist 2.0, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and automated lane changes.
The system worked impressively during our test drive, maintaining natural distances from other vehicles and executing lane changes smoothly when the turn signal was activated.
Other safety features include forward collision avoidance with junction turning function, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit assist – the latter preventing doors from opening if a vehicle or cyclist is approaching from behind.
The 14-speaker Meridian audio system deserves special mention for its exceptional clarity and staging. The system adapts based on vehicle speed and includes an Active Sound Design feature that allows drivers to select from three different synthesized “engine” sounds – a gimmick perhaps, but one that adds character to the driving experience.
Powertrain and Performance: Effortless Capability
The Indian-spec EV9 comes in two powertrain configurations. Our test vehicle featured the dual-motor AWD setup, which produces a combined 385PS (283kW) and 700Nm of torque.
This translates to impressive performance, with 0-100 km/h dispatched in just 5.3 seconds – remarkable for a vehicle weighing nearly 2.6 tons.
The single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant, which we briefly sampled, offers 204PS (150kW) and 350Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 9.4 seconds. While noticeably less potent, it still provides more than adequate performance for everyday driving scenarios.
Both variants feature a 99.8kWh battery pack, with the RWD model offering slightly more range – 541km versus 505km (ARAI certified) for the AWD version.
During our mixed driving route of approximately 250km, the AWD model’s energy consumption averaged 22.3 kWh/100km, suggesting a real-world range of around 440-450km – still impressive given the vehicle’s size and capability.
Charging capabilities are equally notable. The EV9 supports 800V ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes when connected to a 350kW DC fast charger.
More commonly available 50kW chargers complete the same charge in approximately 73 minutes. Home charging via the 11kW onboard charger takes around 11 hours for a full charge.
The vehicle also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing it to power external devices or even charge another electric vehicle if needed – a feature that could prove invaluable during power outages or outdoor excursions.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort with Controlled Composure
No one expects a three-row SUV to drive like a sports car, but the EV9 delivers a driving experience that balances comfort with surprising composure.
The low center of gravity, courtesy of the floor-mounted battery pack, helps mitigate body roll during cornering, while the standard adaptive suspension adjusts damping forces based on road conditions and driving mode.
The steering, while not particularly communicative, offers precise responses and comfortable weighting that feels appropriate for the vehicle’s character.
Four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Drive (customizable) – adjust throttle response, steering weight, and suspension settings to suit different driving preferences.
What particularly impressed during our drive was the refinement. Wind and road noise are exceptionally well suppressed, creating a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds.
The suspension tuning deserves special praise for its ability to absorb harsh impacts without transmitting them to occupants, while still maintaining body control over undulating surfaces.
“We spent considerable time fine-tuning the suspension for Indian road conditions,” noted Sunil Kumar, Head of R&D at Kia India. “The adaptive dampers read the road surface 100 times per second, allowing the system to prepare for imperfections before you actually hit them.”
This attention to detail extends to the regenerative braking system, which offers five levels of intensity, including an i-Pedal mode that enables true one-pedal driving. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is seamless – a challenging feat that many electric vehicles still struggle with.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
With prices starting at ₹1.19 crore for the Earth Line RWD variant and extending to ₹1.35 crore for the Gravity Line AWD (ex-showroom), the EV9 positions itself in genuine luxury territory, competing with established players like the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Audi Q8 e-tron, and BMW iX.
This represents ambitious pricing for Kia, a brand traditionally associated with value-oriented offerings. However, after experiencing the EV9’s comprehensive package, the positioning feels justified. The combination of space, technology, performance, and premium execution genuinely challenges vehicles costing significantly more.
“The EV9 isn’t just another model for us – it’s a statement of intent,” explained Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India. “It demonstrates what Kia is capable of when we push the boundaries of design, technology, and electrification simultaneously.”
The company expects to sell approximately 100 units monthly in India – modest numbers that reflect both the premium positioning and the still-developing EV infrastructure in the country.
Each Kia dealership will feature dedicated EV9 specialists, and customers will receive a complimentary 22kW AC home charger with installation.
Warranty coverage includes 8 years/160,000km for the battery, 5 years/unlimited kilometers for the vehicle, and 5 years of roadside assistance – comprehensive coverage that should reassure buyers making the transition to electric mobility.
Kia EV9 Conclusion: A Credible Luxury Contender
After three days with the EV9, what impressed most wasn’t any single feature but rather the cohesiveness of the overall package. Unlike some electric vehicles that excel in certain areas while falling short in others, the EV9 delivers a thoroughly considered experience that feels complete and mature.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The infotainment system occasionally exhibited lag when switching between functions, some interior plastics in lower areas don’t match the premium feel of the upper dashboard, and the sheer size makes urban maneuverability challenging despite the various cameras and sensors.
However, these minor quibbles fade in significance when considering what Kia has achieved. The EV9 represents a genuine step forward not just for the brand but for electric SUVs as a category.
It proves that electric vehicles can offer three-row practicality without compromise, that sustainability and luxury can coexist, and that thoughtful design can make even large vehicles feel approachable.
For buyers seeking a premium electric SUV that prioritizes space, comfort, and technology, the EV9 presents a compelling proposition – one that deserves consideration alongside the established luxury players.
In bridging the gap between mainstream and premium segments, Kia has created something genuinely distinctive in India’s evolving automotive landscape.