First Drive: 2024 Kia EV9 in the UAE

by Marouf Hussain Chowdhury. October 9, 2024.

The Kia EV9 is the brand’s entry into the three-row electric SUV segment. Its boxy yet futuristic design turns heads, and its electric motors provide decent range and performance. Like the Kia EV6 we tested, the EV9 also spills into the premium category with its features and power.

Exterior styling

Kia has pushed the boundaries of SUV design with an angular, almost concept car-like appearance. The front end is dominated by a sleek, pixelated LED light bar, replacing the traditional grille, while the bumper features sharply contoured air intakes.

Its boxy shape and Kia’s “Digital Tiger Face” design language give it an unmistakable identity. At night, especially, the headlight patterns make it stand out.

The large wheel arches, 21-inch alloy wheels for our GT-Line trim, and roof rails add to the SUV vibe, while Kia has added some luxury touches like flush door handles for a cleaner profile.

At nearly 5 metres long, the EV9 is tall and wide, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm, providing ample interior space. It’s available in funky colours, but our test car was black with black rims, which looked great at night with those futuristic headlights and taillights.

Interior design

Stepping inside, the Kia EV9’s cabin combines modern design and sustainability. The minimalist dashboard is dominated by two large, curved 12.3-inch screens that handle infotainment and driver information.

Kia has reduced the number of physical buttons, opting for a clean interior. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces, and many are eco-friendly, with options for recycled plastics and vegan leather upholstery.

With three rows of seating, the EV9 comfortably seats six to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. Our GT-Line line trim test car had the captain’s chairs for the second row, which offers a more comfortable experience for the passengers.

The boot offers 571 litres of space with all seats up and expands to 2,300 litres with the third and second rows folded down.

Tech

Kia’s latest infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the screen offers crisp, responsive visuals. Our top trim car also had a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting with 64 colour options, and a premium Meridian sound system.

Safety features include Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and a Surround View Monitor (SVM) that displays a variety of views of the situation around the vehicle to ensure safe parking.

Kia EV9 Performance & Range

The EV9 has an all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual motor setup. While a rear-wheel-drive version is sold in other markets, only the AWD model is sold in the GCC. It has an output of 379 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 kph in just 6 seconds.

Equipped with a 99.8 kWh battery, the EV9 can travel up to 465 km on a single charge, which is not bad for its size. It supports fast charging, charging the battery from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes when using a 350 kW charger.

The EV9 feels stable and refined on the road, with a well-damped suspension offering a comfortable ride. However, its sheer size means you’ll feel its weight in tighter corners, though the low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery pack, keeps body roll in check.

Kia EV9 Verdict

The Kia EV9 is a well-executed electric SUV that combines practicality, tech, and performance. Its futuristic design might not appeal to everyone, but there’s no denying the EV9 is a statement on wheels. With a spacious, tech-laden interior and solid range, it’s a compelling choice for customers looking for 7-seater electric SUVs.