KIA EV9 PUMPED TO 501BHP FOR HOT GT

Dual-motor seven-seater gets simulated gearshifts and sophisticated suspension

- CHARLIE MARTIN

Kia has given BMW M3 levels of power KM3 to its new large SUV, enabling the EV9 GT to dispatch 0-60mph in just 4.3sec while providing seating for seven people.

The EV9 GT packs a dual-motor powertrain: a 215bhp motor mounted on the front axle and a 362bhp unit at the rear for a combined output of 501bhp. That's 123bhp more than the current EV9 range-topper, the GT-Line S.

This makes it more powerful and quicker than the 493bhp Land Rover Defender 130 V8, which hits 62mph in 5.4sec. Indeed, the only seven-seater on sale in the UK that's faster than the EV9 GT is the combustion-powered Audi SQ7, which takes 4.1sec to reach 62mph.