KIA EV9 GT-LINE

NEW SEVEN-SEAT FLAGSHIP SUV REPRESENTS KIA'S STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY

- NATHAN PONCHARD

WITH BENCHMARK EV technology rapidly thrusting Kia (and sister brand Hyundai) skyward in terms of global brand perception, the next logical step on Kia's ascent was to develop a flagship vehicle capable of showcasing its many talents in a truly unique offering. And that's the purpose of the Kia EV9 three-row large electric SUV.

Featuring the next evolution of Kia's striking design language (including a large proportion of the detail design and form hinted at by 2021's stunning EV9 Concept), the beautifully nuanced production EV9 manages to disguise its physicality by rejecting the curves of the EV6 for sharper edges and a more imposing, more futuristic shape.

In the flesh, in any colour, it has presence. And looks sensational.

Given the sheer size of the EV9, it would be hard for it to go unnoticed. At 5010mm in length, it's 200mm longer than a Sorento (which is already classed as a large SUV in Australia), riding on a vast 3100mm wheelbase that's 285mm greater than a Sorento's. The EV9 is also 80mm wider and 80mm taller, so in terms of the real estate it occupies, it's girthy ... yet somehow looks svelte alongside a Sorento and has a superior drag coefficient (0.28Cd versus 0.32).

Underneath, the EV9 rides on an expanded version of the E-GMP platform that also underpins the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5/6 and Genesis GV60 - sharing their class-leading 800-volt charging capability - though in truth, the EV9's wheelbase is only 100mm longer than an Ioniq 5's. The beauty in this electric beast is all about what resides on top, and what all that additional metal achieves.