Metal To Pedestal
August Man SG|Issue 209 (January 2025)
Kia's much-vaunted EV9 is a sleek, powerful electric vehicle stealing attention from Chinese upstarts and European giants. Will it keep our gaze or will the hype sputter?
SUFFIAN HAKIM
Metal To Pedestal

THE KIA EV9 has enjoyed a very prolonged 15 minutes of fame.

The premium all-electric SUV was first unveiled at the Singapore Motorshow 2024 early last year. As the first all-electric six-seater on the Singaporean market, it set a new standard. Early reviews were positive. It was rated 10/10 by American automobile guide Car and Driver, which praised its design and performance. At home, The Business Times described it as “better than many (electric cars) in terms of ride quality” and “quicker than a scalded cheetah”. Sgcarmart rated it a “Will Buy”, praising its all-roundedness in luxury, comfort, and performance.

In November, it was featured again at Kia EV Day 2024 in Taipei, alongside the entry-level EV3, the mid-range EV5, and the futuristic-chic Concept EV4. The EV9, the largest of the company’s consumer vehicles, stood out not just for its size, which the brand has unapologetically celebrated, but also its elegance and masterful touches.

Let’s take a quick look at the specs first. In Singapore, the Kia EV9 GT-Line offers an electrifying blend of power, sophistication, and innovation, tailored for the discerning modern driver. It sprints from 0 to 100kph in just six seconds, thanks to a powerful Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor generating 380bhp and 600Nm.

This story is from the Issue 209 (January 2025) edition of August Man SG.

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This story is from the Issue 209 (January 2025) edition of August Man SG.

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