Kia EV9

The 2025 Kia EV9 in India is offered in a single, high-performance GT-Line AWD variant, built on Hyundai Motor Group's advanced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This platform enables impressive power delivery and efficient energy management.

The India-spec EV9 is equipped with a large 99.8 kWh battery pack that powers dual electric motors, one on each axle, providing an all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. This setup delivers a combined maximum power output of 384 PS (379 bhp) and a formidable 700 Nm of peak torque.

These potent electric motors enable the EV9 to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in a swift 5.3 seconds, showcasing its impressive performance capabilities for a large SUV. The EV9 boasts an ARAI-certified range of 561 km on a single full charge, making it suitable for long journeys and reducing range anxiety.

A key highlight of the EV9's performance is its 800-volt ultra-fast charging architecture, which allows it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, providing a 3.68 kW power outlet to power external devices. The single-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and instant power delivery.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Kia EV9 is engineered to deliver a refined and comfortable ride, combined with confident and stable handling, despite its large dimensions. This balance is achieved through its dedicated E-GMP platform and well-tuned suspension system.

The EV9 features an independent MacPherson Strut suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. While specific details on adaptive suspension for the Indian market might vary, the platform itself is designed to offer a smooth and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. The electric power steering is precise and responsive, making the large SUV surprisingly easy to maneuver in urban environments.

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system not only provides strong acceleration but also contributes to excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. The EV9 offers different drive modes and terrain modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's responses to their preferences. The regenerative braking system is well-tuned, offering multiple levels, including a single-pedal driving mode, which can be adjusted via paddle shifters. Overall, the ride quality is plush and quiet, enhancing the luxurious experience, while the handling remains predictable and secure, providing confidence on both highways and city streets.

The interior of the 2025 Kia EV9 is a testament to luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, designed to provide a premium and highly digital experience for all occupants. The cabin is spacious and versatile, typically configured as a 6-seater with individual captain seats in the second row for enhanced comfort.

The dashboard features a "Trinity Panoramic Display" setup, seamlessly blending three high-definition screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver, a smaller 5-inch climate control panel, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This setup offers a unified view of navigation, controls, and entertainment. High-quality materials like leatherette upholstery and suede headlining contribute to an opulent ambiance.

Comfort features are extensive, with electrically adjustable seats for all rows. The second-row captain seats are particularly luxurious, offering 8-way power adjustment, relaxation comfort functions with leg support, heating, ventilation, and even a massage function. The third row also features power recline and a 50:50 split-fold. Other amenities include a 4-spoke leatherette steering wheel with an illuminated emblem, 3-zone automatic climate control, 64-color ambient lighting, dual sunroofs, and a smart power tailgate. The flat floor enabled by the EV architecture creates expansive footwells and a well-designed center console with ample storage, retractable cupholders, and a wireless charger with cooling.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Kia EV9 is a central pillar of its high-tech cabin, featuring a multi-screen "Trinity Panoramic Display" that emphasizes connectivity and intuitive interaction.

The system is anchored by a responsive 12.3-inch HD touchscreen navigation display, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. This unit provides intuitive control over navigation, media, vehicle settings, and Kia Connect 2.0, which offers over 100 connected car features and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for comprehensive smartphone integration.

Complementing the central screen is a 12.3-inch HD digital instrument cluster for the driver, offering customizable views and essential driving information. A unique 5-inch HD HVAC control panel is also integrated, providing quick access to climate settings, though its placement can sometimes be partially obscured by the steering wheel. The system features hidden haptic touchscreen buttons for a clean aesthetic. Audio is delivered through a premium 14-speaker Meridian sound system, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the EV9 includes a Head-up Display (HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield, a digital IRVM, and six USB Type-C ports across all three rows.

The exterior design of the 2025 Kia EV9 is undeniably bold and futuristic, setting it apart with its distinctive blend of traditional SUV boxiness and modern, aggressive styling elements. It embodies Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, creating a commanding road presence.

Key exterior features include a unique "Starmap" light signature seen in the vertical LED daytime running lights and the intricate tail lights, giving the EV9 a recognizable and high-tech appearance. The front features a blanked-out digital pattern lighting grille, seamlessly integrating the intelligent LED projection headlamps. The overall angular surfaces and sloping bonnet contribute to an aerodynamic profile, impressive for an SUV of its size. The EV9 rides on large 20-inch aero-styled alloy wheels, and features flush-fitting automatic door handles, and gloss black accents on the ORVMs, wheel arch cladding, and roof rack. Its dimensions are substantial: approximately 5015 mm in length, 1980 mm in width, and 1780 mm in height, with a long wheelbase of 3100 mm, which translates directly into generous interior space.

Safety in the 2025 Kia EV9 is paramount, with the vehicle boasting a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features designed to ensure occupant protection and enhance driving confidence. It is equipped with a robust safety structure and advanced systems. The EV9 typically comes with 10 airbags, strategically placed to protect occupants in various collision scenarios, including driver, passenger, side, curtain, and knee airbags. Standard passive safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Multi Collision Brake (MCB), Brake Assistant System (BAS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).

The EV9 is also loaded with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering a high degree of active safety. These features include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with detection for direct oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Avoidance Assist (BCA) alert and assist with steering to prevent collisions in blind spots, while Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Avoidance Assist (RCCA) warn of approaching vehicles when reversing. Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA) is available for both forward and reverse movements. Additional safety features include High Beam Assist (HBA) which automatically switches between high and low beams, Safe Exit Warning (SEW) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA) to alert occupants to approaching vehicles when opening doors, a 360-degree Camera System for enhanced parking and maneuvering, front, side & rear parking sensors with visual and audible warnings, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for optimal tire safety.

The 2025 Kia EV9 operates in the burgeoning luxury electric SUV segment in India, facing off against established premium brands and their electric offerings. Its primary competitors include the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, which is a direct rival offering a blend of ultra-luxury, advanced technology, and impressive range. The BMW iX is another strong competitor, known for its distinctive design, strong performance, and a highly digital cabin. Additionally, the Audi Q8 e-tron stands as a sophisticated electric SUV with a refined ride and comprehensive features. Other potential electric luxury SUV competitors could emerge as the market continues to expand. While Kia is a mainstream brand, the EV9 is positioned to compete with these premium offerings by providing a compelling combination of futuristic design, advanced technology, spaciousness, and a strong electric powertrain at a competitive price point. Its unique 6-seater configuration (in India) and emphasis on passenger comfort, particularly in the second row, also set it apart.

The 2025 Kia EV9 represents a bold and successful foray by Kia into the high-end electric SUV market. It is a vehicle that not only showcases Kia's design prowess and technological capabilities but also delivers a genuinely premium and practical electric driving experience.

For Indian buyers seeking a large, luxurious, and eco-conscious SUV, the EV9 offers a compelling package. Its striking design, expansive and feature-rich interior, impressive electric range, and ultra-fast charging capabilities make it a highly desirable choice. While it enters a segment dominated by established luxury brands, the EV9 distinguishes itself with its unique styling, thoughtful passenger comfort features (especially the second-row captain seats with massage), and a strong value proposition. The 2025 Kia EV9 is not just an electric SUV; it's a statement of intent from Kia, proving that sustainable mobility can be both exhilarating and luxurious.