2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD（7 Seater） Review

Nowadays, the competition in the mid-to-large electric SUV market in Malaysia is heating up. Family users want both seven-seater spacious interiors and high demands for intelligent configurations and range. The Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD seven-seat version is specifically targeting this niche market. It not only offers 385.4PS dual-motor power but also comes standard with premium features like a 14-speaker sound system and front massage seats. Priced at RM369,668, it seems to provide outstanding value for money. In this test drive, we focus on verifying: Is its seven-seater space practical? Can the 3.1-meter wheelbase provide enough comfort for the third row? Is the dual-motor power and 505km range truly convenient for daily use?

First, let’s look at the exterior. The design of the EV9 GT-Line is highly distinctive, featuring a robust boxy shape that aligns well with the aura of mid-to-large SUVs. The front features a closed grille, with an illuminated Kia logo in the middle, flanked by split LED headlights. The top daytime running lights feature a through-line design, making them highly recognizable when lit. The side profile showcases straight lines, with a neatly aligned design from the A-pillar to the D-pillar. There’s a concave crease line on the lower part of the doors, adding a sense of depth. The 21-inch large wheels paired with 285/45 R21 wide tires make the side profile look more robust. The rear also features through-line LED tail lights that echo the front design. There is a silver skid plate decoration under the rear bumper, but being an electric vehicle, it has no traditional exhaust layout. Overall, the exterior design leans toward being grand and minimalist, suitable for family users’ aesthetic preferences.

Stepping inside, the interior quality and features are the highlights of the EV9 GT-Line. The dashboard adopts a connected screen design, combining a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central control screen. The screen resolution is high, operation is smooth, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upper part of the dashboard is wrapped with soft-touch materials, the middle section features a wood grain decorative panel, and the lower part has a piano black finish, though it can easily show fingerprints. The steering wheel is made of genuine leather, equipped with electric adjustment and heating functions. The multifunction buttons are laid out logically, making them convenient to operate. The front seats are a highlight, with the driver's seat offering electric adjustment, lumbar support, leg support, and massage functions. The passenger seat also has electric adjustment and leg support. The seats provide good cushioning and support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The second row consists of independent seats, which can slide forward and backward and have adjustable backrests. There’s a center armrest with cup holders and USB ports. As for the third row, passengers around 170 cm tall will have about one fist’s worth of legroom, and their heads won’t touch the roof, making short trips comfortable, though long rides may feel slightly cramped. As for storage space, the large central armrest box in the front row offers plenty of space, and the storage compartments in the door panels can also hold many items. When the third-row seats are folded down, the trunk space can expand significantly, easily accommodating several suitcases.

In terms of performance, the EV9 GT-Line is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a maximum power of 385.4 PS and a peak torque of 700 N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.3 seconds. During actual driving, the start is very responsive, and you can feel evident push-back when pressing the accelerator. Mid-to-high speed acceleration also feels strong, giving you plenty of confidence when overtaking. There are four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom. In Eco mode, power delivery is smoother, suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, power response is more sensitive, catering to users who enjoy spirited driving. The steering is precise with minimal play, and the steering wheel gets heavier at higher speeds, enhancing stability. As for the chassis, it features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension system, tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, keeping the vehicle stable without excessive body movement. However, due to the relatively heavy body, there is noticeable body roll during sharp turns at high speed. After all, as a mid-to-large SUV, nimble handling is not its main strength.

Range and charging are the most important concerns for electric vehicle users. The battery capacity of the EV9 GT-Line is 99.8kWh, and the official range is 505km. In our actual test, driving on urban roads with the air conditioning on and music playing, the range achievement rate is about 80%, which means it can actually run about 400km. For daily family use, charging once a week should be sufficient. In terms of fast charging, it takes only 0.4 hours, or 24 minutes, to charge from 10% to 80%. It is very convenient to fast charge at shopping malls or service areas. The charging port is located on the left side of the car's front and supports both DC fast charging and AC slow charging.

In terms of comfort, the EV9 GT-Line performs well. The soundproofing is excellent, with tire noise and wind noise well controlled during driving, and only slightly more noticeable wind noise at high speeds. The seats are very comfortable, and the front seats offer multiple modes of massage to relieve fatigue during long drives. The second-row seats are also very comfortable, with adjustable backrest angles. The center armrest features cup holders and USB ports, which are convenient for rear passengers. The air conditioning system is a dual-zone automatic type, and the rear row also has independent air vents to quickly adjust the cabin temperature. The energy recovery system has three adjustable levels. At the highest level, releasing the accelerator delivers a noticeable deceleration, and you can pretty much avoid using the brake pedal, which is suitable for urban traffic jams and helps save electricity.

In terms of safety features, the EV9 GT-Line comes standard with 7 safety airbags, ABS anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic cameras, automatic parking, and other features. Its safety performance is comprehensive, providing enough peace of mind for family users.

To summarize, the core advantages of the EV9 GT-Line AWD seven-seat version are very clear: it offers ample space with practical seven-seat layout; high configurations such as front massage seats, integrated screens, and a 14-speaker sound system are all standard; strong performance with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system for fast acceleration; sufficient range with convenient fast charging. Compared to similar electric vehicles, such as the BYD Tang EV six-seat version, the seven-seat layout of the EV9 GT-Line is better suited for multi-child families, and its configurations are richer. Although it is slightly more expensive, its overall value for money is still good.

The target audience for this car is very clear: families that value space and features, especially those with seniors and children, as the seven-seat space meets the needs of the whole family traveling together; users who enjoy tech features and a comfortable experience, as features like front massage seats and the integrated screen enhance daily happiness; users with performance demands, as the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system's acceleration performance also satisfies occasional spirited driving.

Overall, the EV9 GT-Line AWD seven-seat version is a well-balanced large electric SUV that has no obvious shortcomings in terms of space, features, performance, or range. It is suitable as a main family car, capable of handling both daily commutes and long-distance trips. If you're looking for a seven-seat electric SUV and have requirements for features and comfort, the EV9 GT-Line is worth considering.