Kia EV9 2024 Review

Nowadays, the demand for spacious electric vehicles among Malaysian households is steadily increasing, and the seven-seater pure electric SUV segment is gradually becoming a focal point. The 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD seven-seater version we test drove this time not only boasts a spacious advantage with its 3100mm super-long wheelbase but also features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, delivering a combined output of 385.4PS horsepower and 700N·m of torque, with an official range of 505km. Our test drive aims to verify whether it can balance the practicality of a family car, the range performance of electric travel, and the driving quality expected of a GT-Line version.

The EV9's exterior design leaves a strong first impression, with an overall style that leans towards a tough and robust aesthetic, fitting its mid-to-large SUV positioning. The front features Kia's electric vehicle family-style "Digital Tiger Nose" grille, paired with a full-width LED daytime running light. The light strip extends to the main headlights on both sides, making it highly recognizable. The side profile of the car is characterized by straight lines, with a length of 5015mm and a width of 1980mm, giving it a very solid appearance, while the 21-inch wheels add a sporty touch. The rear also adopts a full-width LED taillight design, with a dot-matrix pattern inside the light assembly that has a technological feel when illuminated, and the silver lower bumper adds a hint of an off-road vibe.

Sitting inside the car, the EV9’s interior design is clean and full of a technological feel. The center console features a dual-screen design composed of a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central control screen, with clear display and smooth operation. The interior materials primarily use soft-touch surfaces and leather, offering a delicate texture, and the GT-Line version has additional metallic accents that enhance the sense of luxury. The front seats support electric adjustment, lumbar support, and massage functions, with the driver’s seat featuring a Premium Relaxion mode that effectively alleviates fatigue during long drives. In the seven-seater version, the second-row seats support 60:40 split folding and one-touch sliding, while the third-row space can accommodate adults for short trips. In its seven-seater configuration, the trunk can hold several carry-on suitcases, and folding down the third-row seats expands storage space significantly.

When starting the vehicle, the power response from the dual-motor system is very direct. In standard mode, starting is brisk, and acceleration is linear, which is more than adequate for daily city commuting; switching to sport mode makes the power delivery more aggressive, with a noticeable thrust when stepping hard on the accelerator and plenty of confidence during overtaking. Despite its weight exceeding 2.6 tons, the 700N·m torque ensures excellent secondary acceleration even at highway speeds. The steering wheel offers moderate heft and precise directional control, while the chassis employs a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs small road bumps, and when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension's rebound is crisp without any unnecessary vibrations.

We focused on testing the range performance, mainly driving on urban roads with the air conditioning set to 24℃ in automatic mode and the energy recovery set to medium. After driving 100km, the indicated range dropped by about 115km, resulting in a range achievement rate of nearly 87%, which meets expectations. In terms of fast charging, it took about 25 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%, which aligns closely with the official figure of 0.4 hours, suggesting no issues in meeting the energy replenishing needs for long trips. During regular driving, interior noise is well controlled, with minimal tire noise and wind noise, and even at highway speeds, they don't interfere with conversations inside the cabin.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD seven-seater are clear: its spacious interior suits family use, dual-motor provides robust performance, and its range and fast-charging capabilities are well-balanced. Additionally, it boasts rich features with a strong sense of luxury. Compared to other seven-seater electric vehicles in the same class, its value for money is higher, especially in seating comfort and technological features.

This vehicle is ideal for family users who prioritize space practicality and an electric driving experience, particularly for those who frequently travel with family members. It not only meets daily commuting needs but also handles short family outings with ease. If you have higher requirements for second-row comfort, the six-seater version is an option, but the seven-seater version is clearly more practical.

In summary, the EV9 GT-Line AWD seven-seater is a well-rounded and comprehensive midsize to large pure electric SUV that seamlessly combines space, performance, range, and luxury features. It is a premium choice for families considering an electric vehicle.