Kia EV9 Review

As Malaysian household demand for large electric SUVs gradually rises, the E-Segment pure electric SUV market is welcoming more competitors. The 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 7-seater version, as a new choice in this segment, has garnered considerable attention upon its launch with its ultra-long 3100mm wheelbase, 385.4PS dual-motor power, and flexible 7-seater layout. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its spatial practicality, power performance, and daily driving experience to see if it can meet the electrification needs of multi-member families.

The exterior design of the EV9 GT-Line follows a rugged style, with a boxy overall outline that suits the presence of a large SUV. The front adopts a closed grille paired with through-type LED daytime running lights. The "Star Map" dot-matrix design inside the light clusters delivers high recognizability when illuminated. The side profile features straight lines, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear, enhancing the sense of depth. The 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 285/45 R21 tires further enhance its visual impact. The rear’s through-type LED taillights echo the front design, while the "EV9" badge and the GT-Line exclusive emblem below the taillights clearly indicate its identity. The overall design avoids excessive flashy elements, but the detailed touches are well-executed, catering to family users’ preferences for a solid and stable style.

Sitting inside, the interior of the EV9 GT-Line leans toward a minimalist tech style. The dashboard features a layered design, with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central control screen forming a connected display. The screens have high resolution, and the operation is quite smooth. Below the central display, some physical buttons are retained for controlling the air conditioning and volume, making blind operations more convenient during daily use. The interior uses soft leather and metal trim as the primary materials, and areas that are frequently touched are mostly soft materials. The overall texture ranks in the upper middle level of its segment. In terms of features, a HUD head-up display, a 14-speaker sound system, front seat massage and ventilation (Premium Relaxion function) are standard equipment. The driver’s seat also supports lumbar support and wing adjustment, better fitting the body during long drives.

Space is one of the EV9's core advantages. With a length of 5015mm and a wheelbase of 3100mm, each row under the 7-seater layout offers ample room. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a 175cm tall passenger in the front row still has a two-fist headroom allowance. The second row adopts a 60:40 split seat design, and the legroom can reach up to three fists of space. Even with 7 passengers fully seated, third-row passengers still have about one fist of legroom and won’t feel cramped. Regarding storage capabilities, the door panel storage slots can hold two large bottles of mineral water, and the central armrest console is deep. The front cup holders support heating and cooling functions. When the third-row seats are folded flat, the trunk space can expand significantly, easily accommodating large items like strollers and suitcases. The second row is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB-C ports, showing thoughtful attention to details.

In terms of power, the EV9 GT-Line is equipped with front and rear dual permanent magnet synchronous motors, delivering a combined power of 385.4PS and a peak torque of 700N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of approximately 5.3 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is quick at the start—lightly pressing the accelerator provides an obvious sense of thrust, making overtaking or lane-changing in urban roads effortless. When switched to Sport Mode, the power output becomes more direct, and the mid-range acceleration remains strong. Even during high-speed driving, there’s no sense of power lag when further accelerating. However, considering the 2.6-ton weight, the power tuning in Eco Mode is relatively mild, making it more suitable for daily commuting.

In terms of handling performance, the EV9's steering wheel has moderate steering force, minimal slack, and precise pointing. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most minor road bumps. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the body movement is minimal, providing a relatively stable ride experience for rear passengers. When cornering at high speeds, the suspension offers sufficient support, keeping body roll within a reasonable range and avoiding a floating sensation. However, due to the large body size, extra attention is needed in narrow spaces for U-turns or parking. Fortunately, the 360-degree surround view camera and automatic parking function provide considerable assistance.

Range and charging are key concerns for electric vehicle users. The EV9 GT-Line is equipped with a 99.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering an official range of 505km. In our mixed road condition test (approximately 60% city traffic and 40% highway cruising), with the air conditioning and audio system turned on throughout, the range performance reached about 85% of the stated figure, with an actual driving range of approximately 430km, which is fairly standard. In terms of fast charging, it supports up to 800V ultra-fast charging, taking only 0.4 hours (about 24 minutes) to charge from 10% to 80%, which effectively meets the recharge needs for long-distance travel.

In terms of driving comfort, the EV9 delivers commendable performance. The cabin's sound insulation is excellent, with virtually no external noise at speeds below 60km/h. At highway speeds, wind and road noise increase slightly but remain within an acceptable range. The front seats feature multiple massage modes, which can effectively alleviate fatigue during long-distance drives. The regenerative braking system offers three adjustable levels, with the lowest level resembling the coasting feel of fuel vehicles and avoiding a noticeable dragging sensation, making it suitable for family drivers' habits.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 7-seater version lie in the balance of space, performance, and features. Compared to other fully electric SUVs in the same class, its 7-seater layout is more practical, its dual-motor performance outperforms some competitors, and it comes standard with numerous comfort features. Its value for money stands out at a price point of RM369,000. However, its heavier weight requires some adjustment when driving in urban areas, and its range performance might slightly drop in extreme weather conditions.

This vehicle is most suitable for larger families, especially those frequently traveling with a full load who also seek an electrified driving experience. Its spacious interior meets the travel needs of the whole family, while its performance and features provide everyday commuting comfort. Its quick-charge capability also addresses range anxiety for long-distance trips. If you're looking for a practical and technologically advanced large electric SUV, the EV9 GT-Line 7-seater is worth considering.