Kia EV9

The GT-Line variant of the Philippines-spec Kia EV9 is solely available in a dual-tone black and grey themed cabin, which has a ‘three-stage sustainable design strategy’ theme comprising recycled and sustainable materials, such as bio PU, recycled PET fabric, bioplastics, post-consumer material plastic and bio paint. 

The wraparound-themed layout of the dashboard of the Kia EV9 comprises a two-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, which has a wide full-TFT dual-screen cockpit behind it for the dual 12.3-inch full-TFT screens – one for the instrument console and one for the touchscreen infotainment system. A head-up display is also present behind this modern-looking cockpit. 

The central layer of the dashboard of the Kia EV9 looks sleek while housing a touch-sensitive pad for the controls of the three-zone automatic climate control. Being the top-of-the-line offering from Kia, the EV9 is loaded with modern features like a wireless charger, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, a digital review mirror, a surround-view monitor, powered and ventilated front seats with massage function, a panoramic sunroof, two 12V power outlets and Ottoman seats in the second row. 

The eye-catching and futuristic design of the Kia EV9 is bound to turn heads, with this flagship electric SUV from Kia having some interesting EV-specific elements. At the front, the Kia EV9 looks quite appealing with its ‘digital tiger face’ with a closed grille in the middle, which looks even fancier in the company of digital pattern lighting on its sides. The vertically aligned sweptback all-LED headlamps on the sides of this unique front fascia look thoughtfully designed with the zig-zag daytime running LEDs to their sides. 

With a traditional upright stance and long wheelbase, the Kia EV9 has flush-type door handles, functional roof rails, and flared hexagonal wheel arches with gloss black cladding, below which it houses 21-inch alloy aero machined alloy wheels with SUV-spec tyres. At the back, the Christmas tree-themed LED tail lamps on the outer edges of the rather plain-looking boot lid give the EV9 a sense of sophistication.  

The Kia EV9 has a plush setup for its suspension combination of Macpherson struts at the front and a five-link multi-link combination at the rear, which comes equipped with a self-leveling damper system for ride height adjustment. The four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow – also feel responsive and deliver a well-distinguished driving experience with varying power and driving dynamic setups. 

In this fully loaded GT-Line variant, the Kia EV9 boasts of a dual motor setup with one motor each on the front and rear axles. With a combined power output of 385 PS and a combined torque output of 700 Nm, the EV9 can cover the 0-100 kmph sprint in 5.3 seconds, with its 99.8kWh battery pack capable of delivering a maximum range of 505 km. 

The long list of premium safety features available in the Kia EV9 GT-Line as standard has modern amenities like high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot view monitor, parking collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control with stop and go and safe exit assist.

Other notable features that are available in the Kia EV9 are seven airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, auto brake hold, remote smart parking assist, 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, hill descent control, traction control, vehicle stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring system. 

With its astronomical pricing, the Kia EV9 enters the territory of the top-of-the-line luxury SUVs from the iconic European luxury carmakers. However, the futuristic styling inside-out, powertrain setup, and a long list of features ensure that the EV9 is no less in desirability compared to the similarly-priced ICE luxury SUVs.