There are very few seven seater EVs on the market but that small group has just been joined by the new Kia EV9 SUV, which comes with either six or seven seats.
A range of up to 563km is claimed from the 100kW battery and there’s even a four wheel drive version, the GT-line, with extra performance.
The base model, Earth, comes with rear wheel drive from a single 204PS motor and is still generously equipped. It’s only available as a seven seater, with bench seating for the two rear rows of seats.
The GT-Line has a total of 384PS from its two motors and can be had in either six or seven seat configurations. In six seat models, the two middle seats can be turned completely around, making for lounge style seating.
Built on an entirely new E-GMP platform, the EV9 has a long wheelbase and a flat floor, which houses the batteries. They’re 6% more energy dense than those in the EV6 and an 800V architecture means up to 249km of driving can be added in 15 minutes using a 210kW charger.
The power can go two ways, meaning the car can power external accessories, useful for camping. Later on, the car will support a connection to a house, which could prove useful during a power cut.
Interior
The interior is dominated by three screens, two 12.3” screens for driver information and infotainment and a third 5” screen for climate control, although there are hardware buttons too.
Wireless phone charging also features, along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and there are USB ports dotted around the cabin.
Being just over 5m in length, the EV9 is spacious for all passengers and there’s up to 828 litres of luggage space and even 333 litres when all three rows of seats are in use. In addition, there’s up to 90 litres of space in a frunk, although the four wheel drive version has roughly half that available.
Safety
There are advanced safety features too, including the latest generation of Highway Driving Assist 2, which comprises of Lane Following Assist with Hands On Detection. Combined, these provide semi-automated driving with the ability to change lanes at the touch of an indicator.
Blind View Monitoring and Blind spot collision avoidance are also fitted, with a camera in the door mirror providing an enhanced rear view when indicating. It’s a feature that should be in every car.
There’s an option of cameras fitted in the doors, taking the place of door mirrors. I’ve never been entirely convinced by this feature but it’s something we’ll increasingly see as manufacturers chase every last drag reducing measure. Incidentally, the EV9 had a Cd of 0.28 and uses active air flaps and low drag wheels to achieve this figure.
LED head and tail lights are standard with High Beam Assist to control high and dipped beams.
Even parking is made easier with a surround view monitor, rear view monitor, rear cross traffic collision avoidance and pedestrian detection available. The GT-Line also comes with remote smart parking, which can park itself in perpendicular, diagonal and parallel parking spots, with the driver in or out of the car.
Passengers getting out of a parked car are also warned before opening a door in an unsafe situation. In some situations, the child locks are even activated.
A digital key on a phone can be shared with up to three users, who can use the technology to lock or unlock the doors, start or turn off the car, control the alarm or open and close the boot. Access to all these functions can be fully controlled by the owner, with a time limit if needed.
Range and Equipment
Entry level Earth models come with 19” alloy wheels, heated front and second row seats, head up display, 360 degree surround view, Meridian sound system, LED headlamps and Highway Driving Assist 3.
GT-Line in addition comes with 21” alloys, dual sunroof, adaptive headlights and remote smart parking assist.
Earth trim starts from €77,500 and GT-Line from €85,500, no matter whether six or seven seats are specified.
There’s only a small range of colours and with one exception, blue, available on the GT-Line, they’re all various tones of white to black or silver.
The EV9 is available to order now and comes with a launch pack, which includes three free services, a free home charger, €500 home energy credit, two years’ Kia Charge giving access to Ionity Plus, €500 accessory voucher and a €500 Supervalu gift card.
Finance, with rates as low as 1.9% APR, is also on offer.
