Kia has just confirmed that it will release a high-performance GT version of its coming EV9 seven-seater electric SUV.
Slated for launch in 2025, it is expected to arrive in Australia soon after, pushing the mainstream brand even further into premium-car territory.
While pricing for the regular EV9 versions have yet to be revealed, it is thought that the bulk of the range will be over $100,000.
This could mean starting prices of up to $130,000 or more for the EV9 GT, making this the most expensive Kia in history.
“We are aware of growing demand for high-performance vehicles that are electrified,” a Kia spokesperson said at the global unveiling of the regular EV9 this week.
“Given our success of the Kia EV6 EV, we are happy to announce that we are currently working on a high-performance version of the EV9. It aims to redefine what performance in an electric SUV.
“We plan to release the GT version of the EV9 in early 2025,”
As Kia has yet to divulge full technical specifications for the regular EV9, what we know about the GT version is pure conjecture, but there are similarities between the new seven-seater SUV and the EV6, since they share the same E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform).
For instance, it is likely that the EV9 GT will follow its smaller sibling in having an electric motor on each axle, driving all four wheels. Result? In the EV6 GT, total power and torque outputs are 430kW and 740Nm respectively, so we can anticipate at least that in the brand’s full-sized EV flagship.
Additionally, a single-speed transmission should carry through to the EV9 GT, assisted by an electronic rear differential, to help put power to the back wheels more effectively.
The EV9 GT could also include various drive modes, altering the level of throttle response, steering weight and sharpness, suspension damping firmness and stability and traction control intervention.
Speaking of breaking traction, whether a Drift mode also makes it to the big electric SUV remains to be seen.
To refresh, that allows for up to 100 per cent of the vehicle’s available torque to be channelled through to the back axle, for some serious sideways shenanigans. This is meant to be a more user-focused family SUV, after all. In the EV6 GT, there’s a special ‘GT’ button to unleash the beast.
As with all other Kia (and related Hyundai) EVs, the driver can control the rate of brake-energy regeneration during deceleration via a set of paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel, allowing for single-pedal progress.
Invariably in its role as range flagship, expect the EV9 GT to boast the full gamut of features available optionally in lesser grades.
These should include the new-to-Kia Autonomous Driving Level 3-meeting ‘Highway Driving Pilot’ that allows for full hands-off-steering-wheel driving for extended periods of time as well as overtaking capability, swivelling second-row luxury seating and full vehicle-sourced power supply.
More information will be revealed in time, so watch this space.
Keyword: Behold the $130K+ Kia! 2024 Kia EV9 GT flagship confirmed as high-performance seven-seater electric rival to Toyota LandCruiser!