The Kia EV9 has officially landed in India, making a bold entrance into the luxury electric SUV segment. Priced at ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom), the EV9 comes as a fully imported unit and aims to challenge stalwarts like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. But does this flagship SUV from Kia really deliver enough to justify its ambitious price tag? Based on our first drive at Kia’s private test track, here’s everything you need to know about the EV9 — from design and performance to ride quality and overall value.
Big and Bold Exterior with Subtle Sophistication
The Kia EV9 is larger than most of its rivals, including the BMW iX and EQE SUV, with a significantly longer wheelbase. Its upright stance, flush door handles, and clean body lines give it a modern yet restrained look. The front grille is integrated with sleek LED daytime running lamps, while active cooling flaps in the bumper add both function and flair.
It also features 20-inch alloy wheels and a drag coefficient of 0.28, an impressive feat for a vehicle of this size. The gloss-black cladding around the body, however, displays some noticeable orange-peel effect, hinting that Kia’s paint quality may still have room to match German luxury standards.
Interior Experience: Premium but Not Quite German
Step inside the EV9, and it greets you with a dark brown and black interior theme. The dashboard is sleek and horizontal, while the captain seats in the front and second row offer high-end comfort features such as ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The second-row seats also feature powered ottomans, allowing passengers to stretch out in a limousine-like posture.
The massage function is particularly effective, although slightly noisy. Additional luxuries include a rear tablet controller, boss mode for adjusting the front passenger seat, wireless charging, optional centre console fridge, and dedicated sunroof for second-row passengers.
While the cabin feels plush and high-tech, it doesn’t fully replicate the opulence of a true German luxury SUV. Some hard plastics are visible in the cabin, and the 360-degree camera system lacks the graphical finesse and intuitive UI of its more premium rivals. The dedicated climate control screen is also poorly positioned, being out of the driver’s direct line of sight.
Third-Row Usability and Boot Space
Accessing the third row is easy thanks to powered second-row seats, and even taller adults can fit comfortably due to ample headroom. However, knee room is compromised by the middle-row console. The boot space stands at 333 litres with all seats up, and expands significantly with the third row folded. An additional 52-litre front trunk (frunk) increases overall practicality, a bonus feature EV buyers will appreciate.
Performance: Silent Power with Smart Control
The EV9 uses dual electric motors, one on each axle, drawing power from a 99.8kWh battery. This setup delivers a combined output of 384 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.36 seconds makes it quick for a 2.6-tonne vehicle, although the power delivery is smooth and measured, rather than aggressive.
Kia claims a range of 561 km (ARAI-rated), and the EV9’s 800V electrical architecture supports ultra-fast charging. Using a 350kW charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. Regenerative braking feels natural, and the column-mounted drive selector is intuitive and easy to operate.
Ride and Handling: Balanced and Composed
Despite its size, the EV9 feels surprisingly nimble. It uses conventional steel springs (not air suspension), yet ride comfort is impressive even over varied surfaces. The SUV remains composed at high speeds and corners confidently with minimal body roll. Braking is adequate but reveals the EV9’s substantial weight under hard deceleration.
Overall, the EV9 offers a mature and refined driving experience, especially for an electric vehicle of its proportions. It strikes a strong balance between comfort, control, and refinement.
Features and Tech Package
The EV9 doesn’t shy away from offering a long list of features, including:
- Multiple screens, including a digital driver display and central infotainment
- Connected car technology with OTA updates
- ADAS Level 2 suite, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring
- Ambient lighting, powered doors, and multi-zone climate control
- Remote park assist and auto-close function for doors
These additions cement its position as one of the most feature-rich electric SUVs in its segment, appealing especially to tech-savvy buyers.
Verdict: Premium Ambitions with a Caveat
The Kia EV9 offers a compelling mix of luxury, performance, and technology in a spacious and practical package. The middle-row captain chairs with heating, cooling, and massage functions elevate the rear seat experience beyond even some German rivals. Its range, comfort, practicality, and charging speed make it a very well-rounded product.
However, at ₹1.30 crore, the EV9 competes directly with brands that offer not just features but decades of prestige and polish. While the EV9 delivers exceptional value and innovation, it lacks some of the refinement and finesse that buyers in this segment may expect from European counterparts.