Kia EV9: The morning sun glints off the angular silhouette of the Kia EV9 as it silently navigates through the urban jungle of Bangalore’s tech corridor.
Inside the cavernous cabin, three rows of passengers remain blissfully isolated from the chaos outside, cocooned in a space that feels more like an upscale lounge than a traditional automobile interior.
This moment encapsulates what makes the EV9 such a pivotal release: it doesn’t merely electrify the large SUV segment—it fundamentally reimagines what such a vehicle can be when freed from the constraints of internal combustion architecture.
Kia’s journey from budget brand to design-forward innovator reached its zenith with the introduction of the EV9, the Korean manufacturer’s flagship electric offering.
Building upon the success of the smaller EV6, the EV9 targets a segment previously dominated by petrol-guzzling behemoths, bringing electric mobility to family buyers who require genuine three-row functionality without compromising on luxury, technology, or environmental consciousness.
Kia EV9 Design Philosophy: Purposeful Futurism
The EV9’s exterior design broadcasts its intentions without subtlety. The sharp, polygonal surfacing and blunt proportions create an unmistakable presence that somehow manages to appear both futuristic and utilitarian simultaneously.
Unlike some competitors that disguise their electric nature behind conventional styling, the EV9 proudly wears its battery-powered identity through distinctive lighting signatures, aerodynamic detailing, and an unapologetically boxy silhouette that maximizes interior volume.
The front fascia features Kia’s “Digital Tiger Face” interpretation, with slim-line LED headlights that double as daytime running lamps, creating a distinctive light signature visible from considerable distances.
The traditional grille area transforms into a solid digital pattern that incorporates active air flaps to optimize aerodynamic efficiency or cooling as needed—form following function in the most literal sense.
In profile, the EV9 embraces a decisively squared-off aesthetic, with a lengthy 3,100mm wheelbase that pushes the wheels to the extreme corners of the vehicle.
This approach not only maximizes interior space—a crucial consideration for three-row configurations—but creates an imposing stance that commands attention.
The flush door handles deploy electronically when approached, their sleek integration maintaining clean body surfacing while adding a theatrical element to the ownership experience.
Perhaps most distinctive is the EV9’s floating roof design, emphasized through blacked-out A, B, and D-pillars that create visual continuity from the windscreen to the rear glass.
This treatment, combined with the vertical rear window and distinctive sail-shaped D-pillar, ensures the EV9 remains instantly recognizable among increasingly homogenous competitors.
Color options deserve special mention, particularly the signature Glacier matte finish that catches light in unexpected ways, further emphasizing the angular body surfacing.
This matte treatment—previously the domain of exotic sports cars or aftermarket modifications—signals Kia’s upmarket aspirations while reinforcing the EV9’s position as a design-forward flagship.
Spatial Revolution: Rethinking the Passenger Experience
Step inside the EV9, and the advantages of purpose-built electric architecture become immediately apparent. The completely flat floor—a benefit of the battery pack’s underfloor location—creates a lounge-like atmosphere further enhanced by the panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light.
This openness transforms how occupants experience the space, eliminating the traditional “tunnel” effect of combustion vehicles with their intrusive transmission housings.
The dashboard design embraces horizontal layering, with a floating panoramic display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 5.3-inch climate control panel into a cohesive digital command center.
This arrangement balances technological sophistication with usability, maintaining physical controls for frequently accessed functions while centralizing information in the driver’s natural line of sight.
Material selection throughout the cabin demonstrates Kia’s commitment to both premium tactile quality and environmental responsibility. The seating surfaces utilize recycled plastics, recovered fishing nets, and bio-based materials derived from corn and eucalyptus, creating a luxury experience without the associated environmental guilt.
This approach extends to the recycled polyester headliner, sustainably sourced wood accents, and water-based paint treatments—thoughtful touches that reinforce the vehicle’s eco-conscious positioning.
Seating configurations offer unprecedented flexibility, with options for either a traditional seven-passenger layout or a more luxurious six-passenger arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs.
These second-row thrones—particularly in higher trim levels—offer heating, ventilation, power adjustment, and even massage functionality traditionally reserved for front-seat occupants in premium vehicles.
The third row accommodates full-sized adults without the knees-to-chest position typical in this segment, featuring adequate headroom, legroom, and dedicated climate controls that acknowledge these aren’t merely occasional-use “punishment seats.”
Perhaps most innovative is the “relaxation mode” function, which transforms the first-row seats into lounge recliners during charging stops, creating a genuine living room atmosphere.
This recognition that electric vehicles create new use cases—extended charging breaks being one example—demonstrates Kia’s holistic approach to electric mobility beyond merely replacing engines with motors.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, from the massive center console capacious enough for laptop computers to the configurable front trunk (“frunk”) that provides waterproof storage for charging cables, emergency equipment, or weekend luggage.
The power-operated tailgate reveals a traditional cargo area that expands from 333 liters with all seats upright to a cavernous 2,393 liters with both rear rows folded—figures that compare favorably with conventionally powered alternatives.
Technological Integration: Beyond Touchscreens
While the dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard visually, the EV9’s technological sophistication extends far beyond mere screen real estate.
The infotainment system utilizes Kia’s latest connectivity platform, featuring natural language voice recognition that understands conversational commands without requiring specific phrasing or syntax.
This system extends beyond vehicle functions to control smart home devices, schedule charging sessions, or locate charging stations with real-time availability information.
The augmented reality head-up display merits particular attention, projecting navigation directions, vehicle information, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight.
This system overlays directional arrows onto the actual road ahead, eliminating the mental translation required when glancing between maps and the real world—a seemingly small enhancement that significantly reduces cognitive load during complex navigation scenarios.
Connectivity options remain comprehensive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto complementing the native system rather than replacing it.
The 14-speaker Meridian audio system transforms the cabin into a concert hall, with active noise cancellation technology countering road and wind noise while enhancing desired sounds—whether navigation prompts, phone calls, or orchestral crescendos.
Charging management demonstrates similar thoughtfulness, with intelligent preconditioning that optimizes battery temperature before reaching DC fast-charging stations to maximize charging speeds in varied climate conditions.
The vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality transforms the EV9 into a mobile power station, capable of operating everything from camping equipment to emergency household appliances during power outages—an increasingly valuable feature in regions facing climate uncertainty.
Over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle’s software remains current throughout ownership, potentially adding features and enhancements years after purchase.
This approach represents a fundamental shift in the ownership experience, treating the automobile more like a continuously evolving digital device than a depreciating asset with fixed capabilities.
Driving Dynamics: Redefining Expectations
Behind the wheel, the EV9 immediately challenges preconceptions about large electric SUVs. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration (standard on higher trims, optional on base models) delivers 285 kW (383 horsepower) and 699 Nm of torque, translating to surprisingly vigorous acceleration despite the vehicle’s substantial 2,510 kg curb weight.
The 0-100 km/h sprint requires just 5.3 seconds in performance-oriented trims—figures that would have been respectable for sports cars not long ago, now achieved by a three-row family hauler.
More impressive than outright acceleration is the delivery—instantaneous, seamless, and utterly refined. The absence of gear changes, engine vibration, or combustion noise creates an almost surreal driving experience, particularly for those accustomed to conventional powertrains.
This refinement extends to regenerative braking, with paddle shifters allowing driver adjustment from free-wheeling coasting to aggressive one-pedal driving depending on preference and conditions.
The 99.8 kWh battery pack enables a WLTP-rated range of approximately 541 kilometers, though real-world range naturally varies with driving style, climate conditions, and terrain.
The 800-volt electrical architecture—still relatively rare in the electric vehicle market—allows DC fast-charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes under ideal conditions, addressing range anxiety through both capacity and charging speed.
Handling characteristics defy the physical dimensions, with the low center of gravity (courtesy of the underfloor battery pack) dramatically reducing body roll during cornering.
The electronically controlled suspension reads road conditions 100 times per second, adjusting damping rates to maintain composure over broken surfaces while delivering surprising agility through sweeping curves.
Steering feel, often a weakness in electric vehicles, offers progressive weighting and reasonable feedback, if not quite the communication of the best conventionally powered alternatives.
Ride quality deserves particular praise, with the long wheelbase and sophisticated suspension delivering genuine luxury-car isolation from road imperfections.
The acoustic glass and extensive sound insulation create a hushed environment at highway speeds, with wind and tire noise suppressed to levels previously associated with ultra-luxury marques.
This serene atmosphere transforms long-distance travel, reducing driver fatigue while allowing conversation between all three rows without raised voices—a seemingly minor enhancement that significantly improves the family travel experience.
Market Positioning and Ownership Experience
With pricing starting at approximately ₹90 lakh (ex-showroom), the EV9 occupies rarefied territory within the Indian electric vehicle landscape. This positioning places it against established luxury players like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as newer entrants like Tesla—ambitious company for a brand still establishing its premium credentials in the market.
What distinguishes Kia’s approach is the value proposition despite the substantial price tag. Standard equipment levels eclipse many competitors, with features often relegated to expensive option packages elsewhere included from the base trim upward.
The comprehensive warranty package—covering the vehicle for 7 years/150,000 kilometers and the battery for 9 years/150,000 kilometers—demonstrates confidence in the technology while addressing potential concerns about long-term reliability.
Charging infrastructure remains a consideration for potential buyers, though Kia’s partnership with major charging networks provides preferential rates and integrated payment through the vehicle’s navigation system.
The included home charging solution offers installation consultation and optimized overnight charging to take advantage of lower electricity rates, reducing operating costs substantially compared to equivalent petrol-powered alternatives.
Service requirements diminish dramatically compared to internal combustion vehicles, with scheduled maintenance limited primarily to inspection, tire rotation, and cabin filter replacement.
This reduction in maintenance frequency and complexity represents a significant ownership advantage beyond the obvious fuel savings, particularly for those accustomed to the regular service intervals of conventional luxury vehicles.
Environmental Considerations: Beyond Zero Emissions
While the EV9’s zero-emission operation represents the most obvious environmental benefit, Kia’s approach extends beyond merely eliminating tailpipe pollution.
The manufacturing process incorporates renewable energy at production facilities, recycled materials throughout the vehicle, and sustainable supply chain management to reduce embedded carbon beyond what’s immediately visible.
The vehicle’s second-life battery strategy deserves particular attention, with Kia developing infrastructure to repurpose automotive battery packs for stationary energy storage after their automotive lifespan concludes.
This closed-loop approach addresses concerns about battery waste while potentially creating additional value for owners through buy-back programs at replacement time.
Carbon-neutral manufacturing remains an aspirational goal rather than current reality, but Kia’s transparent environmental impact reporting and measurable reduction targets demonstrate genuine commitment beyond marketing platitudes.
These efforts, combined with the vehicle’s tangible efficiency advantages, create a compelling environmental case beyond merely following electric vehicle trends.
Kia EV9 Conclusion: Redefining Expectations
The Kia EV9 represents more than just another electric SUV in an increasingly crowded market—it fundamentally recalibrates expectations for what large family vehicles can achieve when freed from combustion engine architecture.
By leveraging the inherent advantages of electric propulsion—flat floors, reduced mechanical complexity, instant torque delivery—Kia has created a vehicle that excels specifically because it’s electric, not despite it.
For Indian luxury buyers considering the transition to electric mobility, the EV9 presents a compelling proposition that doesn’t demand significant compromise compared to conventional alternatives.
The genuine three-row functionality, premium appointment, technological sophistication, and environmental credentials combine to create a holistic package that justifies its flagship positioning in Kia’s increasingly impressive lineup.
What ultimately distinguishes the EV9 is how it transforms the ownership experience beyond merely replacing petrol stops with charging sessions.
The reimagined interior space, the calming silence of electric propulsion, the reduced maintenance requirements, and the innovative features specifically designed around electric architecture collectively create a distinctly different relationship between vehicle and owner—one that makes returning to conventional alternatives increasingly difficult to justify despite the infrastructure challenges that remain.
As India’s charging network expands and electric vehicle adoption accelerates, the EV9 stands as a compelling vision of personal transportation’s future—practical, luxurious, technologically advanced, and environmentally responsible without feeling like a science experiment or a compromise.
That Kia has delivered this combination at a price point below established European luxury marques, while offering more space and equipment, speaks to the brand’s continued evolution and increasing confidence on the global automotive stage.