autoX Awards 2024: If you had to describe the Kia EV9 in one word, it would probably be ‘massive’, or perhaps ‘imposing’. Well, you see, with its slab-sided styling, massive five-metre length, and flat front face, the EV9 has an undeniable presence on the road. The big wheels, striking digital headlights, and expansive glasshouse make it impossible to mistake the EV9 for anything else on the road. As Kia’s flagship model in the Indian market, it’s the interior that truly stands out.
The EV9’s interior features beautifully finished surfaces and a modern, clean layout, complemented by multiple digital screens, which lend the interior a high-tech feel. This is further enhanced by its Level 2 ADAS functionality, which, along with 10 airbags and passive safety features, make it truly cutting-edge. The other thing that really impressed the jury was the amount of space inside the EV9 and the ultra-comfortable seats upholstered in premium leatherette.
When I first took the EV9 out on the track, I must admit, my expectations were quite low for two reasons – its five-metre length and its weight of just under 2.7 tonnes, thanks to its hefty 99.8kWh battery pack. So, naturally, I thought it would be a body roll fest trying to hustle it around. But this is where the EV9 completely surprised all of us, Despite its size and weight, it was simply brilliant to drive.
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With its 700Nm of torque and 380bhp, it turned out to be one of the top 10 fastest cars in this year’s jury round. The smoothness of power delivery, taut suspension with minimal body roll, and impressive cornering ability made it a hoot to drive. Remarkably, once behind the wheel, the EV9’s size becomes far less apparent, as the SUV feels as though it shrinks around you.
The major challenge for the EV9 is undoubtedly its price – at ₹1.3 crore (ex-showroom), it is undeniably expensive. The bigger question, however, is whether Indian customers will be willing to spend this kind of money on a Kia. While the EV9 certainly has the tech specs to rival products from luxury brands, it remains to be seen if it can command the same level of brand value and prestige. This is something that will be interesting to observe, both for us and Kia over the next year or so.
- Kia EV9 (Lap Time: 1.11.44)
| PARAMETERS | POINTS | SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| QUALITY | 5 | 4.5 |
| COMFORT / SPACE | 5 | 5 |
| REFINEMENT | 5 | 5 |
| DESIGN | 5 | 3.5 |
| DRIVETRAIN | 5 | 4.5 |
| RIDE & HANDLING | 5 | 4 |
| PRACTICALITY | 5 | 3 |
| X FACTOR | 20 | 13 |
| LAP TIME | 15 | 8.6 |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | 30 | 9 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 60.1 |
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