The 2024 Kia EV9 has touched down on Australian shores where it will be offered in three guises and is comfortably the most expensive vehicle the South Korean car manufacturer has ever sold locally.
Sitting at the base of the range is the A$97,000 ($61,699) EV9 Air offered solely in a RWD Single Motor configuration. This version rocks a 76.1 kWh battery pack driving an electric motor with 160 kW (215 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, enough to accelerate it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a solid 8.2 seconds while providing it with 443 km (275 miles) of range on the WLTP cycle.
While the EV9 Air is the cheapest model on offer, it is well-equipped. Key features include a pair of curved 12.3-inch screens, a 5.0-inch Graphical User Interface display for the infotainment and HVAC controls, 19-inch wheels, and an array of Advanced Driver Assistance technologies. These include Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and a Rear View Monitor.
Read: Kia EV9 EPA Ranges Blow Past Original Estimates, Top Out At 304 Miles
Those seeking some additional performance can opt for the Kia EV9 Earth. This model has a larger 99.8 kWh battery pack and two electric motors with a combined 283 kW (380 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). The larger battery pack boosts the EV9 Earth’s range to 512 km (318 miles) on a single charge but does increase the electric SUV’s starting price to AU$106,500 ($67,741). Earth models are also equipped with a Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse, and an illuminated steering wheel logo.
Sitting at the top of the range is the EV9 GT-Line. This model features the same AWD Dual Motor powertrain as the Earth but sits on 21-inch wheels, can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds as opposed to 6.0 seconds, and has a range of 505 km (314 miles). It starts at AU$121,000 ($76,965) and also includes Premium Relaxation Seats up front, an AR Head-Up display, and digital side mirrors. The EV9 GT-Line also includes a 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system.
All three versions have custom suspension set-ups tuned to local roads and charging from 10-80% takes just 20 minutes in the Air while the Earth and GT-Line take 25 minutes due to their larger battery packs.
