G’day to the future of family motoring. Kia Australia has officially launched their flagship electric SUV into our market, bringing legitimate three-row electric motoring Down Under.
The Korean manufacturer continues their electric revolution with this imposing seven-seater. It arrives just when Aussie families are increasingly looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional petrol-guzzling people movers.
Bold Design That Demands Attention
Let’s address the elephant in the room first – this thing is massive. Stretching 5,010mm long and 1,980mm wide, the EV9 demands attention wherever it goes.
Sporting Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the vehicle presents a fascinating blend of blocky silhouette and aerodynamic efficiency. A claimed drag coefficient of 0.28 is remarkably slippery for something shaped roughly like a designer refrigerator.
The front fascia features what Kia calls the “Digital Tiger Face,” an evolution of their signature grille design. Vertical headlights flank a smooth panel where traditional air intakes would normally sit.
Along the sides, flush door handles and minimal character lines create a clean profile. This contrasts brilliantly with the muscular wheel arches housing alloys up to 21 inches.
Most striking perhaps is the distinctive LED lighting signature. Thin vertical daytime running lights at the front are complemented by similar units at the rear, creating instant recognition day or night.
Australian Range Breakdown
Kia has streamlined the Australian lineup to just two variants. This simplifies the decision-making process while still covering distinct customer needs.
The Air AWD serves as the entry point at $97,000 drive-away. Despite being positioned as the “base” model, there’s nothing basic about its specification sheet.
Stepping up, the GT-Line AWD tops the range at $121,000 drive-away. It adds numerous luxury appointments and technology features to justify the $24,000 premium.
Both variants use the same 99.8kWh battery pack and dual-motor powertrain. This ensures identical performance regardless of which trim level buyers choose.
Local Kia representatives explained the decision to launch with only high-specification variants. “Australian consumers typically gravitate toward well-equipped models, particularly in new technology segments,” noted one product manager who preferred not to be named.
The following table breaks down the key specifications across both Australian variants:
| Specification | Air AWD | GT-Line AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Drive-Away) | $97,000 | $121,000 |
| Electric Motors | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Power/Torque | 283kW/700Nm | 283kW/700Nm |
| Battery Size | 99.8kWh | 99.8kWh |
| WLTP Range | 512km | 504km |
| 0-100km/h | 5.3 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Max DC Charging | 350kW | 350kW |
| 10-80% Charging | 24 minutes | 24 minutes |
| Wheels | 19-inch | 21-inch |
| Seating Configuration | 7-seat | 6-seat (2+2+2) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500kg braked | 2,500kg braked |
Interior Space and Versatility
Step inside the EV9 and you’re greeted by what feels like a luxurious apartment on wheels. The flat floor enabled by the dedicated electric platform creates genuinely usable space across all three rows.
The Air model comes standard with a traditional seven-seat layout. This includes a three-person bench in the middle row that’s perfect for families with multiple child seats.
GT-Line buyers get a six-seat configuration featuring captain’s chairs in the second row. These power-adjustable thrones can even rotate 180 degrees to face the third row when parked – perfect for picnics or sports sidelines.
Most impressively, the third row can comfortably accommodate actual adults. Your 183cm tall author could sit back there without knees hitting the seat ahead – a rare achievement in any three-row vehicle, let alone an electric one.
Cargo capacity stands at 333 litres with all seats in place. Fold that third row and you’ll access 828 litres, expanding to a cavernous 2,318 litres with both rear rows folded.
Small item storage deserves special mention. The floating centre console houses deep bins beneath, while door pockets easily swallow large water bottles.
Driving Experience: Power Meets Refinement
The Australian-spec EV9 models share identical dual-motor powertrains. With 283kW and 700Nm available instantly, this 2.6-tonne behemoth accelerates with surprising enthusiasm.
During our test drive through Sydney’s Northern Beaches and toward the Blue Mountains, the EV9 demonstrated remarkable composure. The low centre of gravity (thanks to floor-mounted batteries) minimizes body roll through corners.
Ride quality impresses despite the significant weight. Local suspension tuning pays dividends on our notoriously patchy roads.
Steering feel is typically Kia – light but precise. Various drive modes adjust resistance, with Sport adding welcome heft for more engaging driving.
Regenerative braking offers four levels of intensity via steering wheel paddles. The strongest setting enables genuine one-pedal driving around town, though blending with friction brakes feels natural when more stopping power is needed.
Perhaps most impressive is the silence. Wind and road noise are exceptionally well suppressed at highway speeds, creating a serene environment for long journeys.
Tech Features and Connectivity
The dashboard is dominated by a curved display housing dual 12.3-inch screens. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen are joined by a smaller 5.3-inch climate control panel.
Kia’s latest infotainment system responds quickly to inputs. The menu structure proves intuitive after brief familiarization, though some functions are buried in submenus.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly in both variants. A high-fidelity 14-speaker Meridian audio system comes standard in the GT-Line and delivers impressive sound staging.
Over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle’s software remains current throughout ownership. This includes potential future enhancements to driving characteristics and efficiency.
Connectivity extends beyond entertainment. The Kia Connect app allows remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions, including climate pre-conditioning and charging scheduling.
The GT-Line adds a genuinely useful augmented reality navigation system. This overlays directional arrows onto a live camera feed, making complex intersections and unfamiliar areas much easier to navigate.
Battery Performance and Charging
The 99.8kWh battery employs advanced nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry. Kia claims the WLTP range of 512km for the Air and slightly less at 504km for the GT-Line due to larger wheels.
Our real-world testing suggested these figures are achievable in mixed driving. Highway cruising at 110km/h saw consumption around 22kWh/100km, while urban driving improved to approximately 19kWh/100km.
The EV9 supports ultra-rapid charging at up to 350kW. When connected to appropriate infrastructure, this enables a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes – quick enough for a coffee break on longer journeys.
More relevant to everyday use, the standard 11kW onboard charger handles AC charging. Connected to a home wallbox, this replenishes the battery overnight in approximately 9 hours.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality comes standard across the range. This allows the EV9 to power external devices up to 3.6kW, effectively turning the vehicle into a mobile power station for camping or emergency situations.
Safety Systems and Driver Assistance
Both Australian EV9 variants feature comprehensive safety packages. Seven airbags, including a centre airbag between front occupants, provide passive protection.
Advanced driver assistance systems include Highway Driving Assist 2. This combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for semi-autonomous highway driving.
Forward collision avoidance assists with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection. The system intervened predictably during testing, without the false alarms that plague some competitors.
The GT-Line adds Remote Smart Parking Assist. This allows the driver to move the vehicle forward or backward from outside – useful in tight parking spaces where door opening might be restricted.
Blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance intervention comes standard. The system can actively steer away from adjacent vehicles if it detects potential side collisions during lane changes.
All Australian models include seven years of free map updates. This ensures navigation remains accurate throughout Kia’s industry-leading warranty period.
Ownership Experience
Speaking of warranty, Kia’s famous 7-year/unlimited kilometre coverage applies to the EV9. This includes the battery and electric drivetrain components, providing significant peace of mind.
Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km. Capped price servicing for the first seven visits ranges from $376 to $1,172, with an average of approximately $650 per service.
Kia Australia includes a seven-year subscription to Chargefox. This provides access to one of Australia’s largest public charging networks, including discounted rates at ultra-rapid stations.
Resale value remains the great unknown for premium electric vehicles in Australia. However, Kia’s strong brand reputation and the EV9’s versatile packaging should help maintain stronger values than some competitors.
Market Positioning and Competition
At $97,000-$121,000 drive-away, the EV9 occupies an interesting position in the Australian market. It’s significantly more expensive than Kia’s traditional offerings but undercuts European seven-seat luxury SUVs.
Direct electric competitors are few. Tesla’s Model X starts at $146,900 plus on-road costs, making the EV9 seem relatively good value despite its premium positioning.
Mercedes-Benz EQB offers three rows but at 4,684mm long, it’s significantly smaller. Its 7-seat configuration is also better suited to occasional child use in the third row.
Perhaps the closest competitor comes from within the Hyundai Motor Group. The related Hyundai Ioniq 7 is expected to arrive later this year, potentially offering similar packaging with different styling and feature combinations.
Traditional large SUVs like the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol remain considerably cheaper. However, their running costs and environmental impact create significant differentiation for environmentally conscious buyers.
Worth the Premium?
The EV9 represents Kia’s most ambitious Australian offering to date. It successfully delivers genuine seven-seat practicality with zero emissions – a combination previously unavailable locally at this price point.
Build quality impresses throughout, with material choices and assembly precision approaching genuine luxury standards. This helps justify the significant price premium over conventional Kia models.
For families seeking a zero-emission alternative to traditional large SUVs, the EV9 makes a compelling case. Its combination of space, technology and refinement establishes new standards for electric family transport.
The value equation strengthens when considering total ownership costs. Despite higher purchase prices, reduced running costs and stronger predicted resale values, narrow the gap considerably over longer terms.
Would we recommend it? For urban families needing legitimate three-row accommodation and embracing sustainable technology. The EV9 delivers exceptional family transport with environmental credentials that few competitors can match.
Rural buyers facing long distances to charging infrastructure might still hesitate. However, as Australia’s charging network expands, even these limitations will gradually diminish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world range of the Kia EV9?
Based on our testing, expect 450-500km in mixed driving conditions, with highway use reducing range to approximately 400-450km.
How long does it take to charge at home?
A complete charge using an 11kW home wallbox takes approximately 9 hours from empty to full.
Can the Kia EV9 tow?
Yes, both Australian variants offer 2,500kg braked towing capacity, though this will significantly reduce driving range.
Does the EV9 qualify for government incentives?
The EV9 exceeds price thresholds for federal incentives but may be eligible for state-based incentives such as reduced stamp duty and registration fees in some Australian states.