The Kia EV9, and I officially got the chance to review it in India, has turned more heads than perhaps the entire Kia automotive lineup in recent months. India has been seeing the rise of Kia for some time, but with EV9, they’re definitely turning it up a notch. At a hefty ₹1.3 crore, that is a bold move into the premium electric SUV market that I am really keen to see how the Indian buyers react. People are really happy with the brand and sales are going very well too for Kia, with customer service. The question is, however, can Kia make that leap into being viewed as a luxury contender in territory where BMW and Audi have ruled for so long? Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
- The EV9 is a high-end electric SUV and will be priced at ₹1.3 crore.
- Powered by a 99.9 kWh battery, a single charge gets you up to 561 kilometers.
- Kia Connect 2.0 and Digital Key 2.0 are some serious tech additions inside the EV9.
- It has 27 ADAS features, and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating is a big focus on safety.
- With a stylish and bold design, the luxurious interior can seat seven.
Design: Bold and Boxy
When I first took a look at the Kia EV9, it was the design. But it’s got this bold, almost boxy shape and that works. It has a nice modernist vibe going for it too, courtesy of its ‘digital tiger face’ front end. It’s just cool LED headlights and headlamp LED accents that look like a star map—they really make EV9 look premium without appearing flashy. It’s pretty good for the drag coefficient of 0.28 on an SUV this big. Clearly, Kia has thought about performance and efficiency when it put this beast together.
It feels like a luxury lounge on wheels inside. The seats are super comfortable in the three rows, and if you take the captain seats in the second row, it’ll make you feel like royalty. Indeed, I loved the panoramic display — essentially three integrated screens spanning the dash — that show everything from vehicle controls to entertainment and navigation. Materials feel premium exactly what you’d expect at this price point.
Performance and Range
The first thing that jumps out to me is the 99.9 kWh battery. This SUV has a range of 561 kilometers. One of the big selling points for me is honestly range anxiety is real, and in India where charging infrastructure is still catching up. What we’re getting with the EV9, though, is a car that does good on long trips as well as the long commute with the least amount of concern over finding a charging station.
Now speaking of charging; the 350kW DC fast charging feature is also a win. It allows you to go from 10 percent full to 80 in 24 minutes, so you can do long trips. If you’re charging at home, expect slightly longer—around 8 to 10 hours—but that’s all part and parcel of a car with this much battery.
Tech That Stands Out
This EV9 tech is next level. Kia Connect 2.0 and Digital Key 2.0 is about as future of a future as it gets. With Digital Key 2.0, you can imagine unlocking your car and starting it using only your phone. This is a small thing, but it does really add to the experience. This also means you’ll always be running the latest software in your car, without having to trek to the dealership.
We have then the 14 speaker Meridian sound system, which I loved. Then, it’s a great statement for long drives, offering exceptional audio to life. If you like to get creative with how you decorate your space, the new ambient lighting has 64 colors so you can set the mood of your ride, whether it’s night or just a good time.
Safety: No Compromises
Safety takes a back seat in the EV9, and this SUV is loaded up with more than 27 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). So when I talk about Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, I’m talking about the things I need when driving in unpredictable conditions. That 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is a big deal, and it’s nice to know that the car is up to this should it need to be.
There are also eight airbags, stability control, and even a tyre pressure monitoring system for peace of mind. Kia’s done a stellar job by ensuring the EV9 is about looks and performance, but it’s also about keeping you safe.
Pricing and Competition
But here’s where it really gets interesting. In comparison to the likes of Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model X, the EV9 will have put up bruising fight at ₹1.3 crore. In these parts, I can’t help but wonder: Will Indian buyers really see Kia as a real alternative to these established luxury brands? On paper, the EV9 has everything it needs to compete: From long range, cutting edge tech, to a beautiful interior, it’s also full of top tier safety features. And in India, perception is everything. Can Kia shed its ‘value for money’ image and sell EV9 at a premium price? I’m keen to see that.
Final Thoughts
Despite being fairly pedestrian for the EV market, you can already tell Kia is aiming high with the Kia EV9. The range, the tech features, and the interior feel as luxurious as some of the top German brands, I love the range. The big question of course is, are Indian buyers ready to accept Kia as a premium brand? But the EV9 is a crowded market, and personally, I feel Kia have brought a lot to the table for the price, but it’ll be a tough job to convert luxury car buyers.
So, what do you think? The Kia EV9 missed out on first place, though – clearly, a unique and exciting EV – but is it worth ₹1.3 crore or would you prefer a tried and tested luxury brand like BMW or Audi? If you’ll be in the market for an electric SUV, what’s more important to you: range, tech, or something else? Let me know your thoughts.
