South Korean carmaker Kia has finally displayed the high-octane SUV Kia EV9 GT at the recently-concluded 2024 Auto Show held in Los Angeles. The top commercial version of the EV9 series, the GT is equipped with a more potent dual-motor setup and features revised exterior and interior components in addition to mechanical updates relative to the standard EV9.
Flagship Model of Lineup
The most advanced model in the Kia series is for tiers as the Kia EV9 GT. With front and rear electric motors, the performance version has a total output of 501 horsepower, up from the current 379, in the EV9 GT-Line that this flagship model is set for the global market. Kia believes this increased power makes it possible for the EV9 GT to move from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
Besides the power upgrades, the EV9 GT comes with larger brakes, it has an upgraded suspension with adaptive dampers, it comes with 21-inch Continental tires and an electronic rear limited-slip differential.
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N model, the EV9 GT has Kia’s Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), where control is digitally created to mimic the sound and sensations of an ICE vehicle. There are artificial sounds of the engine, gear change and similar features as torque cuts and the simulated mode of automatic transmission, where the driver can change gears with the help of the paddles imitating the gears on a car.
Modernized Exterior & Interior of Kia EV9 GT
The Kia EV9 GT version gets new bumpers and wheels, with lime green accents and Alcantara sport seats inside. It also provides level 2 ADAS as well as Tesla-style NACS port for charging at Supercharger stations. Kia explains that the EV9 GT can recharge from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes but did not reveal official range numbers.
The standard model of the EV9 is already available for order and will be followed by the GT version that will go on sale in North America next year with other markets to follow thereafter. However, Kia started early last year with the standard EV9, with prices starting at ₹1.3 crore, making the car the currently priciest Kia model in India.
