Kia EV9 GT is an electric grocery getter with 500 bhp
The seven-seater SUV should reach 62 mph in less than 5 seconds
Kia is presenting the performance version of its electric seven-seater SUV at the motor show in Los Angeles. Probably the most interesting figure, the drive power is 501 bhp, i.e. 374 kW, which is significantly less than the 430 kW in the EV6 GT.
The Kia EV9 is currently available with either a 201 bhp rear-wheel drive or a 380 bhp all-wheel drive system. The GT adds another 120 bhp - there is no exact power figure yet. The car should reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the EV9 GT-Line achieves this in 5.0 seconds.
A 215 bhp engine works on the front axle and a 362 bhp engine at the rear. However, the system output is less than the 577 bhp resulting from the sum of the two. Kia is not commenting on the battery, but the GT presumably has the same battery with 100 kWh gross (approx. 96 kWh net) as the EV9 AWD. Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, charging takes "less than 25 minutes" (10-80 per cent).
Other special features include the electronically controlled suspension (ECS) with electronically controlled shock absorbers. These are being used for the first time in a three-row SUV from Kia. The hardness of the dampers is influenced by the selected driving mode. The dampers are at their hardest in GT mode, which can be activated using the light green button on the steering wheel.
Kia in the UK:
Similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the Kia EV9 GT has a virtual gear shift with corresponding noises. As with the Ioniq 5 N, the steering wheel paddles are used to change gear. During simulated gear changes, the system generates noticeable power interruptions and also simulates a rev limiter. Similar to the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT also has an electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) as standard, which redirects the torque to the tyres with more traction when cornering. There are also more powerful brakes on the front wheels with neon green GT lettering. Which brings us to the design.
Kia EV9 GT (2025)
Kia EV9 (2023)
On the outside, the EV9 GT has exclusive 21-inch wheels fitted with 285/45R-21 tyres. At the front, there is a special light signature and special GT patterns on the active air intakes. Inside, the steering wheel and seats have bright green accents, as well as massive sports seats with Alcantara suede inserts and the GT logo. Other special features include a special GT steering wheel and new materials on the dashboard.
The Kia EV9 GT will be built in South Korea, not in the USA. The newcomer will presumably be produced in Gwangmyeong like the other EV9 variants. The normal EV9 has also been built in the USA since May, but due to the strict requirements for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, production there is likely to be scaled back rather than expanded. There's no word on the when the EV9 GT will arrive in the United Kingdom. Prices will be announced shortly before the start of sales. The standard EV9 starts at £64,245 in the UK.
Gallery: 2026 Kia EV9 GT
Source: Kia USA