Kia EV9 GT Review - Looking for a 501hp 7-Seat SUV? Well, here it is

501hp in a 7-seat EV SUV might sound like a daft idea, but as it turns out, the new Kia EV9 GT is a surprisingly versatile all-round package. John Marcar has driven the new model in Germany ahead of its UK launch.

Three-row electric SUVs aren't exactly favoured for being exciting to drive. In recent history, the number of 'performance-focused' 7-seat SUVs worldwide has been limited to a small handful, and even fewer are an option here in the UK. Still, Kia has decided to take its highly acclaimed family SUV EV, the EV9 and give it the same 0-62 acceleration time as a Porsche Taycan.

Ahead of the EV9 GT's arrival in the UK, I flew to Frankfurt to experience the new car for myself. Whilst flicking through the press releases and spec sheets on the flight from London, I couldn't help but wonder whether a performance version of the EV9 with the same horsepower figures as a BMW M4 Competition and equal torque figures to a Ferrari 296 is somewhat of a pointless entity, yet who am I to turn my nose up at journalistic intrigue?

The new Kia Flagship

What becomes apparent very quickly when looking around the GT is that Kia has been very clever with it, taking everything people liked about the standardEV9 - space, technology, and comfort - and adding serious performance, sharper handling, and a whole range of GT-specific upgrades.

I reviewed the EV9 when it was launched in 2023. It immediately stood out as something quite different in the electric SUV market. Read my launch review here: https://driven.site/words/review-kia-ev9-the-first-ever-7-seat-esuv

The EV9, in all its forms, is a large, three-row SUV designed primarily for families. Built on Kia's dedicated E-GMP electric platform, the EV9 offers cutting-edge EV technology, including ultra-fast charging and a long driving range. While the original EV9 focuses mainly on comfort, practicality, and efficiency, the EV9 GT shifts the focus toward performance and driver engagement without losing any of the original family-friendly format.

The Most Powerful EV9 Ever

The EV9 GT uses a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that's significantly more powerful than the standard versions. In total, the system produces 501 horsepower and 740Nm of torque thanks to two electric motors.

Up front, there's a 139kW motor producing 350Nm, while the rear axle gets a punchy 235kW motor delivering 390Nm. Together, the two motors produce 374kW of total output, or, in old money, 501hp.

Acceleration Times

The big power translates into very quick acceleration. The EV9 GT can go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.6 seconds, which is firmly into performance-SUV territory, and the top speed is a more than adequate 136mph.

Cornering Capability

The EV9 is more than just a straight-line hero. To handle the extra power, the EV9 GT gets a range of GT-specific chassis upgrades, such as Electronic Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (eDTVC). This system uses selective braking and torque distribution between the wheels to improve cornering stability and traction. There's also an e-limited-slip differential that actively distributes power between the rear wheels to improve grip when accelerating out of corners. Then there's the Electronically Controlled Suspension, which automatically adjusts damping depending on the road conditions and the selected drive mode.

The goal here is to balance two things that normally don't go together particularly well: Comfort for everyday family driving, and the sharper handling you'd expect from a GT-badge performance car. It shouldn't work, but it does.

The EV9 GT is somewhat of a brain-breaker. It launches, steers, and stops in ways a car of its size and weight simply shouldn't. Driving the GT takes some re-thinking as the car's clever torque vectoring and suspension upgrades coax you into pressing on harder than you ever would in any other 2.7 tonne car. As with most fast EVs, there comes a point where physics will abide by its own laws; for my test drive on the mountain roads near Frankfurt, it was the limits of grip from the winter tyres. With some driver adjustment, you soon find the flow and the sensible limitations.

Battery, Charging and Range

Despite the significant performance upgrade, the EV9 GT still uses the same 99.8kWh battery pack as other EV9 models, meaning there's still a potential EV range of up to 316 miles (WLTP) on a full charge.

And thanks to Kia's 800-volt electrical architecture, charging is also extremely fast. When connected to a 350kW DC fast charger, the battery can charge from 10-80% in around 24 minutes.

Charging at home with an 11kW AC charger will take about 9 hours for a full charge.

Design Differences

At a glance, there aren't many obvious visual differences that set the performance GT apart from the entry-level Air. The front and rear styling is very slightly more aggressive, and there are GT-specific exterior design details, such as an updated digital lighting signature on the front bumper. Another big clue is the neon-green brake callipers located within a set of unique to the GT 21" wheels, signifying the highest stopping power for the fastest model. A GT badge does appear on the boot lid; however, to spot it from a distance, you're really going to want to look for it. For some, the subtle changes might be ideal, making the EV9 GT somewhat of a stealthy performance car, but for others, it might be a little too disguised.

Interior Changes and Upgrades

Inside, the EV9 GT still delivers the spacious, high-tech cabin that made the original EV9 so appealing. For the flagship performance versions, there are several GT-specific interior upgrades, including sports seats for better support during more dynamic driving, as well as additional distinctive neon-green accents throughout the cabin.

The steering wheel also features a dedicated GT button, which, when pressed, activates the most aggressive performance driving mode.

The cabin still retains the EV9's three-row layout, allowing buyers to choose between six- or seven-seat configurations at the time of specification. Thanks to the flat floor and intuitive storage solutions, interior space remains one of the EV9's biggest strengths, with headroom and legroom feeling ample in the front and middle rows. The 6th and 7th seats in the 3rd row will be most accommodating for children; however, even I at 6' 1" / 186cm could endure a sizable commute if needed.

Prices and Options

As tested, the EV9 GT in 7-seat configuration is priced at £82,235 (OTR). Being at the top of the range, the GT is packed with tech and gadgets, all included as standard. The 14-speaker Meridian Sound system will keep even the most fastidious audiophiles happy, and the smartphone connectivity was faultless during my time with the car. The GT still has all the driver convenience and luxury features, including assisted cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a ventilated, massaging, and heated driver's seat.

Conclusion

The EV9 GT won't be for everyone, and Kia knows that. For those wanting a 501hp SUV packed full of tech and luxuries, it is undoubtedly a superb overall package. For those who aren't fussed about driving an SUV capable of out-accelerating a Porsche Cayenne, the non-GT variants of EV9 will still tick all the right boxes in terms of luxuries, charging times and style whilst saving a significant chunk of cash.

The EV9 GT is one of the most unique electric SUVs on the market.

words by John Marcar
photography Kia Europe