Everything we know about Kia’s upcoming performance SUV

Update: All sections revised.

Come 2025, buying a three-row SUV for six or seven passengers shouldn’t mean sacrificing fun driving or spending as much as you would on a Cadillac Escalade Electric or a Mercedes EQS SUV, which are six-figure amounts. The forthcoming Kia EV9 GT aims to offer both performance and driving thrill for the family without the luxury EV price tag.

Here’s everything we know about the future top-end variant of the all-electric family SUV, which will slot above the EV9 GT-Line.

Confirmation

The Kia EV6 GT carries forward the spirit of the Kia Stinger GT, and has surprised the market with performance levels one would typically never associate with a Kia. The Kia EV9 GT will be the brand’s second sporty EV, following the footsteps of the five-seat crossover.

On March 29, 2023, Kia announced in South Korea that the EV9 line-up will include a high-performance GT trim. On April 5, 2023, CEO Ho Sung Song reaffirmed the EV9 GT launch at the company’s annual CEO Investor Day.

Fast forward to the 2024 Kia CEO Investor Day, and the company’s top boss had more to add on the new variant. He said:

Following the currently available EV6 GT trim, EV9 GT trim is scheduled for release in January next year.

Kia Corporation’s CEO Ho Sung Song, on April 5, 2024

Design

High performance is the basic nature of EVs, so automakers are introducing sporty trim levels with fewer cosmetic revisions and notably less aggressive styling. Unlike the gas-powered Stinger GT, the EV6 GT doesn’t need to make an ostentatious showcase of how it’s significantly better than the regular model. In line with that philosophy, we expect the EV9 GT’s styling changes to be subdued.

We think the EV9 GT will have unique inserts in the functional air intake, exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels in a relatively conventional design that focuses more on style than drag resistance, funky neon brake calipers, and a restyled rear bumper with vertical reflectors and a built-in diffuser. Due to the different rear bumper, the rear departure angle may be lower in the GT version. Lastly, we expect GT badges on the body work and perhaps a unique color option or two.

Kia has begun the road-testing of the EV9 GT in South Korea and Sweden. Spy shots reveal the presence of camera-based digital mirrors, five-spoke alloy wheels, and neon brake calipers. Except for the wheels, which we think serve only testing purposes, these features should appear on the final vehicle that lands in dealerships. Virtual mirrors are unlikely to make it to the U.S., though.

Interior

Inside, we expect the Kia EV9 GT to have further modifications. Vegan suede-trimmed, black-colored, lightweight bucket seats with neon green piping and stitching and GT-branded metal inserts would give the driver and front passenger the much-needed feeling of a vehicle built especially for driving enthusiasts. Besides unique graphics, the infotainment system should offer at least two unique exhaust notes through the ‘Active Sound Design’ menu.

Neon green should be seen as a striped motif on the upper dashboard and front center armrest as well. Lastly, we expect that Kia will equip the EV9 GT with modified steering featuring a GT Drive Mode selector and contrast stitching, both in the same flashy green.

Performance & Range

The Kia EV9 GT will pack two motors, a main unit at the back and an assisting unit at the front, and we think this configuration will produce around 580 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain will enable it to hit 0 to 62 mph in four seconds, quicker than the 379-hp/516-lb.-ft. EV9 GT-Line (5.0 seconds). We’re confident that the GT trim will outpace the GT-Line by a huge margin, attaining a top speed of over 160 mph (GT-Line: 124 mph).

“Dynamic & powerful driving emotions on the road” is the motto of the EV9 GT. It is being developed with an AWD-based rich high-output dual-motor (powertrain) to offer superior acceleration, while a reinforced suspension system, and optimized tuning secure agile driving safety and exceptional stability.

Ho Sung Song, CEO, Kia (CEO Investor Day on April 5, 2023)

Limited Slip Differential

Besides the performance-focused all-wheel drive system, traction and stability should be much better than the current model, thanks to an electronic Limited Slip Differential, which will direct torque to the wheels with the most grip. We’re also expecting special Z-Rated tires, as seen in the EV6 GT, for optimal grip and performance.

Suspension & Brakes

We expect the EV9 GT to have a more direct steering ratio, a stiffened suspension, and upgraded friction brakes. The current EV9 GT-Line, which rides on 21-inch wheels, has 14.2-inch ventilated discs at the front and 13.6-inch solid discs at the rear. The future EV9 GT’s bigger, 22-inch wheels should make room for enlarged discs that give it more bite. We reckon the regenerative braking system will also be different in the upcoming top-of-the-line EV9.

Battery & Range

The familiar 99.8 kWh battery pack should supply energy to the motors and would support charging at up to 10.9 kW (AC)/215 kW (DC) in the U.S. Fully charging the battery pack using a Level 2 charger would take close to nine hours. Using a DC fast-charger, a 10-80% top-up would take just under 25 minutes. On a full charge, we expect the EV9 GT to achieve an EPA-est. range rating of 200-215 miles.

Price & Release date

We expect the Kia EV9 GT to retail at approximately USD 80,000 before options. Globally, the release is programed for early 2025, and it could take a few months for the vehicle to reach U.S. dealers.

TopElectricSUV says

The Kia EV9 GT could prove to be a great combination of a family hauler and a performance machine, making everyday commutes fun and road trips quite engaging. At around USD 80,000, understandably, this Kia isn’t going to be on every American SUV buyer’s shopping list.

Kia EV9 GT FAQs

Featured Image Source: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the EV9 GT