Why the Kia EV9 Is a Head-Turner but May Not Be Worth the Price

Kia EV9 2024 Review: A Stunning Electric SUV, But Is It Worth the Price?

The SUV market in India is thriving, and it's no secret that people love big cars with great ground clearance and rugged tires. With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), Kia launched EV9 a visually stunning electric SUV that's ready to shake up the market. However, despite its attractive design and futuristic features, does it justify its price tag?

First Impressions of the Kia EV9

At first glance, the Kia EV9 looks like a premium SUV, with design elements that are sure to turn heads. The front profile features distinctive Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that are large, stylish, and smartly placed. In fact, the DRLs alone enhance the overall look of the car, giving it an upscale feel. What’s more, the Kia EV9 skips the traditional grille design, adding a sleek and modern light segment instead, as befits an electric vehicle.

The front bumper and lower grille area are designed to maintain a sleek, elegant look while incorporating functional elements like parking sensors and cameras. For anyone who appreciates a visually appealing car, the Kia EV9 ticks all the right boxes in terms of aesthetics.

Unique Design Features of Kia EV9

One of the most attractive features of the Kia EV9 is its rear profile. It comes with LED tail lamps that echo the segmented LED design from the front of the car, making it equally stunning during nighttime drives. A cleverly integrated spoiler and shark fin antenna adds a sporty edge to the vehicle's otherwise polished look. Roof rails, a rearview camera, and flush door handles contribute to the car's high-tech vibe.

Kia EV9 Colour Options

Kia EV9 comes in some cool exterior colors like Pebble Gray, Panthera Metal, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, and Ocean Blue. For the interior, you have only a dual-tone option of Brown and Black, which adds a classy touch to the design.

Kia EV9 Interior: Luxurious and Spacious

Once inside the Kia EV9, you’re greeted by a clean and spacious interior. The dashboard is minimalistic, avoiding the cluttered look that some high-tech vehicles tend to have. Two integrated 12.5-inch screens provide all the information you need, from tire pressure to trip info and speed. The instrument cluster is fully digital, offering crystal-clear graphics. The car even features ambient lighting to boost the luxurious feel.

A standout feature is the automatic climate control unit, which offers a three-zone AC system, ensuring comfort for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers alike. Additionally, the car comes with multiple charging ports, including a Type-C port and a 12-volt socket, making it highly functional for modern-day needs.

The storage options are also impressive, with deep open storage spaces and a twin cup holder that’s neatly integrated into the design. Wireless charging is supported as well, along with several other conveniences like cruise control and voice commands all accessible via the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel.

Kia EV9 Driving Modes and Performance

The Kia EV9 offers several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, with added terrain-specific settings like Snow, Mud, and Sand for those who like to venture off-road. With paddle shifters and automatic controls for lights and wipers, this car aims to make your drive as seamless as possible.

In terms of performance, the Kia EV9 is powered by two motors, one at the front and one at the rear, offering a combined 379 horsepower. It's an all-wheel-drive vehicle that can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric SUVs on the market. The battery is a 99.8 kWh unit, providing a claimed range of 561 kilometers on a full charge.

Is the price of the Kia EV9 justified?

Here’s where things get tricky. The Kia EV9 is priced at 1 crore 30 lakhs in India, which is a staggering amount. While the car offers a decent range and some impressive features, the price feels hard to justify, especially considering that you’ll likely never achieve the claimed 561 km range in real-world conditions. In reality, you can expect closer to 450 to 460 kilometers per charge, which simply isn’t enough to warrant such a high price tag.

Final Verdict for Kia EV9: A Miss for Practical Buyers

While the Kia EV9 is undoubtedly a beautiful, feature-rich vehicle, it falls short on practicality, especially given its steep price. For those who value performance and range in an electric vehicle, this SUV may not deliver as expected. With better options available in the market, it’s hard to recommend this car at its current price point.

If you're a car enthusiast looking for something flashy and high-tech, the Kia EV9 will definitely catch your eye. However, if you're a practical buyer focused on value for money, there are better alternatives out there that offer more for less.

In conclusion, while the Kia EV9 impresses with its style and features, the price is just too high for what it delivers. Consider your options carefully before investing in this electric SUV.