Kia EV9, Ranked No.1 Electric SUV by German Auto Zeitung Evaluation

Mercedes-Benz EQS450 Surpasses Audi Q8 e-tron

The Kia EV9 ranked first in a comparison evaluation of electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) conducted by a German automotive magazine.

Kia announced on the 4th that the 'EV9' took first place in a comparison test conducted by Germany's 'Auto Zeitung' among three electric SUV models including the Mercedes-Benz EQS450 and Audi Q8 e-tron. 'Auto Zeitung' is considered one of the three most trusted automotive magazines in Germany, alongside 'Auto Bild' and 'Auto Motor und Sport.'

The comparison evaluation was conducted across five categories: body, driving convenience, powertrain, driving dynamics, and eco-friendliness/economy.

The Kia EV9 scored 3,353 points, ranking first in three of the five evaluation categories: body, driving dynamics, and eco-friendliness/economy. The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 and Audi Q8 e-tron scored 3,317 and 3,233 points, respectively.

'Auto Zeitung' commented, "In the first comparative test against German premium brand electric vehicles, the EV9 fully deserves to win," adding, "Its high price competitiveness and excellent performance are unmatched."

The EV9 was highly praised for its spacious interior and comfortable seating even in the third row. In particular, in the body category, it received the highest scores in 8 out of 9 subcategories.

In the driving dynamics category, it received higher evaluation scores than the comparison models in braking distance (cold), braking distance (hot), and traction. In the eco-friendliness/economy category, it also earned good scores in price and warranty, confirming its competitiveness.

Prior to this evaluation, the EV9 had already won two of the world's three major automotive awards, including '2024 World Car of the Year' and '2024 North American Car of the Year.' Additionally, it received awards such as '2024 Germany Car of the Year Luxury Category,' '2024 UK Car of the Year,' '2024 Red Dot Award,' '2024 iF Design Award,' 'SUV of the Year' from the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, and 'Electric SUV of the Year' from the Korea Automotive Specialized Journalists Association.