"Innovative and Practical Three-Row Electric SUV"
Praised for Ultra-Fast Charging and Price Competitiveness
The Kia EV9 has outperformed luxury brands such as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi in a comparative evaluation conducted by a global automotive media outlet.
According to Kia on May 18, the German automotive magazine Auto Bild recently conducted a head-to-head comparison between the EV9 GT-Line and the Volvo EX90 Twin Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD), awarding a higher score to the EV9.
The EV9 received a total of 589 points across seven categories, including convenience, driving performance, and efficiency. The EX90 scored 571 points. According to Auto Bild’s actual measurements, the EV9 delivered faster acceleration than the EX90, despite having a lower maximum motor output, and achieved approximately 20% higher real-world energy efficiency. The EV9 also outperformed the EX90 in charging speed from 10% to 80% battery capacity, taking 24 minutes compared to the EX90’s 32 minutes. Kia explained that this demonstrates the excellence of Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated electric platform, E-GMP, and its high-efficiency electrification system.
Additionally, while the EV9 is about 20mm shorter in overall length, its wheelbase is 115mm longer, providing superior third-row and cargo space usability. The EV9 was also rated higher for its stable driving performance and overall product competitiveness, thanks to a price point more than 20,000 euros (approximately 31.5 million won) lower than its competitor.
Another German media outlet, Auto Zeitung, ranked the EV9 GT-Line first in a comparison last year against the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (450 4MATIC) and Audi Q8 e-tron (55 quattro). Auto Zeitung stated, "The EV9 fully deserves to win in a comparison with German premium electric vehicles, and its price competitiveness and outstanding performance are unrivaled."
The EV9 GT-Line received higher evaluations than the EQS SUV and Q8 e-tron, which are sold domestically at approximately twice and 1.5 times the price, respectively. Since its launch in June 2023, the EV9 has won two titles at the following year’s World Car Awards: 'World Car of the Year' and 'World Electric Vehicle of the Year.' It was also named 'North American Utility Vehicle of the Year,' 'World Women’s Car of the Year,' and 'UK Car of the Year' last year. In terms of safety, the EV9 received the highest ratings in major new car safety assessments representing the United States, Europe, and South Korea.
A Kia representative said, "Through a series of awards and positive reviews, the EV9 has proven its unrivaled competitiveness and is playing a core role in the brand’s transition to electrification. We will continue to strengthen our position in the global market through ongoing technological development and customer-centric innovation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
