Kia EV9 Long Range AWD

Overview

The Kia EV9 Long Range AWD is a game-changing electric SUV, offering massive space and striking looks for families who want to go green without compromise. This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive brute positions itself as a premium yet practical choice, packed with tech and a genuine three-row layout. It's a seriously impressive bit of kit, aiming to steal sales from luxury rivals. In Europe, expect a new model to set you back around €76,490, with nearly-new examples fetching about €69,990. It’s a bold statement that proves EVs can be properly family-friendly.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the EV9 Long Range AWD sees subtle refinements rather than a major overhaul, as it’s still fresh on the scene. Kia has focused on fine-tuning software and potentially tweaking equipment packages across the lineup. For European buyers, this means the excellent core package remains, with the key updates being more about expanded availability and minor digital enhancements. There are no significant changes to the powertrain or battery, so the impressive performance and range figures carry over from the highly successful launch model. It’s a case of not fixing what isn't broken.

Design & Exterior

The EV9’s design is properly futuristic and unapologetically boxy. It commands attention with its 'Digital Tiger Face,' vertical LED headlamps, and sharp, geometric lines. This Long Range AWD trim gets stylish alloy wheels that balance aero efficiency with good looks. It's a massive vehicle, measuring 5010 mm long, 1980 mm wide, and 1755 mm tall, giving it an undeniable road presence. The flush door handles and clean surfaces contribute to its sleek, high-tech aesthetic, making it look like a concept car that actually made it to production.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the EV9’s cabin feels like a minimalist, modern lounge. The dual 12.3-inch screens are beautifully integrated, running a slick infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This trim offers both 6 and 7-seat layouts, with ample room for adults even in the third row. Material quality is top-notch, with a focus on sustainable textiles. For lugging stuff, you get a decent 333-litre boot, which expands to a van-like 2393 litres with all seats down. Plus, there’s a handy 52-litre frunk for your charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

With dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors delivering a combined 283 kW and a hefty 600 Nm of torque to all four wheels, this big SUV is surprisingly quick. It'll launch from 0-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds, which is mighty impressive for a 2664 kg family hauler. The driving experience is serene and comfortable, soaking up bumps with ease, yet the AWD system provides confident grip in corners and poor weather. The one-pedal 'i-Pedal' driving mode makes city traffic a breeze, and it can tow a braked trailer of up to 2500 kg.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Long Range AWD is packing a substantial 96 kWh usable battery. According to Green Cars Compare's realistic calculations, that's good for a real-world range of about 441 km, with an efficiency of 4.59 km/kWh. Thanks to its brilliant 800V architecture, it charges incredibly fast. At a DC station, it can slurp up power at a peak of 210 kW. Hooked up via its CCS Type 2 port, a 10-80% top-up takes under 25 minutes. At home, the 10.5 kW AC charger handles overnight refills. Plus, it has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a huge priority in the EV9, backed by a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. This trim comes loaded with Kia’s Drive Wise assistance systems as standard. You get Highway Driving Assist 2, which combines smart adaptive cruise control with lane-following assist for semi-autonomous driving on motorways. Also included are Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and a crystal-clear 360-degree Surround View Monitor, making this large SUV remarkably easy and safe to manoeuvre in any situation. It’s a proper safety fortress on wheels.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Kia’s warranty is one of the best in the business, providing fantastic peace of mind. European owners get a 7-year, 150,000 km warranty on the entire vehicle. The crucial high-voltage battery is also covered for the same duration, with a guarantee that it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity. With fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel car, maintenance is simpler and cheaper, typically involving checks on brakes, tyres, and cabin filters. This class-leading coverage makes the EV9 a very sensible long-term ownership proposition.