Kia EV9 Review Does It Deliver German-Level Luxury?
Kia’s flagship EV, the Kia EV9, and let me tell you—it’s big, bold, and packed with tech. But with a price tag of around ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom), it’s also Kia’s most expensive offering in India. Naturally, I was curious: Can it truly justify its asking price, especially when going up against established German luxury brands? Here’s what I found out after taking it for a spin at Kia’s test facility.
First Impressions: Big and Bold
When I first saw the Kia EV9, its sheer size stood out. It’s larger than the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV, and has an even longer wheelbase. The upright, squared-off design gives it serious road presence. I liked the sharp LED DRLs integrated into the front panel, and the 20-inch wheels definitely make a statement. Kia’s also added smart elements like bumper flaps that open for battery cooling and flush door handles for better aerodynamics. In fact, its drag coefficient of 0.28 is pretty impressive for an SUV this size.
That said, the finish could be better. The gloss black cladding and paintwork show some orange-peel texture, which feels out of place on a car of this caliber.
Inside the EV9: Comfortable but Not Quite German-Luxury
Step inside, and the cabin gives off a plush vibe. My test car had a black and dark brown theme with a clean, minimalist dashboard. The front seats are fantastic—wide, supportive, and loaded with functions like ventilation, heating, and even massage.
The second-row captain chairs, though, are the real showstoppers. They’re elevated, come with powered ottomans, and offer heating, cooling, and an actual massage function that feels just like a home massage chair—loud, yes, but surprisingly effective. You can control it via a built-in tablet too.
But here’s the thing: while the cabin is premium, it doesn’t quite match the finesse of BMW or Mercedes interiors. There are hard plastics in places, and the interface for the 360-degree camera isn’t as slick or detailed as you’d expect at this price point.
Some thoughtful touches stood out, though—like physical buttons for climate control and a solid-feeling volume knob. But the climate screen itself is awkwardly placed and hard to see from the driver’s seat. And those touchscreen shortcuts? They need a firm press, which feels a bit clunky.
As for space, the Kia EV9 is generous. Access to the third row is easy thanks to powered seat movement, and while space is a bit compromised by the massive middle-row console, there’s still decent headroom. Boot space is a healthy 333L with all three rows in place, and there’s even a handy 52L frunk up front.
Performance and Driving Feel
Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), the EV9 packs dual motors and a 99.8kWh battery, churning out 384hp and 700Nm of torque. It’s no slouch—it hit 0 to 100kmph in just 5.36 seconds during our GPS test—but it delivers its power in a calm, controlled way rather than with neck-snapping urgency.
Range is a strong point. Kia claims 561km (ARAI-rated), and thanks to its 800V architecture, you can fast-charge it from 10 to 80% in about 24 minutes with a 350kW charger—if you can find one, that is.
Driving it felt surprisingly easy, even for a 2.6-tonne SUV. Despite lacking air suspension, the ride was supple and composed. Handling was confident, with good grip and minimal body roll. Under heavy braking, though, its weight does make itself known.
Final Verdict: Worth the Price?
There’s no doubt that the Kia EV9 is a tech-filled, spacious, and seriously comfortable SUV—especially if you’re going to spend a lot of time in the second row. It genuinely competes with the best when it comes to features and practicality. But the big question is: does it feel like a ₹1.30 crore luxury SUV?
Well, yes and no. It certainly delivers in size, comfort, and performance, but it’s not quite at the same luxury level as its German rivals in terms of cabin materials and polish. If you’re open-minded about badges and want something unique, feature-packed, and futuristic, the EV9 could be worth considering. But if badge prestige and top-tier finish are non-negotiables for you, the traditional players might still have the edge.
