The idea of a £65,000+ SUV Kia would have been met with laughter 23 years ago, but in case you hadn’t noticed, this Korean manufacturer, and its sister brand Hyundai, are rather good at making EVs. The Niro, which is in its second generation, and the EV6, have already established themselves as being near the top of their sectors and are respected by their European rivals.  

The EV9 shares the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also underpins the previously mentioned, excellent EV6. From launch, the EV9 is available in two versions, one with rear drive the other with four-wheel drive, and with two equipment grades – Air and GT-Line. Air is only available with rear-wheel drive, whereas the range-topping GT-Line is available with four-wheel drive and six or seven-seater versions.

The rear-wheel drive Air version has a 150kW motor, with 350Nm of torque, 215hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 9.4 seconds. Choose four-wheel drive GT-Line, which Kia believe will make up most of the UK demand, and there are twin 141kW motors, 378hp, 700Nm, and 0-62mph acceleration in 5.3 seconds. 

Top speed is 115mph, for the Air, and 124mph for the four-wheel drive GT-Line. Despite this performance, the rear-wheel drive has a 359-mile range, with four-wheel drive versions still capable of a credible 331-mile range. When it comes to charging, all EV9s can be fast-charged, going from 10-80% in 24 minutes.

Outside, the EV9 looks like no other Kia. This is a good thing and the latest example of the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. Overall, it’s a very square design, with some cleverly curved edges that help the EV9 slip slickly through the air remarkably quietly considering. Design highlights start at the front with the distinctive vertical and horizontal driving lights, which are part of the large LED headlight units. The sharp metal detailing around the arches and again the vertical rear light clusters, follow the line of the rear arch. This Kia also looks right at home on the large 21in alloy wheels fitted as standard. 

Offered for sale in six, or seven-seater versions, we were told six-seater versions of the EV9 were expected to be most popular in the UK. Like the exterior, the interior of this Kia impresses – just for the space! We spent most of our time in a seven-seater version, and there’s plenty of room for five adults over the first two rows of seats – the driving position is very comfortable. The third row is almost as impressive, but there’s less legroom, so probably best for smaller adults, older or younger children. Elsewhere, the dashboard is a very horizontal design, with the joint 12.3in driver display and 12.3in touchscreen perched on the top in front of the driver. All EV9s get an artificial leather-trimmed, button-heavy, four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The fact the EV9’s steering wheel is trimmed in artificial leather, is key to the overall interior feel of this Kia. There’s a real sustainability vibe throughout, the odd-looking – but surprisingly comfortable  – pillow-like headrests are made from ‘biopolyurethane’, foam made from plant fibres, for example. It all feels solid and well-made, but those looking for more interior frills for the £60,000+ price might be better off looking elsewhere.   

Despite the big wheels, the ride is only a bit harsh around town, and on the open road, the EV9 impressed with its refinement, tidy handling and it seems to shrink on the move. With nearly 400hp, the four-wheel drive has enough performance, combined with welcome extra grip. There is also the security of a full set of driver assistance features, although these soon become annoying and you find yourself tapping the touchscreen to turn them off!

With prices starting at £64,995, the EV9 is going to attract a new sort of buyer to Kia, and they will get a big, talented SUV, with much to recommend it. 

Kia EV9 GT-Line S 99.8kWh Seven-Seats 

P11D: £75,940

Residual value: 47.3%

Depreciation: £39,270

Fuel: £5,232

Service, maintenance and repair: £3,702

Cost per mile: 80.34p

Range: 331 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £25/£50

Luggage capacity: 571 litres

Battery size/power: 99.8kWh/378hp