Kia Goes Full Performance Mode
In what might be the most unexpected performance car release of the year, Kia has unveiled a fire-breathing GT version of its already massive EV9 SUV. With a staggering 501bhp and a price tag that starts at £82,185, this seven-seat electric monster now costs about the same as a Porsche Macan GTS. It’s a bold move that proves Kia is dead serious about taking on the premium performance market and we LOVE it!
Kia EV9 GT is just what we need!
We had the pleasure of taking the Kia EV9 GT-Line to Paris for an epic 48-hour adventure (https://evperformance.co.uk/paris-in-48-hours-in-a-kia-ev9-easy-work/), and we couldn’t have loved the car more! It was big, bold, and frankly a delight to drive — so when news of a performance-based model surfaced, we were hyped. Let’s take a closer look…
Performance That Defies Physics
The numbers behind this family hauler turned performance machine are genuinely staggering. Twin electric motors combine to produce 501bhp and 546lb ft of torque, enough to propel the 2.5-tonne behemoth from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds – that’s proper hot hatch territory. Top speed is limited to 124mph, though we suspect few owners will ever test that particular limit.
The GT treatment includes a specially tuned version of Kia’s E-GMP platform, with reinforced suspension components and upgraded brakes to handle all that extra grunt. Kia’s engineers claim they’ve worked hard to maintain the standard car’s comfort while adding proper sporting credentials, though we’ll reserve judgment until we get behind the wheel.
Battery and Range: The Necessary Compromise
The performance boost comes with some inevitable trade-offs. While it retains the same 99.8kWh battery as the standard EV9, the range drops slightly to 313 miles on the WLTP cycle – just one mile less than the standard GT-Line model, which is impressive given the massive power increase.
Charging remains rapid thanks to the 800V architecture, with 210kW capability allowing for a 10-80% top-up in about 25 minutes when connected to a sufficiently powerful charger. The minimal range penalty suggests Kia’s engineers have done some clever work on efficiency elsewhere in the powertrain.
GT-Specific Tweaks Inside and Out
Visually, the GT gets subtle but effective upgrades that hint at its performance potential. The front bumper features larger intakes, while dark chrome trim and GT badging distinguish it from lesser models. Red brake calipers peek out from behind the standard 21-inch alloys, and gloss black accents replace the chrome found on other variants.
Step inside and the changes become more apparent. The seats gain sportier bolsters and GT embossing, while suede-like materials adorn the headlining and key touchpoints. Metal sports pedals and unique digital instrument cluster themes complete the performance transformation. Crucially, all the standard EV9’s clever tech remains, including the vehicle-to-load system that can power everything from your laptop to an entire campsite.
The Price Elephant in the Room
At £82,185, the EV9 GT enters seriously premium territory, competing directly with established performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan GTS, BMW iX xDrive50, and Mercedes EQE SUV. Kia justifies the cost by positioning the GT as an exclusive offering – it’s expected to account for less than 10% of UK EV9 sales – and by that astonishing performance from something that can still comfortably carry seven adults.
Whether the market will accept a Kia at Porsche money remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: nobody will be laughing at Kia as a performance brand anymore. The EV9 GT represents a watershed moment for the Korean manufacturer, proving it can compete with the established premium players on their own terms.
Now we just need to see how it drives – someone book us a test drive, quick.
EV9 GT – key points
- On-the-road from £82,185, in a single, comprehensively equipped trim level
- Yes, it’s the most expensive model Kia has launched in the UK – but the OTR price is significantly less than equivalent five- or seven-seat performance electric SUVs from premium brands
- EV9 GT combines power and performance in a grand-touring SUV
- Dual motor powertrain produces 502bhp and 740Nm torque, accelerating from 0-to-62mph in 4.6 seconds
- Enhanced driving experience with performance and tech upgrades
- Including Virtual Gear Shift and GT dedicated drive mode
- Ultra-fast 800V charging and driving range of up to 280 miles on a single charge
- Versatile SUV offered with seven seats, or optional six-seat layout
