Morning light hits the glass and the Kia EV9 rolls in almost silent. The sound feels more like a whisper. The first thing that hits you is the size. Huge. Sharp edges. Clean body lines that don’t scream but still say look at me. This is Kia’s flagship electric SUV for 2025 and it looks ready for anything.
In India it starts at around ₹1.30 Crore ex showroom. The official claim says 561 km range. That’s serious stuff. It’s not just another EV with numbers thrown around. It’s a real shot at the big boys like Mercedes and BMW.
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Data Pulse. Nearly 40 percent of luxury SUV buyers in India now consider electric as their next move. The EV9 steps right into that thought.
Reviewed and compiled by DailyAxle Auto Team — verified automotive sources and industry data.
KeyHighlights Table
| Specification | Details |
| Lanch Date In India | October 3 2024 deliveries early 2025 |
| Price india | ₹1.30 Crore ex showroom |
| Range | 561 km ARAI 99.8 kWh battery |
| Powertrain | Dual motor AWD 384 PS 700 Nm |
| Seating layout | Layout 6 seater captain chairs second row 3 row SUV |
| Rivals | Kia EV6 BMW iX Mercedes EQS SUV |
Exterior Design Colors and Visual Changes
You see it and pause. The Kia EV9 looks like it came from a concept studio. Straight lines. Boxy feel. The big face with those thin LED eyes. It’s clean and brave. The size hits right away. Over five meters long almost two meters wide. That’s full luxury SUV territory.
The India spec looks close to global design but tuned a bit for our roads. Taller stance slightly softer damping. You get five colors Snow White Pearl Panthera Metal Pebble Grey Aurora Black and Ocean Blue. The last one really stands out under city lights.
Walking around it feels heavy but confident. The tail lamps rise vertically and catch reflections. The flush door handles stay hidden until you touch them. Everything about the EV9 says premium presence without trying too hard. It has that quiet confidence you only find in big flagships.
Powertrain Range and Real World Performance
Under the metal sits Kia’s 99.8 kWh battery. Two motors. All wheel drive. Together they make around 384 PS and 700 Nm. It moves quick. You press the pedal and there’s no lag. Just smooth push. The silence is strange at first if you’re used to engine noise. Then it becomes addictive.
Claimed range is 561 km ARAI which is impressive for such a large EV. Real world might be around 450 maybe 480 depending on how you drive and what the weather’s like. But still strong. Data Pulse. It’s among the highest range three row EVs in India right now.
Charging is fast too. Kia says 10 to 80 percent in about 24 minutes with a 350 kW charger. Realistically it’ll depend on the station you find. But the setup is future ready. The EV9 feels made for long drives. Quiet smooth and planted. Steering is light. Body control solid. It doesn’t chase sportiness. It just cruises.
Safety Features Platform and Driving Dynamics
Built on Kia’s E GMP platform shared with Hyundai. That gives it a low center of gravity and good structure. You can feel the weight sitting low when you turn. Stability is great. The EV9 gets ten airbags and a full suite of ADAS functions. Lane keep assist adaptive cruise 360 camera the works.
Ride quality is plush. You glide over bad patches with minimal thud. The suspension tuning is clearly comfort first. Body roll exists but it’s well managed.
Braking feels confident though a bit soft at the top of the pedal. You sense the regen braking working silently. At high speed it stays flat. Wind noise is low too. Inside it feels like you’re cocooned from the city outside.
No Indian crash test result yet but based on global data it’s among the safest Kia has built so far. The EV9 doesn’t pretend to be sporty. It’s calm composed family friendly. Exactly what it’s meant to be.
Interior and Features
Open the door and the silence deepens. The cabin feels big airy simple. The long wheelbase gives generous second row room. Captain chairs look inviting. You sit high see everything. Material quality is premium yet understated. Kia has used recycled and vegan materials in many places.
Front dashboard has one long glass panel merging the screens. Buttons are minimal. Touch based mostly. Ambient lighting runs through the cabin softly. Seats are wide with heating and cooling. The third row is small but usable for adults on shorter rides.
Infotainment is slick. OTA updates. Kia Connect features. You also get a Vehicle to Load socket to power gadgets or even another EV. Small details but smart.
Storage is decent. There’s a frunk up front with about 52 liters. Boot space is solid even with all seats up. Ride comfort is top notch on highway. City roads make the size noticeable but the light steering helps.
Variants Expected Price and Launch Timeline in India
Kia India brings the EV9 as a single fully loaded variant GT Line. Price around ₹1.30 Crore ex showroom. Deliveries are expected to start in early 2025. On road it’ll cross ₹1.45 Crore easily depending on city taxes.
There’s no lower spec for now. It’s not meant to sell by volume. It’s meant to show what Kia can do at the top. That’s why it comes as a CBU import. High price yes but loaded to the brim.
Buyers in this space want comfort space tech and bragging rights. The EV9 ticks those boxes. For some it’ll be too expensive. For others it’ll be the statement they want to make.
Rivals Market Competition and Brand Strategy
Rivals are clear. The smaller Kia EV6. The BMW iX. The Mercedes EQS SUV. All premium electric family movers. Among these the EV9 stands out for its size and layout. It’s the only one that gives full three row comfort at this range and price band.
Kia’s move is strategic. The EV9 is not about numbers. It’s about image. It shows Kia can play with the big names. It builds brand strength before smaller EVs like the EV5 come in.
Compared to EV6 the EV9 feels more refined and far roomier. EV6 is for drivers who like sporty feel. EV9 is for families who travel together. Both share the same DNA but very different vibes.
Market wise Kia is testing how premium the Indian buyer will go for an EV. It’s a brave call but well timed.
Expert Opinion Conclusion
So should you go for it. If budget allows yes. The EV9 brings something new to India. Big space long range comfort and real presence. It feels future ready yet grounded in luxury.
If you live in a city with charging access this is one of the finest electric SUVs you can buy. If not maybe wait a bit till charging expands. The price is steep but you get what you pay for.
Compared with EV6 the EV9 gives you that extra layer of calm and status. It’s not wild or edgy. It’s smooth composed like a big luxury yacht moving quietly.
The EV9 marks Kia’s serious electric chapter in India. A
confident first step into flagship luxury space. And honestly it feels good to see a brand take that risk.
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