Kia has taken the wraps off the powerful EV9 GT at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show 2024. The EV9 GT will sit at the top of the EV9 line-up globally. Compared to the standard EV9, the GT gets a more powerful dual-motor setup and styling and mechanical updates.
- Kia EV9 gets virtual gear shift tech with fake engine noise
- Comes with larger brakes, limited-slip diff
- Gets unique exterior and interior bits
Kia EV9 GT sits at the top of the line-up
The performance-oriented electric SUV gets a 215hp motor mounted on the front axle and a 362hp unit at the rear making a combined 501hp. That’s 122hp more than the current EV9 GT-Line that is sold internationally. Kia estimates that this will help it do the 0-96kph run in 4.3 seconds.
The EV9 GT also comes with larger brakes, upgraded suspension with adaptive dampers, 21-inch wheels with Continental tyres and an electronic rear limited-slip differential.
The EV9 GT also gets Kia’s Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) tech, similar to the one on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It essentially mimics the sound and feel of a traditional ICE car with fake engine noises, gear shifts and torque cuts. There’s also a simulated automatic-transmission mode, where the driver can row through the "gears" using the paddle shifters. This is intended to add more engagement to the electric driving experience.
Kia EV9 GT exterior and interior changes
The Kia EV9 GT is distinguished from the standard EV9 by various sporty trims on the outside like new front and rear bumpers and new alloy wheels. On the inside, it gets lime green accents and more bolstered sport seats trimmed in Alcantara.
It gets multiple drive-assist tech and a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which means buyers can charge the EV9 at Tesla's Superchargers where available. The EV9 GT can be topped up from 10-80 percent in 25 minutes, according to Kia. The Korean brand, however, has not released the range of the EV9 GT at the moment.
The EV9 GT will first go on sale in North America next year, followed by other countries. Kia recently launched the standard EV9 at Rs 1.3 crore in India, making it the most expensive model from the Korean brand sold here.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
