Kia has officially announced the pricing and grade-structure details for its highly anticipated 2024 EV9 in the UK. With an entry point of £64,995, the EV9 establishes itself as the most expensive vehicle ever sold by Kia in Europe. However, it still remains true to Kia’s ethos by significantly undercutting its rivals.
The market for three-row electric SUVs is relatively scarce, with only a handful of options available. Tesla’s distinctive Model X, for instance, used to be a contender but is now exclusively offered in left-hand drive, making it less appealing for right-hand drive enthusiasts in Britain. Meanwhile, the Mercedes EQS, which covers similar ground, comes with a hefty price tag of almost £130,000. The most obvious competitor, Volvo’s new EX90, starts at £96,255, although an entry-level model priced at £75,000 is slated to launch next year.
Comparing the base model of the EV9, known as the Air, to its counterparts reveals a slight disparity in pricing. Priced at £64,995, the Air features a single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) electric motor powering the rear wheels. In contrast, the other three-row EVs mentioned earlier offer all-wheel drive and are twice as powerful. Nevertheless, the Air compensates with its impressive seven-seat configuration, four of which are heated and ventilated. Additional features include a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, a triple-screen dashboard, 19-inch alloys, and a host of advanced safety systems. Like all EV9s, the base model is equipped with a massive 99.8 kWh battery, providing a remarkable driving range of 336 miles (541 km).
For those seeking a sportier option, the EV9 GT-Line priced at £72,495 offers an enticing package. It boasts sporty exterior trim, two-tone upholstery, ‘bridge-type’ roof rails, a black headliner, aluminium pedals, and an electrically adjustable steering column. Cube-design LED headlights and unique reclining massage seats provide an extra touch of luxury, allowing passengers to relax during charging sessions. The GT-Line’s powertrain is also a significant improvement, featuring all-wheel drive through the addition of a second motor. This upgrade brings the total horsepower to 380 hp (385 PS / 283 kW), albeit with a slightly reduced driving range of 308 miles (496 km) due to the additional weight.
Sitting at the top of the range is the GT-Line S, available at £75,995 for the seven-seat variant or £78,745 for the six-seater configuration. The latter replaces the middle bench with two captain’s chairs that offer various adjustable and reclining features, including the ability to rotate 180 degrees—an exclusive option not found in North American EV9 models. GT-Line S models also come equipped with 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, a premium 14-speaker Meridian sound system, and dual sunroofs. The six-seater version is exclusively adorned in the eye-catching Pacific Matt Blue paint, reminiscent of the 2021 concept car.
Interested customers in the UK can start placing their orders for the EV9 starting from July 6, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2024. Kia anticipates significant interest in the model, particularly from buyers who may not have considered a Kia previously but find the £64,995 starting price to be excellent value. However, it is worth noting that the EV9 was launched in Korea last month with a starting price of just 78.1 million won, which converts to £47,350 (or $60,000). It is highly likely that the U.S. versions will follow suit and offer competitive pricing.
