While Kia’s first three-row electric SUV is already in high demand, the EV9 is expected to get a high-performance GT version. Kia has shown that the EV9 GT will launch in January with “tremendous power” and other improvements.
Kia unveiled its flagship EV9 in Korea last June. In less than a month, Kia sold more than 1,334 EV9 models and 1,251 in July.
After announcing that the U. S. Starting at $54,900, Kia called the EV9 a “wake-up call” for the industry. In the first 3 months of 2024, Kia sold more than 4,000 EV9s in the U. S. U. S.
Kia has been announcing a high-performance GT edition since its launch, but CEO Ho-Sung Song announced that it will launch its unveiling in January at Investor Day.
The EV9 GT will be based on Kia’s first high-performance electric vehicle, the EV6 GT. Kia introduced the EV6 GT in 2022, its most powerful vehicle yet.
With 576 hp, the EV6 GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3. 4 seconds. To achieve this, Kia compared it to a Ferrari Roma and a Lamborghini Huracan EVO, and outperformed both early on.
Powered by a 77. 4 kWh battery and dual-motor powertrain, the EV6 GT makes 576 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. With a starting price of $61,600, the EV6 is less expensive and faster than most sports cars.
Song showed that the EV9 GT will launch in January and promises “tremendous power” with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time in seconds.
A high-efficiency dual-motor all-wheel-drive formula will provide faster acceleration. It will also come with a beefed-up suspension and electronic braking for added stability at top speeds.
Kia has also demonstrated its commitment to affordable electric cars, aiming to become a leader in electric vehicles by the end of the decade.
Song showed that Kia will launch six new electric vehicle models for the mass market in primary markets. Kia unveiled the new models, EV2, EV3, EV4 and EV5, at its first annual Electric Vehicle Day in October.
The EV5 has already been introduced in China, at a price of about $20,000 (149,800 yuan). In Australia, it will cost around $46,000 (AUD 70,000).
Kia will launch the EV3 until the end of this year. The EV3 showcases the best of the EV9, adding design and technology, in a smaller and larger package.
Like Kia’s EV9, the EV3 includes Kia’s new design theme, adding a sleek new “Tiger Face” grille. We’ve noticed that several prototypes were tested in the run-up to their official debut. The EV3 is expected to start at around $30,000.
I’m all for speed and power. But honestly, I don’t see the point of the EV9 or other larger 3-row SUVs. Just so that football bags and groceries can hit the back of the car harder?For this class, diversity and trailer diversity would be what I convinced to upgrade. I’ll stick with the 0-60 times for sports cars/sports sedans.
The EV3 will be followed by the EV4, which is scheduled to launch next year. Kia’s EV4 is the brand’s edition of an entry-level sedan.
Kia will showcase two electric cars in emerging markets, adding the Carens EV. By 2026, Kia aims to sell 587,000 conventional electric cars, or 66% of its total sales.
Kia also revealed that it will expand its hybrid lineup as it works to introduce new EV models in key markets.
Song said that although the demand for electric cars is lower than the short-term forecast, the long-term forecast remains unchanged. By 2030, Kia aims to sell 1. 6 million electric cars. Kia’s CEO also revealed that he would cancel two full-size EVs while focusing on smaller models and with more models.
Peter Johnson covers the automotive industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is a seasoned investor, money writer, and electric vehicle enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is one of the main reasons he pursued a career in investing. If he doesn’t tell you about his latest discoveries in the 10K, you can spot him enjoying the outdoors or exercising.