Kia is working on a high-performance version of the fully electric EV9 7-seat SUV, set to adopt the GT name like the EV6 GT. And here we see the makings of such a model thanks to a new spy video.
YouTube channel Healer TV recently posted up a video showing what is believed to be a prototype EV9 GT. A sticker on the side of the prototype clearly says ‘GT’, but there are various telltale signs that this is the performance iteration as well.
At the moment the flagship model is the EV9 GT-Line. In Australia it comes with a 99.8kWh battery and twin electric motors, offering a combined output of 283kW. It can cover 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds, and offers a range of 505km.
Prices for the GT-Line start from $121,000, which means the GT could push $133,000 given the EV6 GT is about $12,000 more than the AWD GT-Line. Either way, it will come in as the most expensive Kia ever.
For the GT version, Kia is expected to take the powertrain from the EV6 GT and stick it into the EV9. In that, outputs max out at an impressive 430kW and 740Nm. This should be enough to enable the big SUV to conquer 0-100km/h in well under 5.0 seconds, potentially into the 4s.
However, we’ve heard Kia’s new ute, dubbed the Tasman, will feature a battery size of up to 123kWh and produce 410kW and 800Nm from a similar twin-motor system. There is a chance the big EV9 GT could borrow that setup as well.
The EV6 GT offers an official range of 424km (WLTP). But, if this setup were to be used for the EV9 GT, which is larger and heavier, the range could drop below 400km. We suspect that might not be enough for the family-friendly seven-seat SUV. We’ll have to wait for official details to know for sure.
In other areas, the EV9 GT looks set to adopt high-performance multi-piston brakes, at least on the front. The calipers could be painted in fluro green like on the EV6 GT. On the prototype the calipers are clearly bigger than average, but unpainted likely for testing purposes only (the rear are actually in the trademark green).
We should also anticipate a sporty bodykit with unique bumper bar trimmings, black highlights around the windows and other areas, and a rear spoiler and special diffuser area. Similarly, the interior is expected to be sexed up with bucket seats and various GT-labelled highlights.
The Kia EV9 GT is obviously still undergoing testing but reports suggest it could debut some time late this year, with market entry in 2025. Click play below for a sneak peak.
