Kia’s flagship electric SUV just got a high-performance upgrade. On Tuesday, Kia launched the EV9 GT in South Korea with over 500 horsepower, a sporty new design, and a price tag just north of $60,000. That’s not too bad for a fully loaded three-row electric SUV. Following its domestic launch, the sporty new trim will roll out to the US, Europe, and other global markets. Check it out below.
Kia EV9 GT prices and specs in South Korea
After launching the EV9, its first three-row electric SUV, in 2023, Kia promised a range-topping GT model would arrive with “enormous power” and several other high-performance upgrades.
Leading up to its global debut at the LA Auto Show last November, Kia confirmed the GT trim would feature an upgraded dual-motor AWD powertrain, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds. In comparison, it takes the current top-spec GT-Line trim 5 seconds.
Now, the high-performance variant has officially hit the market. Kia launched the EV9 GT in South Korea, starting at 88.49 million won, or around $61,500.
In Korea, the EV9 GT has front and rear electric motors with a combined output of up to 509 horsepower (374 kW) and 740 Nm max torque. The added power enables it to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds.
Powered by Kia’s fourth-gen 99.8 kWh battery, the EV9 GT is rated with up to 253 miles (408 km) driving range in Korea.
The high-performance model is Kia’s first SUV with an electronic suspension for “a stable and luxurious driving experience.” Meanwhile, an added electronic limited slip differential (e-LSD) actively controls driving power to the wheels, enabling more control and stability.
Check out that sporty design
To give it that “sporty, exclusive design” of a flagship high-performance electric SUV, Kia added active air flaps on the front bumper, GT-specific 21″ alloy wheels, neon brake calipers, and a blacked-out roof rack.
Kia upgraded the interior with several new features and a dedicated infotainment system. The new trim has second-row “relaxation seats” to make those long trips a breeze. It even features third-row power reclining seats that can fold up for more space.
The dedicated infotainment has an exclusive cluster theme that is only available on the GT model. Other interior upgrades include a premium Meridian sound system, digital side and center mirrors, and augmented reality navigation.
In addition, Kia added Alcantara sports seats with suede seat backs in the front row and mood lamps on the back for a more premium feel.
The dedicated e-ASD (electric vehicle-Active Sound Design) is one of the coolest new features. Linked to the virtual gear shift system (like Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N), the function emulates the sounds and feel of shifting gears.
The new sporty 3-spoke steering wheel includes an added GT Mode button “so that drivers can enjoy high-performance driving whenever they want.”
Kia launched the EV9 GT in Korea at 88.49 million won ($61,500). It also added a lower-priced “Standard” trim, starting at just 64.12 million won ($44,500). With subsidies, Kia expects the new base model can be purchased for around 61 million won ($42,300).
Following its domestic launch, the EV9 GT will arrive in North America, Europe, and other global markets later this year. Unlike other EV9 models, the GT trim does not qualify for government subsidies.
In the US, the current top-spec EV9 GT-Line starts at $73,900, so expect a slightly higher price tag for the GT model at around $80,000.
Don’t want to wait for the loaded GT trim? In the US, the EV9 is one of the few electric vehicles that still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. With leases starting as low as $399 per month, the three-row electric SUV is hard to pass up. You can use our link to find deals on the Kia EV9 at a dealer near you today.