[Craggle]

It’s a GT Line plus AWD in blue and is so new it’s being driven on trade plates.

So first and foremost this is a big 7 seater car and can be configured as 5, 6 or 7 seats, I think.

They have the top of the range 7 seater car and I would say unless you have some special need for the 4 seater (with revolving captain seats) I would think the 5 or 7 seater options make the most practical sense.

Plenty of bongs going on and the LKA seemed to be on all the time, but Chloe said it can be turned off in the settings.

There was also an ‘eye’ symbol flashing in the main dashboard and had no idea what that was. I thought maybe it’s attention monitoring. Will check if I can. Skimmed through manual but didn’t see it mentioned.

When I came to lock the car and hand them back I discovered the buttons are on the edge of what is a chunky key fob. Not easy to use at all.

Rear wiper? Well I didn’t see one and can’t see any in pics I took, unless it’s hidden at the top.

Nice in-depth first impressions from a real test-drive, I assume you aren’t a YouTuber paid to test drive it? Would like one but I don’t need a car that big in the foreseeable.

Just to add to what you’ve put and maybe clear up a couple of queries:

Sorry, I’ll get the pedantry out the way first, the model variant is the GT Line S rather than Plus.

All models are 7 seats as standard, there’s no 5 seat option, so you’ll need to wait for the EV5 if you want something similar but a little smaller. As you mentioned you can option the fancy 2nd seats for a 6-seater config, but that’s only available on the top end model - it’s the only optional extra besides paint colour.

LKA has its lovers and haters, there should be a button on the steering wheel to disable it at will, but it’s always on when you start the car. As Chloe told you, it can be disabled in the settings but again doesn’t persist between car starts.

The attention warning icon is usually a hot drink icon, with the ‘take a break’ message. I wonder if the eye icon is showing whether the sensors could see your eyes? You mentioned it was bright out, so maybe it was having a spot of bother with reflections or sudden changes in light intensity hence the flashing?

Buttons on the side of the fob are pretty normal for newer Kia models, might take a little while to adjust the muscle memory but I kind of like it - also with a lot of the newer models with that style fob, you don’t always need to use it as long as it’s in your pocket you may have an unlock button/sensor on the car handle. I see the EV9 also offers digital key as standard across the range so you can use a smartphone instead.

The rear wiper is hidden under the spoiler at the top. I don’t think they’d have been able to get away without one considering how dirty the back of boxy cars get. The roof shape on the EV6 allowed for it to be removed but I don’t think that’s the case here

I think it’ll be interesting to see how many of these start showing up on the roads and at charging spots. I mean it clearly suits a currently under-served market segment, most notably families that need the extra space but will they struggle to justify the pricing?

 

[no_ngins]

Thanks for a great review! Really helpful.

 

[SoFar]

Will be tempted by one of these when the group security issues are resolved and they have depreciated fifty percent!

 

[burnt_crisps2]

Nice in-depth first impressions from a real test-drive, I assume you aren’t a YouTuber paid to test drive it? Would like one but I don’t need a car that big in the foreseeable.

Just to add to what you’ve put and maybe clear up a couple of queries:

Sorry, I’ll get the pedantry out the way first, the model variant is the GT Line S rather than Plus.

All models are 7 seats as standard, there’s no 5 seat option, so you’ll need to wait for the EV5 if you want something similar but a little smaller. As you mentioned you can option the fancy 2nd seats for a 6-seater config, but that’s only available on the top end model - it’s the only optional extra besides paint colour.

LKA has its lovers and haters, there should be a button on the steering wheel to disable it at will, but it’s always on when you start the car. As Chloe told you, it can be disabled in the settings but again doesn’t persist between car starts.

The attention warning icon is usually a hot drink icon, with the ‘take a break’ message. I wonder if the eye icon is showing whether the sensors could see your eyes? You mentioned it was bright out, so maybe it was having a spot of bother with reflections or sudden changes in light intensity hence the flashing?

Buttons on the side of the fob are pretty normal for newer Kia models, might take a little while to adjust the muscle memory but I kind of like it - also with a lot of the newer models with that style fob, you don’t always need to use it as long as it’s in your pocket you may have an unlock button/sensor on the car handle. I see the EV9 also offers digital key as standard across the range so you can use a smartphone instead.

The rear wiper is hidden under the spoiler at the top. I don’t think they’d have been able to get away without one considering how dirty the back of boxy cars get. The roof shape on the EV6 allowed for it to be removed but I don’t think that’s the case here

I think it’ll be interesting to see how many of these start showing up on the roads and at charging spots. I mean it clearly suits a currently under-served market segment, most notably families that need the extra space but will they struggle to justify the pricing?

My usual typos, not sure why I had Plus on my mind, as you say it’s S and corrected in post.
The whole seating across the model was a bit vague on website so thanks for clearing that up.
So glad it’s got a rear wiper, I just forgot to closely inspect And make sure.
No not on YouTube just my halfpenneth while I remembered in the short time you get to look around and see what’s what.

Miles Robert will do something far better soon, I am sure.

 

[sunstoner]

Literally did a U-turn in the road after spotting a blue EV9 parked out front of a cloaed dealership.

Ive been wanting see this in the flesh and I gotta say its ruddy BIG but looks soo good too with its fabulously futuristic boxy shape. Its quite striking from all angles and the design of the 21" wheels on the GT Line S complete the look.

The blue paintwork against the contrasting chunky black body edging works so well too. Id like to see the red paint work too at somepoint.

Like a lot of cars these days, photos online and in magazines as well youtube reviews just dont do this car justice. I hope the design stands the test of time but as of right now it looks so unique and very impressive.

We have a couple of friends who have purchased new Discoverys having needed a large 7 suv but for me an EV9 would be ideal because its uber spacious and stands out against your XC90s, BMW X7, Discoverys and other large 7 seaters and would be a darn site cheaper to run too.

So after a quick walk around I was very impressed indeed. 👏

 

[EV i fi]

Posting this in this thread as yet again there is no specific forum for the Kia EV9.

Kia EV9 review - test drive
Went over to Kia Warwick (Leamington Spa really) today for a 10:30 test drive of the EV9 as they have just got their first demo car available.

It’s a GT Line S AWD in blue and is so new it’s being driven on trade plates.

Checked in and set off for an accompanied drive with Chloe, who it turns out she used to work for Onto until she got made redundant back in the early covid days. Told here they are now in Admin which was news to her, but guess she’s not an avid follower of EV subscription companies or even other EV models as she hadn’t heard of the Fisker Ocean. So enlightened her a bit whilst driving and also heard her viewpoint of Onto.
So first and foremost this is a big 7 seater car and can be configured as 6 or 7 seats, I think.
You need to think mahusive Range Rover Sport territory.
They have the top of the range 7 seater car and I would say unless you have some special need for the 6 seater (with revolving captain seats) I would think the 7 seater options make the most practical sense.

Driving
Turn on EV by pressing button on inner edge of gear selector stalk on right hand side whilst pressing brake pedal as usual.
Adjusted seat, all electric on side of seat base, adjusted rear view mirror and setup steering wheel rake and reach, all electric on left side of steering column.
Did mostly town and some dual carriageway so didn’t get any motorway speed type sections, but it generally was doddle to drive, quiet and comfy and the girls in the back 2nd row of seats found it very pleasant also. In many ways driving the EV9 is similar to the Ioniq5 as it should be because it’s essential a sister company car with shared technology powertrain, flappy paddles, regen and most of the software setup. Plenty of bongs going on and the LKA seemed to be on all the time, but Chloe said it can be turned off in the settings. There was also an ‘eye’ symbol flashing in the main dashboard and had no idea what that was. I thought maybe it’s attention monitoring. Will check if I can. Skimmed through manual but didn’t see it mentioned.
Triple panoramic display is similar to Ioniq5, except that it only has 2 screens with a centre gap. The EV9 has an extra one added in the middle, but it’s hidden by the steering wheel, so not really useable (which is maybe why the Ioniq5 doesn’t have one). It’s the climate control display. There are however physical buttons to do temp and fan speed in the centre so not too bad.
Did the whole test drive in ‘normal’ mode and changed the regen with flappy panels, but used mostly ‘auto’ as prefer that setting in the Ioniq5 as I-pedal although better must be selected each time you use the car, a right pain.

Seats
Very comfortable with good range of adjustment, all electric, including lumbar support, thigh and bolster etc. and having sat in the 2nd and 3rd row they all seem comfortable although can’t say what long drive comfort would be like but can’t see it being any different to the test drive.

Practicality
Loads of cubby holes, space under centre armrest, has a glovebox that is ok size, door bins, cup holders in all rows. Plenty of usb-c connections in lots of places to charge/power devices, wireless phone charging pad in centre console.
The steering wheel heater switch (2 levels) was on the drivers door along with seat position memory, heated and cooled seats (3 levels) and another button which I think is massage seats.
Similar switches in the rear 2nd row for heated and cooled seats in doors, but lcd panel for heating settings in mid roof and there are also a number of vents for 2nd and 3rd row.
Good to see grab handles on all doors, however it still seems that drivers don’t need one, even though some customers do of course. Rear doors had pillar grab and roof grab handles.
I didn’t have time to go through all the settings and modes, but suspect there is a utility/camper mode so it’s more than capable of being used as a double bed with all the seats folded flat.
I like the front headrest design which allows better forward visibility for rear passengers.
Key fobs. When I came to lock the car and hand them back I discovered the buttons are on the edge of what is a chunky key fob. Not easy to use at all.
Rear wiper? Well I didn’t see one and can’t see any in pics I took, unless it’s hidden at the top.
HUD worked well and clearly visible. Only showing actual speed, but suspect it needed items turning on in settings to get other data showing.
Full size sunvisors with mirrors, unlike Fisker Ocean. Had to use them as it was very sunny and cold outside of course.
Roof rails, so easy to fit cross bars and roof box etc.
Didn’t see any mounts for a dog/load guard but suspect there is one available.

Boot
It’s not only a good size, but flat load lip, underneath storage for charging cable and amazingly the detachable load cover fits in there too. Yeh, well done Kia.
And of course you can fold the 3rd and 2nd row of seats down to end up with a huge estate car.
The 3rd row of seats are electric powered so press a button and motor down or up., whereas the 2nd row are press and they flap down in one quick swoosh, but you need to manually unhook and pull back up into position. The 2nd row also have quite a huge range of fore and aft range of movement and the seat backs can be reclined by a large amount too.
There is also a 3pin U.K. power socket in the boot side panel.

Tyres
Oh well no surprise it came fitted with ‘summer’ tyres which are hopeless below 7degC.
When are manufacturers going to learn that they need to fit ‘all season’ tyres as standard for the U.K.
Fitted with Continental Premium Contact C 285/45/R21 V XL ‘summer’ tyres
So not surprisingly I took it easy on the test drive as grip, stopping distances are vastly reduced at it was 1 or 2degC.
Kia even state this is their user manuals…
“If the temperature is below 7°C or you are driving on snowy or icy roads, the summer tires lose their brake performance and traction as the tire grip weakens significantly.”

Frunk
I originally wrote this… It has one, but getting the bonnet open means you have to yank a plastic cover panel off in the nearside footwell, which is crazy. I thought I had broken it, it was so tightly in place.
…But having checked my pics I now realise that there is a button to open it, with 2 presses, so what I found was an emergency manual release, presumably to get at 12v battery if it fails as no doubt you can’t open the bonnet if it’s low/failed.
Once open it’s a reasonable space for few things, does have a light inside and the V2L adapter was stored in there.
Not quite as bad as the Fisker Ocean which involves prising off and carefully removing the front plastic section and unscrewing 2 bolts. It’s a service engineer only access and no frunk.

Overall
I was generally impressed with the comfort, quietness, build quality and all the equipment fitted, including pillar door grab handles and rear side pull up sun blinds, the 2 sunroofs too. Oddly the front one has a manual cover so the driver or front passenger can easily push open but the rear one is a push button above the rear view mirror, so rear passengers can’t operate on their own.
In many ways it drives like an Ioniq5, including all the regen flappy paddle modes and switch gear layout and meaning. It’s just that much bigger, but still manoeuvrable and easy to park as I reversed it back into a slot next to some cones and in and out the usual cramped garage parking areas.
If there is a need to carry 6/7 passengers and/or 5 passengers with lots of other luggage/or dogs, then this is likely the EV you need, unless you are waiting for the Range Rover EV, which will have exemplary off road ability. The Kia EV9 has some off road ability too, but no idea how good that would be, but likely with good ‘all season’ tyres is more than man enough for most of the U.K. and some country tracks etc.
Don’t expect the range and efficiency to be good as it’s a huge heavy car with 100kW battery, but will at least be quick off the mark, charge fast and get on with the job.
In terms of the EV9 vs. The Fisker Ocean. I loved the look of the FOO (Fisker Ocean One) the drive, the efficiency, but it’s not a mature product line the Kia offering, but give it 6 months or so and I think they will have got the software in a much better place to make it more practical.

Value for money.
£65,000 to £77,000 is a lot of money for a car, (but it’s an upmarket Kia), but Fisker is £36900 for base model and mid to top models are £50,000 to £61,000
Guess it depends a lot on what your must have requirements are and what compromises you are willing to accept.
New Range Rover EV is likely to cost £130,000 so very much… ouch 😣 territory.

Owners user manual here…
https://www.kia.com/content/dam/kwcms/au/en/files/owners-manual/ev9/kia-ev9-owners-manual-my24.pdf

Thanks for the review.

I've been looking at the EV9 as a replacement for our Seat Alhambra 7 seater diesel. I need more ground clearance than most EVs offer, and AWD.

I test drove a GT-Line S 6 seater this week and, like you, I thought the HUD was very clear but spartan. I explored the menu to see if it was customisable.

In so doing, I realised it just needed adjusting to suit my line-of-sight.

Once done, an extra tier of info was visible above the basic speed and lane info. This included sat nav info and various active driving assist modes.

The car is so customisable that I feel an extended test drive is needed to get a proper feel and to set it all up.

I'd like to try auto park assist and the "summon" ability (salesman showed it to me briefly and it did work but we were in the open.)

The "autopilot" was good on the motorway; I'd like to try it in traffic jam as that is a feature I like about my Tesla.

It charged pretty fast (180kw without preconditioning at 11C) on a new Gridserve unit.

It's a shame they are hamstrung at Tesla SC by their "800v" architecture workaround.

The Captain's seats in the middle row are nice but I'm not convinced by the function of the calf support (can't recline enough to make it relevant unless v short legs.)

It was impressive and a pleasure for the 1hr I had it.

It's currently top of a very short shortlist to replace my Tesla LR M3 lease (it will be a lease) but I may just go to a Y on the basis that I am going need the extra seats of the EV9 less and less (oldest kids flying nest soon...?!) Model Y LR will be cheaper and has the Tesla SC network that I now take foregranted. Shame about the ground clearance.

Incidentally, I did not think it was that big, though watching the salesperson manoeuvre it out of the showroom was hair-raising :

 

[Paul4A]

I saw one in the flesh last month at the local Kia dealer and thought it massive. It certainly looks as if it fits in the too big to park in the UK category. There was another article on BBC breakfast this morning about how cars have gotten too big.

 

[sunstoner]

I saw one in the flesh last month at the local Kia dealer and thought it massive. It certainly looks as if it fits in the too big to park in the UK category. There was another article on BBC breakfast this morning about how cars have gotten too big.

Nearly every UK review Ive watched have mentioned how massive it is.

Im pretty sure its a whole inch longer and nearly an inch wider too than our recently owned VW California campervan and that was to be lived in! 😁

For comparison the EV9 is around 15cm shorter, 2cm narrower and about 4cm lower than a BMW X7. So yes its big but there are bigger still on our roads.

Ive seen it at our local dealers and yes its big but it does look good in the flesh. Really stands out.

 

[howserb]

So did anyone actually buy one or are we to assume that this is a massive white elephant for KIA in the UK? I live in a fairly affluent area where every other car seems to be an EV with a mix of Taycans, Tesla Y, Etrons and then there's the yummy mummy mix of new Range Rovers or Defenders on the school run, but since its launch I've seen literally one EV9 actually on the road locally and zero on longer trips.

Obviously it launched into a massive headwind of high interest rates, inflation and anti EV sentiment, right as the market was shifting into accelerated sales decline, and for a KIA it is still too expensive for either lease or pcp compared to competitors, plus despite the COTY plaudits....overall owner sentiment globally seems to be that its a bit half baked with plenty of niggles to iron out!

Can we expect to see some serious deals on these in the near future to fill orders or will lack of sales lead to a lack of availability, as it seems the auto trader inventory doesn't suggest there's many in the country and that sales of those that are will be hard to come by for the dealers sat on them.

 

[Mostalive]

So did anyone actually buy one or are we to assume that this is a massive white elephant for KIA in the UK? I live in a fairly affluent area where every other car seems to be an EV with a mix of Taycans, Tesla Y, Etrons and then there's the yummy mummy mix of new Range Rovers or Defenders on the school run, but since its launch I've seen literally one EV9 actually on the road locally and zero on longer trips.

Obviously it launched into a massive headwind of high interest rates, inflation and anti EV sentiment, right as the market was shifting into accelerated sales decline, and for a KIA it is still too expensive for either lease or pcp compared to competitors, plus despite the COTY plaudits....overall owner sentiment globally seems to be that its a bit half baked with plenty of niggles to iron out!

Can we expect to see some serious deals on these in the near future to fill orders or will lack of sales lead to a lack of availability, as it seems the auto trader inventory doesn't suggest there's many in the country and that sales of those that are will be hard to come by for the dealers sat on them.

There is one down the lane from me, and I have seen a few in Belgium.

 

[sunstoner]

So far, I've seen just 1 black one on the opposite side of the A1, here in the UK.

I really like the thing and I actually like its almost utilitarian build in and out, but I gotta say even though I know just how this makes me sound, for £80k im not splashing for that badge and if its the 7 seats I need then Im getting a Discovery or a some other make and model that makes me feel like getting a higher quality product of near £100k.

Its a heck of a lump of cash, when no doubt there will be a more efficient, bigger battery model just around the corner.

I appreciate ICE cars suffer this too but the technology in EVs is improving at a huge rate, and id feel my shiney new EV9 would be worth pennies after a relatively short while.

But I am very tempted though but these thoughts do hold me back somewhat.

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

Passed a red one on the A55 the other day.

 

[J2T2]

My local dealer has sold two and expects perhaps half a dozen sales a year. He sees it as a halo model and a statement of how far Kia has stretched their brand.
The EV9 is really for the USA where it will be regarded as compact no doubt 🤣

 

[EV-olution]

If anyone is interested in seeing an honest review of the EV9, I posted one on my channel this morning.

 

[Favguy]

Went to see one of these yesterday. It's absolutely huge, longer and wider than my last Model S, which was a handful sometimes due to size, but very nice indeed.

I'm not interested in buying one at the current huge price, but give it 2 years or so and at 45% of original price, I'd be very tempted.

 

[sunstoner]

Went to see one of these yesterday. It's absolutely huge, longer and wider than my last Model S, which was a handful sometimes due to size, but very nice indeed.

I'm not interested in buying one at the current huge price, but give it 2 years or so and at 45% of original price, I'd be very tempted.

I nipped into our local dealers last week to have a look at a red EV9 GT-Line S. Its lovely motor with ample everything tbh.

The sales guy said that we could pick any colour or any spec and they could get one within 2 weeks as they got plenty in stock. Said he could do a GT Line S for £75k off the bat. I wasnt in bartering mode nor was I lookig to buy so didnt try push him on the price. However what I will say is there was plenty top spec EV9s with little miles on them for about £70k and a little under that on autotrader and I've seen few with around 5000 thousand miles on'em for around £65k too.

I agree with the price. Nudging £80k new just seems a touch steep to me but as you say, they'll be a great motor to own in 12-18months time. I will keep my eye on these for sure.