The Kia EV9 is amazing an electric SUV with seven seats

Admire and discover the new Kia EV9 , the electric SUV that the PHP Rent a Car Airport Cluj Napoca office believes redefines the standards of elegance and efficiency in the automotive world! This impressive seven-seater from South Korean innovation is preparing to conquer the electric SUV market , competing directly with the famous Tesla Model X, Audi Q8 E-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Volkswagen ID Buzz , Volvo EX90 and BMW iX .

Originally unveiled as the Kia EV9 concept at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, this SUV represents a new direction for Kia, sharing the E-GMP platform with its cousins, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its imposing dimensions, comparable to the of a Range Rover or Audi Q7 , offers the possibility to opt for a configuration of six or seven seats.

The six-seat configuration, called "executive", transforms the interior into a meeting space on wheels, by being able to rotate the middle seats to create an environment conducive to discussions. On the other hand, the most popular seven-seat variant adopts a traditional family SUV configuration, offering a row of sliding center seats and two pop-up seats from the boot floor for when seven passengers are being carried. With the EV9 , Kia steps into uncharted territory and asserts itself as a serious player in the electric SUV market , bringing a revolutionary and sustainable approach to the automotive world.

 

The exterior design of the new Kia EV9 is a visual symphony, a bold expression of creativity, inspired by nature and framed by the distinctive philosophy called " Opposites United". Similar to the award-winning Kia EV6 , this SUV redefines aesthetics with clean lines and solid geometry, completing an imposing SUV profile. At the front, distinctive features include the latest version of the 'Digital Tiger Face' design, an iconic element of the Kia brand. The vertical headlights, powered by LED technology, delight the eye through the thin projection of the lens, or for the GT-line variant , through small cubic projections. The front of the car gives an aggressive and modern look, keeping the brand's unmistakable identity.

At the back, the design continues to surprise, with a unique LED graphic that represents a star map. Automatic retractable door handles and active air flaps, integrated into a fluid design, add a futuristic and aerodynamic look, completing an innovative aesthetic picture. The 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, equipped with a distinctive rectangular design element, add an element of sophistication and individuality. Available in a brilliant color palette from Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl to Flare Red and Pebble Gray, the EV9 stands out in the crowd.

The front design, called digital tiger face, without false grille, gives a feeling of solidity and modernity. The optical illusion created by the vertical headlights and thin daytime running lights suggest an impressive width of the car. A unique detail is represented by the twinkling stars, officially known as "star maps ", which shine through the laser engravings in the EV9 's body panels . Their design can be changed through the infotainment system according to your mood. This unique detail will become a familiar element on future electric Kia models. So we can see that the exterior design of the Kia EV9 is bold, innovative and truly captivating. Distinctive elements and attention to detail show a bold approach to the evolution of automotive design, and the ability to customize star maps brings a touch of authenticity and connection with the driver. It is an electric SUV that not only impresses, but also enters a new era of automotive aesthetics.

The generous interior of the new Kia EV9 is a combination of style, technology and accessories that stand out with pleasant visual and tactile touches. However, interior quality is a mixed story, considering the price but still offering a comfortable and spacious experience. The cabin impresses at first sight, with two generous screens with a diameter of 31 centimeters for the instrument display and the infotainment system, separated by a touch screen with a diameter of 13 centimeters for the climate settings. However, the design of the climate control screen seems a bit confusing as the PHP Rent a Car Cluj airport company noticed that it is hidden from the driver's perspective behind the steering wheel, and the presence of physical buttons for changing the temperature adds an element of clutter, which is why we prefer only traditional buttons for climate adjustment.

The large screens are clear and easy to use, providing nice tactile feedback when you press the desired icon, which is useful while driving. However, the quality of the materials is varied. The soft headliner and the top and center of the dashboard are pleasant to the touch, but certain areas lower down in the cabin are made of plastics that don't convey a luxury feel throughout the cabin, in contrast to the BMW iX's more premium interior . All trims get welcome standard equipment such as heated and ventilated front and middle row seats, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Smoked rear windows, dual-zone air conditioning and second-row window blinds are standard on every EV9 .

In terms of space and practicality, the EV9 impresses with numerous storage spaces, but some of them, such as the door pockets, are not lined with felt, which is why the stored things will make noises while driving. An expansive display area dominates the cabin, offering plenty of space for both passengers and luggage. The driving position is excellent, offering a high and clear view of the road. However, for those with longer legs, the steering wheel can't come close enough. The center section has generous storage space, with cup holders that can be folded down to create more space, and a large floor-level box between the front seats. The boot is also generously sized and the front bench seat is electrically adjustable. Although spaces for storing small items are not as practical, overall the interior is well organized.

The experience in the second row of seats depends on the choice between the six- or seven-seat configuration. In the six-seater variant, available only on the GT-Line S model, passengers benefit from seats that can be rotated and placed in various positions. This configuration provides easy access to the rear seat and allows for a four-passenger conference-style arrangement. However, knee room is limited in this position and adjusting the seats can be a challenge. In the seven-seater variant, the rear seat is split 60:40 and moves on rails to allow adjustment of legroom for second and third row passengers.

As for the boot, the Kia EV9 offers 333 liters of space with all three rows of seats in place, a plus compared to the Volvo EX90 . With the rear seats folded down, the PHP Rent a Car Airport Cluj Napoca agency informs you that the space increases to an impressive volume of 828 liters, surpassing models such as the Audi Q8 e-tron and the BMW iX . However, the Tesla Model X remains the leader with a volume of 987 liters. It is useful that the boot shelf can be stored under the floor when all seven seats are in use. However, the lack of a dedicated space for charging cables is a slight annoyance, as they need to be stored in the front storage area under the hood.

The Kia EV9 places particular emphasis on the comfort of third-row passengers, offering two USB-C ports and a cup holder. The space behind the two rows is more generous in the six-seater compared to the seven-seater, thanks to the greater space between the seats. Thus we can say that the Kia EV9 SUV offers a spacious and well-equipped interior, with some design choices and material quality that can be subjective. However, it stands out for its attention to detail and configuration options that make it versatile and practical for various passenger needs.

The Kia EV9 offers an on-road experience that mostly impresses, bringing together comfort and performance, but not without a few caveats. Around town, the EV9 's massive size becomes apparent, and maneuvering in tight spaces could be a challenge thanks to the fairly wide turning circle. However, 360-degree view cameras come to the rescue when dealing with city obstacles such as width restrictions. Light steering makes city driving enjoyable, and overall comfort is notable, except for some bumps that can send vibrations through the cabin.

On the highway, the suspension becomes smoother at higher speeds, and the extremely comfortable seats contribute to a relaxing driving experience. However, the noise from the large wheels can penetrate the cabin, but without becoming disturbing. The impressive performance of the all-wheel drive version makes acceleration and overtaking a pleasure, and the automatic brake regeneration feature adds extra efficiency on the highway.

On winding roads, the Kia EV9 does not hide its large dimensions, offering a feeling of volume in rural traffic. However, in the curves, the car pleasantly surprises with its grip and engine power, providing a quite entertaining experience. The softer suspension can generate a slight sway on bumpy roads, which can affect passengers in case of over-enthusiastic driving. The Kia EV9 stands out for its comfort and impressive performance, especially on the highway and in linear driving conditions. However, in the urban environment and on narrow roads, its dimensions can create some challenges, and the softer suspension may not be to everyone's taste, especially in more dynamic driving conditions. Overall, it is a capable electric SUV that meets the varied demands of drivers.

The Kia EV9 comes with two engine options, both equipped with a huge 99.8 kWh battery. One aspect worth mentioning is that each car comes with a heat pump as part of the standard package, a feature that improves the efficiency of the electric vehicle. The first option is a model with a single 203-horsepower engine that drives the rear wheels. It is the less powerful of the two options, but the result is that it has the longest range of 560 km with an efficiency of 18 kWh per 100 km.

Customers who want more performance can choose the GT line model with all-wheel drive and two engines, which offers almost double the performance of 378 horsepower and still a respectable range of 500 km. However, achieving this autonomy might be difficult, because during the tests carried out by the PHP Rent a Car Cluj Napoca Airport Avram Iancu office, a high consumption of 27 kWh per 100 km was obtained and this is far from the official figure of 20 kWh 100 km and would result in a range of around 370 km, although a range of 400 km should be reasonably achievable in warmer temperatures.

Other alternatives will offer similar ranges for their high-battery versions, with the Volvo EX90 and BMW iX promising around 600km and the Audi Q8 e-tron having 530km in official testing but in real-world driving conditions, as well as EV9 , will have lower autonomy. Regardless of your choice, both models support fast charging of up to 210kW, meaning the batteries charge from 10% to 80% in around 24 minutes, plenty of time for passengers to stretch their legs and eat in the meantime what is waiting We think the wide range of engine options and impressive range, at least in lab tests, make the Kia EV9 a solid choice among electric SUVs . The availability of a standard heat pump and fast charging speeds add extra efficiency and practicality to the package. However, it is important to note that actual range may vary depending on driving and usage conditions.

The Kia EV9 enters the Romanian market with a starting price of 72,000 euros for the rear-wheel drive Earth model. If you choose the EV9 variant Earth with all-wheel drive, the price starts from 76,000 euros, while the EV9 version The GT Line with all-wheel drive is priced at 82,000 euros. The most expensive variant of the range, the EV9 GT Line with six seats, starts from 83,000 euros.

Even though the EV9 is Kia's top model and cannot be considered a bargain, its prices are significantly lower than those of its competitors, such as the Volvo EX90 and the Tesla Model X. At this price, the models offered by BMW can be considered The iX and Audi Q8 e-tron, while not seven-seaters, offer a more distinctive interior feel.

However, when we look at the overall space and technology on offer compared to other similar cars at this price, a starting price of 72 thousand lei seems quite reasonable. It's a surprising prospect considering Kia's evolution over the last decade and shows that the brand has managed to establish itself in the luxury segment as well, offering an attractive price-quality ratio.

Kia's warranty for its electric models reflects the manufacturer's commitment to the quality and reliability of electric vehicles. Here are warranty details for Kia electric models, including the Kia EV9 :

Electric Vehicles (EV) / Hybrid Systems ( HEV / PHEV )

• Period: 1-36 months from the date of delivery with no mileage limit.
• Extended period: 37-84 months or within 150,000 km.

Battery

• Period: Kia offers an extended electric vehicle (EV) battery warranty, providing coverage over an extended period of time. Specific details about the period and mileage covered by the warranty may vary by region and model.

Other components and services

• Paint: 60 months from the date of delivery or 150,000 km.
• Anti-puncture : 144 months without limit of kilometers.
• Spare parts / Accessories: 24 months from the date of purchase.
• Accumulator (non EV / HEV / PHEV ): 24 months without limit of kilometers.
• Audio system (including video): 1-36 months within 100,000 kilometers.
• Commercial purpose: 1-84 months within 150,000 kilometers.

This extended warranty covers a wide range of components and services, giving Kia EV owners confidence in the reliability and performance of their cars.

In conclusion, the Kia EV9 represents a significant step in the evolution of electric vehicles, offering an impressive combination of space, technology and performance. With a bold design inspired by the " Opposites United" philosophy, this electric SUV brings a new perspective to the world of green cars.

Kia's extended warranty for electric models, including the vehicle's battery, underlines the manufacturer's confidence in the reliability and durability of their cars. In addition, the innovative approach to exterior and interior design, along with advanced functionality, puts the Kia EV9 in direct competition with other leading electric SUVs on the market.

Although the prices reflect the premium status of this model, the PHP Rent a Car Cluj company believes that the ratio between quality and price is considered fair, especially considering the level of technology and the generous space offered. The Kia EV9 is aimed not only at electric vehicle enthusiasts, but also at families or those looking for an electric SUV with outstanding performance.

Finally, the Kia EV9 establishes itself as an attractive choice in the electric SUV segment , redefining the standards of comfort, efficiency and innovation in the automotive industry.

 

We invite you to rent a car from the fleet of the PHP Rent a Car office in the premises of the Avram Iancu airport in Cluj Napoca.

For NON-STOP reservations please contact us:

0752.012.012
office@phprentacar.ro