The forthcoming high-performance Kia EV9 GT electric SUV has been spied during high-speed testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its launch in early 2025.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the Tesla Model X Plaid rival during testing, but it has since dropped some of its thick camouflage allowing us to get a better look at the exterior design changes.
At the front there appears to be a sporty bumper with more air intakes for cooling, plus around the side there are large alloy wheels that are covering huge brakes.
The EV9 GT may share its dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with the EV6 GT.
This smaller model, which is also based on the E-GMP dedicated electric platform, produces 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque. It’s also claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds.
The most powerful EV9 currently is the dual-motor all-wheel drive GT-Line variant which produces 283kW and 600Nm – good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds.
The dual electric motors in the EV9 GT-Line are fed by a 99.8kWh battery pack.
In addition to the extra power, Kia gave the EV6 GT upgraded cooling performance, retuned suspension, and a unique variable gear ratio steering system.
Other notable changes include unique front seats and a range of lime green accents inside and out. Keen-eyed readers will be able to spot the lime green rear brake calipers on this particular spied prototype.
While carmakers are rolling out more electric SUVs, as a large three-row family hauler the EV9 – let alone the upcoming GT – has little in the way of competition.
The Kia EV9 GT will theoretically go up against the Tesl Model X Plaid which is no longer offered in Australia. It produces a total system output of 761kW from its tri-motor all-wheel drive powertrain.
It can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.6 seconds, and features torque vectoring.
The Kia EV9 launched in Australia in late 2023 and will finally get a direct rival later this year – the Hyundai Ioniq 7, which will share the same underpinnings.
It’s unclear if Hyundai plans to do an N version of the Ioniq 7 at this stage.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for context is much more track-focused and slightly more powerful than the EV6 GT.
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