Kia's EV9 has already made a solid name for itself by being a great daily driver and an excellent proposal in the large zero-emission crossover game. Thus, we expect the upcoming GT to elevate its coolness further, especially since it will be the series' punchiest and most agile version.
Spied testing in a premiere in northern Sweden, where the engineers responsible for the fine-tuning phase were likely observing how the extreme cold affects multiple components, the Kia EV9 GT will look a bit sportier than the lesser models.
We'd ignore the thick camouflage fitted to this prototype if we were you, as the design won't be as radical as suggested. Instead, the Korean automaker will likely give it a few revisions at the front and rear ends and probably an exclusive set of wheels (or more) spinning around the lime green brake calipers.
Does this recipe sound familiar? That is because it is expected to stay true to the smaller EV6 GT, which doesn't look that different compared to the regular versions. And we didn't mention the EV6 GT for nothing, as some outlets believe the upcoming EV9 GT might use the same powertrain.
If that is indeed the case, then look for a bi-motor assembly, with the front one generating 214 hp (218 ps/160 kW) and the rear one producing 362 hp (367 ps/270 kW). The Kia EV6 GT's total system output is 576 horsepower (585 ps/430 kW), and it has 546 pound-foot (740 Nm) of torque to play with.
Photo: SH Proshots
According to the spec sheet, completing the zero to sixty-two miles per hour (0-100 kph) sprint takes three and a half seconds. Nevertheless, since it is larger and therefore heavier, the EV9 GT will be slower, assuming it packs this powertrain, perhaps adding a couple of tenths to the acceleration time. The top speed might be identical at 162 mph (260 kph).
Kia's EV6 GT uses a 77.4 kWh battery pack that enables an EPA-estimated range of 218 miles or 351 kilometers (263 miles/424 km on the WLTP cycle). As a result, the EV9 GT will be able to travel less on a full charge if it also features this battery.
We wouldn't look for any significant upgrades on the inside other than perhaps a pair of bucket seats up front, exclusive upholstery and trim, and maybe dedicated submenus in the dual-screen layout.
Kia has confirmed that the EV9 GT will debut in early 2025, and we expect it to be a 2026 model when it launches in the United States. Chances are it will exceed the $80k mark, given that the current range-topper, the GT-Line, starts at $73,900 before destination. The smaller EV6 GT has an MSRP of $61,600.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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