Kia has launched the EV9 flagship electric SUV in Thailand. Available in 2 variants, the Earth Long Range retails at 3.499 million baht (RM462,150), and the top-spec GT-Line AWD is priced at 3.899 million baht (RM514,982).
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The Earth Long Range gets a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 200 hp (149.5 kW) of power and 350 Nm of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. Meanwhile, the GT-Line AWD gets a dual-motor setup with each electric motor delivering 189 hp (141.3 kW) and 350 Nm for a total system output of 379 hp (282.6 kW) and 700 Nm. This enables the GT-Line AWD to do a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.3 seconds and can attain a top speed of 200 km/h.
Both variants have 6 seats configured in a 2-2-2 arrangement and a 99.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. NEDC driving range for the Earth Long Range variant is 680 km while that of GT-Line AWD is 647 km on a single charge. The battery requires 24 minutes to charge from a 10-80% state of charge (SoC) to a peak DC fast charging (CCS2) capacity of 350 kW. The charging times are the same. There is also AC charging (Type 2), which takes 9 hours and 45 minutes to reach the same 10-80% SoC, as well as a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of producing up to 3.58 kW to power electrical accessories and devices.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlamps with high beam assist, decorative LED lighting for the grille, LED taillights, a roof rack, a two-panel sunroof, keyless entry and start, and a powered tailgate with kick sensor. Inside, the Kia EV9 comes with synthetic leather upholstery, powered front seats with heating and ventilation functions, manually adjustable second-row swivel seats, power-folding third-row seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control with second- and third-row vents, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, an 8-speaker sound system, a wireless charging pad and 6 USB ports.
The GT-Line AWD variant improves on the base model by adding 21-inch alloy wheels and the GT-Line external design package. Its interior also receives a makeover, with front seats getting leg cushions and a driver’s seat position recognition system. The second row features relaxation seats that do not swivel but are electrically adjustable and include heating, ventilation, ottoman, and massage functions. The luxury package also includes an electrically adjustable steering wheel, sunshades, metal pedals, and a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
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The safety features of both variants are nearly identical, with the exception that the GT-Line AWD includes a self-leveling rear suspension to keep the vehicle stable when loaded. Aside from this feature, the EV9 comes standard with front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags, as well as the conventional passive systems, such as hill start assist, rear occupant alert, all-around parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor.
The EV9 also boasts active features such as Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist with Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The EV9 in Thailand is fully imported as CBU from South Korea and comes with a 7-year vehicle warranty, an 8-year warranty on the high-voltage battery, free maintenance for 7 years as well as 7 years of roadside assistance.
The 2024 Kia EV9 in Thailand
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