Rumors were counting on 600 HP, but it will ultimately be “only” 501 HP, probably so as not to “burn” the autonomy too much. This nevertheless seems more than sufficient to safely leave a red light or a toll gate.
500 CV and a real fake box
The Kia EV9 GT has been revealed as one of the fastest seven-seaters, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 Km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The electric SUV is equipped with a two-motor unit, with a 215 hp engine mounted on the front axle et another 362 hp at the rearfor a combined power of 501 hp. That’s 123 hp more than the current top model in the EV9 range, the GT-Line S. This makes it faster than the 493 hp Land Rover Defender 130 V8, which hits 100 km/h in 5, 4 seconds. Indeed, the only seven-seater cars faster than the EV9 GT are the Audi SQ7 (which takes 4.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h) and the Tesla Model /h).
In order to really “feel” yourself in a sports car – yes, hope keeps you alive – the EV9 GT benefits from the simulated automatic gearbox and engine sounds from sister brand Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This system can be controlled using steering wheel-mounted paddles, being intended to add a bit of “life” to the electric driving experience.
Some equipment for playing sports
But hey, the EV9 GT is probably not going to tease the Karussel of the Nordschleife or the winding roads of Monte-Carlo. At 2,648 kg in its lighter GT-Line version, it is not strictly speaking a sports car. To improve this, Hyundai has equipped the SUV with a electronic suspensionwhich is a first for an SUV from the Korean brand: the system adjusts its firmness depending on the car’s driving mode. Also added a limited slip differential electronic that distributes power to the wheels with the greatest traction. To unleash the full power of this new version, simply press the “ GT » located on the steering wheel. Once this mode is activated, the damping automatically adjusts to its stiffest level.
The EV9 GT is also equipped with a special set of 21-inch alloy wheels shod with 285mm Continental SportContact tires. Stopping power would have been boosted by the fitment of larger front brakes. Inside, it is distinguished from the standard car by a series of neon green accents, such as on the steering wheel and on the GT-specific sports seats, which are covered in Alcantara and imitation leather. The ambient lighting can also be set to the same green tone.
Kia has yet to announce the EV9 GT’s range, but it will likely be significantly reduced compared to the standard Air variant, which is capable of traveling 561 km between charges. For reference, the existing Kia EV6 GT can travel 423 Kms between charges, compared to 527 Kms for the gentler GT-Line car. According to Kia, the EV9 GT can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes with the 800-volt architecture. In fact, all Kia EV9s will come standard with Tesla’s NACS charging port next year.
