Kia debuted its upcoming 2026 EV9 GT on the LA Auto Present this morning, with upgraded horsepower for this massive 3-row SUV – and promised NACS assist as properly.
The Kia EV9 has helped propel Kia to new heights, with spectacular gross sales within the US for the comparatively high-priced mannequin (for what has typically been thought of a finances model).
However the EV9 has solely been out for a few 12 months now, and it’s already getting a brand new improve with a high-performance GT model.
The EV9 GT was proven off this morning on the LA Auto Present, with improved horsepower and 0-60 time and new digital suspension, the primary time it has appeared on a Kia SUV.
The EV9 GT ups energy to 501hp, fairly a leap from the 379hp on the present top-spec GT-Line EV9 mannequin (sure, GT and GT-Line are completely different trim ranges, and sure, that’s complicated). That is cut up right into a 160kW motor in entrance and 270kW motor within the rear.
This is sufficient to push the three-row SUV to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, down from the 5.0 second mark on the present top-spec EV9.
Different efficiency enchancment embrace an electronically managed suspension which permits for damper adjustment, making for a sportier or softer journey primarily based in your drive mode; bigger entrance brakes to assist handle all that additional energy; and an digital restricted slip differential for improved cornering on the edges of grip (although I actually should notice that, although high-powered EVs are fast and enjoyable, a ~6,000lb automobile actually will not be a sportscar regardless of how you narrow it).
The GT will include unique design components as properly, like neon inexperienced brake calipers, some matching inexperienced inside accents, a GT-exclusive steering wheel, and extra closely bolstered sport seats.
Just like the refreshed EV6 GT introduced at this time, the EV9 GT will acquire entry to Kia’s “Digital Gear Shift” characteristic. This characteristic “enhances driving immersion by simulating gear shifts with visuals, engine sound results, and a tactile sensation by way of motor torque adjustment.”
It mainly simulates the sensation of driving a handbook gasoline automobile, moderately than an EV – so in trade for making your automobile objectively slower, you may get some foolish noises and have a extra difficult driving expertise.
Kia’s sister firm Hyundai launched an analogous characteristic on the Ioniq 5 N, and once I tried it there I anticipated to hate it. Whereas I nonetheless do assume it’s foolish and pointless and most of the people will depart it off more often than not, I used to be impressed by how far Hyundai took it (to the purpose the place you possibly can’t even go previous 20mph in “first gear” – the automobile will simply whine at you and make you upshift first). We haven’t gotten to strive it out within the EV9 but, however I’m anticipating it will likely be an analogous expertise. If nothing else, it’s a enjoyable celebration trick.
However don’t get too excited, as a result of it’s not accessible immediately – in contrast to the refreshed EV6, you’ll have to attend till the 2026 mannequin 12 months for the EV9 GT. Kia says that it’ll arrive within the “latter half of 2025,” and that it will likely be assembled in Korea, moderately than in its Georgia manufacturing unit the place it began EV9 manufacturing simply final month.
Kia additionally introduced at this time that the EV6 will likely be assembled in Georgia – however that GT fashions can be assembled in Korea. So it’s no shock that the EV9 GT may also see Korea manufacturing, and lower-spec fashions should proceed to be inbuilt Georgia (or possibly not, given information this week about Kia pulling again manufacturing plans).
And in addition just like the refreshed EV6, the EV9 GT will include a local NACS port, permitting direct connection to Tesla Superchargers with out an adapter. Kia says each EV9 will come commonplace with NACS “beginning within the first half of 2025.”
We additionally don’t but know pricing for the EV9 GT, however given the worth premium the EV6 GT instructions, we count on it’ll begin within the excessive 70s.
To get extra specifics on the EV9, Electrek will likely be roaming across the LA Auto Present at this time, testing the latest of what Kia has to supply, and we’ll replace you if we discover out something new.
If you happen to’d like, you possibly can use our affiliate hyperlink to get in contact along with your native sellers in regards to the Kia EV9… although you’ll be ready a number of months if you wish to get the GT mannequin.
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