New Kia EV9 - very big, very roomy and quite expensive!

I have just returned from the Irish press launch of the new Kia EV9 and I can tell you initial impressions are very good indeed.

If my first drive is anything to go by the new Kia EV9 is going to find favour with buyers here in Ireland. Designed from the outset as a luxury electric SUV the new Kia EV9 is a very large boldly styled family vehicle that is pure electric and claims a very good range between recharges of some 560km.

Two models are available here the EV9 Earth costing from €77,500 and the EV9 GT Line costing from €85,500.

Now before we all get too excited I need to remind everyone that once again while the motor industry has stepped up to the mark by producing these electric cars we in Ireland are way behind in terms of an adequate charging infrastructure.

Furthermore, remember the carbon footprint of most EVs is often greater than their petrol or diesel equivalent, (over the whole life of the vehicle due to the materials and energy required to produce them) and as of recently the cost to charge at public charge points is rising rapidly. Also as most of our electricity is still not generated from renewable sources an EV is not as “green” as some would like you to believe.

So be sure of your reasons for purchasing a battery-powered electric vehicle.

Ok that’s that so what of the new EV9?

I will have a full road test in the coming months but for now this report is based on a relatively short run behind the wheel at the Irish Press Launch in Co Kildare.

First of all, I like the rather square bold style. Some might say its big and brash and I suppose it is really but that said it does look good.

Slip inside and the futuristic theme continues with two large screens one for the driver and one centrally mounted but they blend into one sweeping across half the width of the huge cabin. This is a full seven seater and the cabin is truly massive inside. Individual ‘captains’ chairs adorn the second row of seating while the third row though obviously smaller could accommodate teenagers or smaller children with ease.

There are very nicely designed touch sensitive buttons for the climate control situated below the main screen. Lots of USB and USBC charge ports front and rear, a lovely stereo system and tonnes of storage space.

Quality feels and looks good too. I like the mood lighting and while the eco-friendly faux leather does not feel or smell like the real deal it does look very well. I have to say it all feels and looks very impressive.

In terms of space its vast! The rear is absolutely huge with masses of legroom. The seats are very comfortable and the boot which is accessed via the electric rear tailgate is very good too.

I really liked the way it gets down the road. It's quick, smooth and very quiet. Power comes from a 99.8kWh battery paired with an electric motor producing 203 PS. I did not have a chance to test the real range yet but 450 km plus seems realistic. A full road test will reveal if the 500KM plus claimed is achievable on a cold winter week.

So initial impressions are though quite expensive and therefore pitching it against the likes of BMW and Mercedes to name but a few, it's an impressive entry into the luxury segment.

A full road test will follow in the coming months.