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With the most range is the Light Long Range. It combines the larger 99.8-kWh battery pack with a single motor and manages a range of 304 miles. It also makes 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. At the other end is the regular Light, which gets the smaller 76.1-kWh battery pack instead and goes 230 miles on a charge. It's the only one with that battery. But it is a little lighter on its feet both due to the lower weight and the fact it actually makes slightly more horsepower (215) than the Long Range.
The rest of the lineup falls between 270 and 280 miles of range, and they all feature all-wheel drive thanks to a pair of electric motors. With two motors, output rises to 379 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The GT-Line gets even more torque at 516 pound-feet, which is also available as an option for the Wind and Land trims. The whole lineup is listed below in order from cheapest to most expensive.
Light: 230 miles, RWD, $56,395
Light Long Range: 304 miles, RWD, $60,695
Wind: 280 miles, AWD, $65,395
Land: 280 miles, AWD, $71,395
GT-Line: 270 miles, AWD, $75,395
Like other E-GMP Kia (and Hyundai and Genesis) products, the EV9 has an 800-volt battery pack that supports charging from 350-kW-capable DC chargers. Kia says maximum charging rate for the EV9 is 236 kW. For AC charging, the EV9 can charge at up to 11 kW. All customers will also get a credit for 1,000 kWh of charging from Electrify America stations, and people who reserve an EV9 (for $750) will get a portable car charger. The EV9 will reach dealers later this year.
While I do appreciate that the Kia Ev9 has the same charging rate (236 kW) as Tesla vehicles I feel that the amount of horsepower and torque in the Light RWD (215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque) and Light Long RWD range (201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque) is extremely underwhelming for such a large vehicle. This causes the 0-60 times (9 seconds for the Light and Light Long Range) to be extremely lackluster And while I think the interior looks great, I feel that the exterior leaves a lot to be desired. I"m sure the higher end trims (Wind, Land and Gt-Line) will sell well, because of the size of the vehicle and the six passenger seating along with all of the luxury amenities, I think that Kia needs to improve the range and lower the price before the majority of Americans will consider this vehicle. As for me, I'm willing to hold out for the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and the Genesis GV90 before purchasing my first BEV.
hp is less important than torque in public road driving
Agree...
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
and 258lb ft means it will not feel slow.
...but disagree. I'm not sure 258 lb ft of torque in a vehicle this size and weight will feel like enough. The EV9 is supposed to be in the 5,300 - 5,800 ballpark weight wise. It may feel like "enough" but probably won't feel like it has an abundance of power
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
having said that, i'm amazed my ioniq 5 has very similar torque to my lexus lc500 with huge v8.
The EV instant torque experience is the best. The EQS has way more torque than horsepower. Stock is 590 lb ft of torque but I have the Acceleration Boost which adds 80 horsepower, reduces the 0-60 by 1.0 second, but doesn't mention what the torque figure becomes. Either way, I love the instant wall of torque from the EQS, especially up hills. It FLIES up the steepest hills, it's pretty insane for such a heavy beast.
hp is less important than torque in public road driving and 258lb ft means it will not feel slow.
having said that, i'm amazed my ioniq 5 has very similar torque to my lexus lc500 with huge v8.
Not to mention your electric motor has a flat torque curve that is available at all times, unlike an ICE vehicle.
I tell people these cars are more quick than they are fast; quickness you use all the time.
Not to mention your electric motor has a flat torque curve that is available at all times, unlike an ICE vehicle.
I tell people these cars are more quick than they are fast; quickness you use all the time.
I was having a discussion with one of the senior executives who is a Porsche guy. We were having this very discussion, and he was explaining to me how he would eat my lunch at 150 mph plus. I told him that was all fine and well, but then asked him when was the last time he drove over 100, and he couldn't recall. In the State of California, anything 100 mph and over is reckless driving, and you could possibly have your license suspended. You won't even qualify for traffic school. So IMHO, that argument is moot unless you are on a track, or on the Autobahn.
Anyway back to the Kia EV9...the range is all fine, especially since they support 250 kW charging, but the power is a little underwhelming, but I think for 99.9 percent of people, it's totally fine as this is a family SUV, not a sports car
I only sat in a static model, but I was very impressed with it. Based on the reviews and numbers, it's not going to be the fastest thing, but enough to get out of its own way
I only sat in a static model, but I was very impressed with it. Based on the reviews and numbers, it's not going to be the fastest thing, but enough to get out of its own way
I like the interior of this and I think it's very well laid out - it would be a very practical vehicle for us. I just don't care for the exterior - but I do think these guys (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) are making great cars and one day their EV designs will speak to me. In other news, I also thought that Super Bowl ad was really solid.
10-09-23, 08:48 PM
Kia EV9 Pricing and specs
