The Kia EV9 GT Line S is Kia’s electric flagship.
It is big, capable and packed with clever tech. I ran it for a full week thanks to Kia and filmed an in-depth road test for the Rivervale YouTube channel. After long runs to London and a coastal round trip between Brighton and Folkestone, it left a strong mark. It looks impressive on the road, drives with real confidence and offers true family-friendly space. A few small niggles showed up, but nothing that dents what is one of the most convincing large electric SUVs you can lease today.
Headline numbers
- Price from about £65,000 to over £78,000
- Trim tested GT Line S
- Battery 99.8 kWh
- Power 378 bhp (all wheel drive)
- Range up to 313 miles WLTP
- Charging up to 350 kW DC
- Seats seven as standard with an optional six seat lounge-style layout
- On sale & available to lease or contract hire now
- A strong option for business users because of low Benefit in Kind
First look
This is Kia’s flagship and it shows. The bold front design, sharp surfacing and tall stance give it real presence. In the metal it attracts a similar reaction to a Range Rover. Many drivers seem to be switching to the EV9 for the electric range and lower tax costs. After a week of living with it, I can see why. You feel like you are driving something special, without the price tag of the traditional luxury brands.
Design and cabin
The cabin is modern and very calm. There is a triple screen setup that feels clear and uncluttered. Materials feel solid, although a few areas lean more towards practical than luxury. It still feels premium overall.
The seats are excellent. Heated, ventilated and with a massage option for the driver. There is loads of adjustment and the driving position is high with very good visibility. I did not bond with the digital rear view mirror, but you can switch to a standard mirror which I preferred.
Space and practicality
Space is one of the EV9’s biggest strengths.
Third row
The third row is genuinely usable. Adults can fit for short or medium journeys and children will be comfortable for longer trips. There are cupholders, USB C ports, ISOFIX and even recline adjustment. Access is easy thanks to a smooth sliding second row.
Six seat version
The optional six seat layout in the GT Line S adds a clever twist. Two captain’s chairs replace the bench and can swivel to face the third row. They also slide to create huge legroom. It feels like a lounge and is ideal for long family trips.
Boot and storage
- 333 litres with all seats up
- 828 litres with the third row folded
- More than 2,300 litres with both rows down
- A useful frunk for cables or muddy boots
On the road
For a large SUV, the EV9 is a surprise. It feels planted and reassuring on the motorway. It stays quiet at speed and the suspension smooths out rough roads well. Steering is light in town but has enough weight at speed. Tyre noise is noticeable on very coarse surfaces, which is common in large electric SUVs.
Handling
The standout is how well it handles bends. You can confidently throw it into corners. The all wheel drive system and low centre of gravity keep everything controlled. You do feel the weight, but it never feels clumsy. Kia has done a very good job with the chassis.
Braking
The braking performance is strong although the handover between regenerative braking and friction braking can feel slightly abrupt. It is a small quirk rather than a problem.
Range and charging
In winter temperatures of around six degrees, real world range was consistently about fifty miles below the WLTP number. I still saw between 250 and 265 miles, which is absolutely fine for family and business use.
Charging times vary depending on the charger.
- On a 50 kW charger, 10 to 80 percent took about one hour thirty.
- On a 350 kW charger, Kia quotes roughly twenty four minutes.
If you find the right infrastructure, the EV9 can charge very quickly.
Trims and pricing
The GT Line S sits near the top of the range and gives you the full equipment list. More affordable trims like Air offer the best range, but GT Line S adds more tech, premium audio, more driver aids and larger wheels.
Against rivals, the EV9 stacks up well on space, equipment and running costs.
Rivals to consider
- Volvo EX90
- BMW iX
- Range Rover PHEV (for drivers moving slowly into EV ownership)
Who should lease one
The EV9 is ideal for families who need full seven seat practicality and a sizeable boot. It is also a very strong choice for business owners who want a premium electric SUV with very low Benefit in Kind. If you are moving from a diesel Discovery or Range Rover, the EV9 gives you comfort, refinement and very easy day to day usability.
Verdict
The Kia EV9 GT Line S is one of the most impressive electric SUVs I have driven. Huge space, smooth performance, loads of tech and a calm cabin. It is not the cheapest and slow chargers make charging feel long, but the overall package more than makes up for it. It is a serious alternative to the traditional premium brands and shows how far Kia has come.
Explore the best Kia EV9 Lease Deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia EV9 worth it?
Yes. Strong performance, a premium feel and proper seven seat space make it easy to recommend for families and business users.
What is the real world range?
Expect between 250 and 265 miles in cool weather.
How long does it take to charge?
About twenty four minutes from 10 to 80 percent on a high power charger. About ninety minutes on a 50 kW charger.
Is it a good family car?
Yes. Three usable rows, multiple ISOFIX points, a huge boot and loads of storage.
Can adults sit in the third row?
Yes for shorter journeys. It is perfect for children on longer trips.
What is the difference between the six and seven seat layouts?
The six seat version has two captain’s chairs that swivel and slide to create a lounge-style second row.
How big is the boot?
Between 333 litres and more than 2,300 litres depending on seat configuration.
