By Autocar India, Published: April 15, 2025

Imagine a seven-seat electric SUV that blends cutting-edge tech, family-friendly space, and luxury vibes—all for less than its German rivals. That’s the 2025 Kia EV9, Kia’s flagship EV that’s shaking up the premium market. As a contributor to Elite Vehicles—your go-to YouTube channel for elite cars like Porsche, Bentley, and more (youtube.com/@EliteVehicles)—I’ve seen my share of high-end rides. After diving into the EV9’s details, including insights from Autocar India’s first drive (YouTube: Kia EV9 Review), I’m convinced it’s a game-changer. Priced at ~₹1.3 crore (~$155,000 USD) in India, it takes on the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV with bold confidence. Here’s my top 10 reasons to buy the 2025 Kia EV9, packed with specs, comparisons, and why it might just steal the crown. Subscribe to Elite Vehicles and let’s roll!

1. Commanding Design: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

The EV9’s plus-sized proportions (5,015mm long, 1,980mm wide, 1,780mm tall) dwarf the BMW iX (4,953mm) and Mercedes EQE SUV (4,863mm), with a 3,100mm wheelbase for unmatched stability. Its upright stance and digital tiger nose grille scream presence—think luxury yacht, not minivan.

• Standout Features:
  • LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs, embedded for a futuristic glow.
  • 20-inch alloys (eye-catching, per Autocar India) and flush door handles for a 0.28 drag coefficient—sleek for its size.
  • Bumper flaps that auto-open to cool the battery—smart and functional.

Unlike the iX’s polarizing grille or the EQE’s softer curves, the EV9’s geometric lines and vertical LED tail lamps blend bold with elegant—perfect for buyers who want to stand out without shouting.

2. Luxurious Cabin: Middle-Row Comfort That Rivals First Class

Step inside, and the EV9 feels like a private jet for six. Its black-and-brown interior and horizontally oriented dashboard exude sophistication, but the middle-row captain’s chairs steal the show—Autocar India called them “far more comfortable” than iX or EQE equivalents.

• Middle-Row Perks:
  • Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats with electric ottomans—high-intensity, not “ticklish.”
  • Elevated seating for a commanding view, unlike the knees-up feel of rivals.
  • Boss mode adjusts the front passenger seat for extra legroom.

The third row fits adults (with tweaks), though the optional fridge console cuts knee space. With 333L of boot space (all rows up) and a frunk, it’s practical too, beating the iX’s no-frunk design and EQE’s tighter rear.

3. Tech-Laden Cockpit: Smart and Driver-Friendly

Kia’s tech game is strong—dual 12.3-inch screens (infotainment and cluster) plus a 5-inch HVAC display create a seamless digital cockpit.

• Key Tech:
  • Responsive infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air updates.
  • Physical buttons for AC and volume—ergonomics “spot-on,” per Autocar India.
  • Head-up display (GT-Line) and Meridian sound system for immersive vibes.

Downsides? The AC screen’s driver-blind angle and hard plastics (noted by Autocar) don’t match German plushness—yet the EV9’s layout feels more intuitive than the iX’s cluttered interface or EQE’s complex Hyperscreen.

4. Powerful Performance: 384 hp with Surprising Agility

The EV9’s dual-motor AWD setup pumps out 384hp and 700Nm, hitting 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds—verified by Autocar India’s GPS test. For a 2.6-tonne SUV, that’s brisk, trailing the iX xDrive50 (523hp, 4.6s) but matching the EQE 500 (408hp, 4.9s).

• Driving Feel:
  • Linear acceleration—urgent but smooth, not pinned-back drama.
  • All-wheel grip makes corners “astonishingly agile” (Autocar India), despite its heft.
  • Sport mode sharpens throttle response for spirited drives.

Unlike the iX’s aggressive leap or EQE’s on/off throttle, the EV9’s natural regen and progressive brakes make it easy to hustle—family hauler with a fun side.

5. Impressive Range and Charging: Built for the Long Haul

With a 99.8 kWh battery, the EV9 claims an ARAI-rated 561km range (~450km real-world, est.)—outpacing the iX xDrive50 (411-635km, WLTP) and EQE 500 (307-324 miles WLTP) in ideal conditions.

• Charging Prowess:
  • 800V architecture enables 10-80% charge in 24 minutes with a 350kW charger—faster than iX (35 min, 195kW) and EQE (30 min, 170kW).
  • V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) powers devices, a Kia edge over rivals.

For road trips or city commutes, the EV9’s range and free 1,000 kWh charging (Electrify America, select markets) keep costs low—practicality Germans can’t match.

6. Ride Comfort: Steel Springs That Surprise

No air suspension? No problem. The EV9’s steel springs and frequency-selective dampers deliver a “surprisingly comfortable” ride (Autocar India), soaking up bumps better than expected for its size.

• On the Move:
  • Mature cruising at triple-digit speeds—stable, not floaty.
  • Controlled body roll—leans gently, never sloppy, unlike heavier EQE.
  • Quiet cabin—minimal wind/road noise, rivaling iX’s refinement.

While the iX’s adaptive air suspension feels plusher and EQE’s air setup glides on highways, the EV9’s self-leveling rear keeps it composed—comfort without complexity.

7. Family-Friendly Practicality: Seven Seats, Endless Versatility

As one of the few electric seven-seaters, the EV9 shines for families, unlike the five-seat iX or EQE.

• Seating Highlights:
  • 6-seat GT-Line (India) with captain’s chairs; 7-seat option elsewhere.
  • Easy third-row access—captain’s seats slide/tilt with one button.
  • 333L boot (all rows up), expandable to 2,300L—beats EQE’s 520L base.

The iX lacks a third row, and EQE’s rear feels cramped—EV9’s spacious middle row and dual sunroofs make it the family champ, per my Elite Vehicles lens.

8. Advanced Safety: Protection You Can Trust

Safety is non-negotiable, and the EV9 delivers with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating (84% adult, 88% child protection).

• Standard Suite:
  • 10 airbags, including front-center and third-row sides.
  • Level 2 ADAS: Adaptive cruise, lane-keep, blind-spot collision avoidance.
  • 360° camera and parking sensors—though less detailed than iX/EQE.

Compared to iX’s hands-free cruise (GT-Line only) or EQE’s fidgety steering aids, the EV9’s 27 ADAS features balance assistance and driver control—peace of mind for $155k.

9. Value for Money: Luxury at a Lower Price

At ₹1.3 crore (~$155,000 USD), the EV9 undercuts the BMW iX xDrive50 (~$165,000) and Mercedes EQE 500 (~$160,000) while offering more seats and comparable tech.

• Cost Breakdown:
  • Base Price: $155,000 (India, GT-Line); $57,000-$80,000 globally.
  • Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles (battery included)—tops iX/EQE’s 8 years.
  • Features: Massage seats, V2L, and 561km range—rivals charge extra.

Badge snobs might balk—Autocar India noted “serious commitment” for a Kia—but the EV9’s loaded GT-Line delivers German-level kit for less, a win for savvy buyers.

10. Brand Momentum: Kia’s Rise to Premium Stardom

Kia’s no longer just “budget.” The EV9 builds on the EV6’s success, winning awards like 2024 World’s Best Car and Best Electric Vehicle.

• Why It Matters:
  • Design pedigree: EV9’s look rivals Genesis, Kia’s luxury cousin.
  • Tech leadership: 800V charging and V2L set benchmarks.
  • Global buzz: Posts on X praise its space and value (e.g., @SnazzyLabs).

While BMW and Mercedes flaunt heritage, Kia’s modern innovation, backed by Elite Vehicles’ 55.2K subscribers, makes the EV9 a bold pick for forward-thinkers.

Kia EV9 vs. BMW iX and Mercedes EQE: The Showdown

• BMW iX xDrive50: 523 hp, 635km range, $165k—faster, pricier, no third row. Cabin’s plush but cluttered; styling divides opinion.
• Mercedes EQE 500: 408 hp, 324-mile range, $160k—smooth, tech-heavy Hyperscreen. Rear seat’s tight; brakes feel grabby.
• Kia EV9 GT-Line: 384 hp, 561km range, $155k—best value, most seats. Hard plastics lag, but middle-row luxury leads.

The EV9’s family focus, lower price, and versatile range edge out rivals—less badge, more substance, per Autocar India’s track test.

Drawbacks: Where It Falls Short

No car’s perfect. Autocar India flagged:

• Interior Quality: Hard plastics and a basic 360° camera don’t scream $155k—iX/EQE feel richer.
• Badge Bias: Kia lacks BMW/Mercedes prestige—tough at this price.
• Third Row: Tight for adults with the fridge console—skip it for space.

Still, these are minor vs. the EV9’s strengths—comfort, tech, and value outweigh the snob factor.

Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Kia EV9?

The 2025 Kia EV9 is a luxury EV triumph—384hp, 561km range, and captain’s chairs that shame rivals, all for $155k. It’s not flawless—hard plastics and badge stigma linger—but it delivers space, tech, and value the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE can’t match. For families or tech lovers, it’s a no-brainer. Love the vibe? Hate the price? Sound off below—subscribe to Elite Vehicles for more elite car reviews!

Quick Specs

• Price: ~$155,000 (₹1.3 crore, India GT-Line)
• Power: 384hp, 700Nm
• Battery/Range: 99.8 kWh, 561km (ARAI)
• 0-100kph: 5.3s
• Charging: 10-80% in 24 min (350kW)

Sources: Autocar India YouTube (Kia EV9 Review); general market data.
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