DINAMIKJAYA Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Kia brand in Malaysia, has officially brought the EV9 to local shores.
Running on 21-inch alloy wheels the EV9 has a 3,100mm wheelbase, an overall length of 5,010mm, is 1,980mm wide and 1,755mm tall.
The completely built-up (CBU) model from South Korea is Kia's first dedicated three-row flagship sports utility vehicle (SUV) that is build on brand's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and the second Kia model based on this platform.
It is also the first to feature a fourth-generation battery technology designed for improved energy density.
The setup includes a high-voltage 99.8 kWh battery pack that is paired with dual electric motors that power the front and rear axles. This powertrain delivery gives it a 380 hp, 700 Nm maximum torque and a travel range of up to 505 km. It can go from 0-100 kph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 200 kph.
Its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system allows for vehicle-to-load (V2L) function - supplying up to 3.6 kWh of power.
The all-wheel drive (AWD) EV9 is also a multi-award winning model having amassed awards like the 2024 World Car of The Year and Best of the Best Award in Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award's Product Design 2024 since its debut in March 2023.
At the front is the signature Digital Tiger Face that features two clusters of small cube lamps adjacent to each headlamp that gives prominence to its Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, while the rear gives focus to the Star Map LED daytime running lights (DRL) taillights.
As part of the GT-Line model its design features a unique front and rear bumpers, wheels and roof rack in a distinctive black colour palette.
Cabin is furnished using recycled materials, and its floating panoramic dashboard is equipped with two 12.3-inch touch screens integrated with a 5-inch segment display. The infotainment is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
Other features include fast wireless smartphone charging and USB-C ports for all seat rows. Ambient mood lights present themselves at the front and rear armrests as well as the top of the map pocket. It is equipped with a powerful 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system.
The model is available in two variants defined mainly by its six-or-seven seating configuration. First and second-row seat occupants can simultaneously recline their seats.
Standard safety features come in the form of: 10 SRS airbags (front driver and passenger, driver knee, side, curtain and centre side), Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Safe Exit Assist (a system which automatically provides a warning and locks the door if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected within the blind spot), Traction Control System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Isofix child restraint anchor points and top tethers as well as Hill-start Assist Control.
Equipped advanced safety features and the advanced driver assisted system includes: High Beam Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Junction Crossing, Lane-Change Oncoming, Direct Oncoming, Lane-Change Side, Driving Steering Assist and Auto Evasive Steering Assist, Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control.
Starting price of the Kia EV9 GT-Line is RM 368,888 for the 7-seater configuration and RM 373,888 for the 6-seater. It is available in five colour choices: Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Gray, Aurora Black Pearl and Iceberg Green.
The vehicle comes with a five years manufacturer warranty or first 150,000km, whichever comes first. Additionally, the battery warranty coverage is up to eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.
