Kia has revealed pricing and specifications for its bonkers new EV9 GT, the 502bhp version of its big seven seat SUV. It starts at £82,185, with the seven-seat version costing an extra £1,000 on top. Although this seems reasonable compared to prestige German rivals with similar performance, it is a demonstration of how far the Korean brand has advance in the past decade.
The GT’s dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain endows the EV9 GT with 502bhp and torque totalling 740Nm. The car can accelerate from 0-to-62mph in just 4.6 seconds, on to a top speed of 136mph.
Its ‘grand touring’ capabilities are boosted by a massive 99.8 kWh battery pack, enabling an official ‘combined’ range of up to 280 miles on a charge – that’s down 35 miles on the standard AWD EV9. Its uses the same 800-volt fast charging architecture, enabling the EV9 GT to go from 10-to-80% in 24 minutes from a 350kW DC rapid DC charger.
Over and above the conventional EV9, the GT’s added power is supported by Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) as standard, as well as a Road Preview System to detect and react to changing road surfaces. Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) and dedicated ‘GT’ Drive Modes also amp up the EV9 GT’s sporty character.
The GT also features unique exterior and interior elements, with neon accents on the steering wheel and sports seats. Outside, the special digital lighting grille shows ‘Energetic’ lighting patterns, and 21-inch alloy wheels incorporate a distinctive design. In addition, large front brake callipers, in neon green with exclusive GT lettering, are part of a beefed-up braking system.
In the UK, the EV9 GT is available with a choice of six paint colours. White Pearl is offered as standard, while customers can specify Aurora Red, Panthera Metal, Midnight Black, Shadow Grey or Pacific Blue as an option. These five premium paints are available for an additional £725, including VAT.
The first GTs will arrive in the UK this autumn.
Lime green accents add a sporty touch both inside and outside 
