Kia announces high-performance EV9 GT with virtual shifting and native Tesla charging

Kia got here to the LA Auto Present with not one however two revamped electrical automobiles, an indication that the South Korean automaker continues to be feeling bullish about its momentum within the plug-in automotive market.

First off, the 2025 Kia EV9 GT is a efficiency model of its three-row SUV, which we first examined earlier this yr. This one guarantees extra energy and a sportier really feel than the version we drove, which bore the GT Line badge however wasn’t particularly tuned for efficiency. The brand new GT trim comes with over 500 horsepower (in comparison with 379hp within the 2024 mannequin) and a zero to 60mph acceleration of 4.3 seconds. Kia is asking it the “strongest” three-row SUV it’s ever created.

The twin-motor EV9 GT may even be the primary Kia car to characteristic electronically managed suspension for further clean dealing with, relying in your drive mode. Simply press the brilliant inexperienced GT button on the steering wheel to entry GT mode, dialing in shock damping to its stiffest setting.

And very similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5N from Kia’s sister firm, the EV9 GT will characteristic digital gear shifting that simulates the texture of a standard step-shift computerized transmission — full with faux engine noises. This supplies noticeable “shifts” because the EV9 accelerates and may cut back acceleration when the rev restrict is reached.

You too can use the paddles positioned on both aspect of the steering wheel to manually shift by means of the gears. And Kia has one thing known as the “Lively Sound Design (e-ASD)” that works in live performance with the faux gear system to copy the sound of the gears shifting because the car accelerates.

The EV9 has been extremely well-liked for Kia, promoting roughly 18,000 models within the US because it was first launched final December. However the automaker lately mentioned it might slow production of the SUV in response to a chillier coverage setting.

There are some design variations between the unique and refreshed variations of the EV9 GT, together with 285/45R-21 high-performance Continental tires round unique 21-inch alloy wheels and neon inexperienced brake calipers first featured on the EV6 GT. And there are different GT-exclusive lighting accents and digital graphics on the infotainment to please drivers about their massive, highly effective SUV.

However maybe most significantly, the 2025 EV9 GT would be the first EV from Kia to return with a local Tesla / North American Charging System (NACS) port. That implies that when it comes out someday subsequent yr, it’ll have entry to all 15,000 Supercharger stations with out the necessity for an adapter. Hyundai already introduced that its 2025 Ioniq 5 will also have factory-installed Tesla charging, so it’s one other signal that the 2 South Korean automakers are leapfrogging the remainder of the trade in adopting the brand new charging customary.

As well as, Kia introduced a refreshed 2025 EV6 crossover, additionally with the native NACS port. The mannequin yr 2025 model of Kia’s flagship EV can also be getting an even bigger battery for extra capability and longer vary. And the charging port on the EV6 has been moved to the left rear fender to make it extra appropriate with Tesla Superchargers. (Kia goes to begin providing adapters to current EV owners next year.)

The 2023 EV6 that we tested two years ago got here customary with a 58kWh capability battery pack, which interprets into a spread of 232 miles. Now, the 2025 EV6 will include a 63kWh battery, together with an non-compulsory 84kWh pack that ought to get an estimated 319 miles of vary within the rear-wheel drive configuration.

The 2025 EV6 will probably be constructed at Hyundai and Kia’s Metaplant in Georgia, which implies it could qualify for the $7,500 tax credit score whereas it nonetheless exists. (President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to get rid of the EV tax credit score.) The EV9 GT, nevertheless, will probably be inbuilt South Korea alongside the hot-blooded EV6 GT and is anticipated to reach in late 2025. Pricing for each fashions is predicted to be launched nearer to manufacturing time.