Kia’s first three-row electric SUV, the EV9, is expected to receive a high-performance GT version due to its tremendous demand. Kia has announced that the EV9 GT will debut in January with “enormous power” and several enhancements.

The Kia EV9 Will Receive GT Makeover

In June of last year, Kia debuted its flagship EV9 in Korea. Kia sold over 1,334 EV9 cars in less than a month, and an additional 1,251 in July.

Following the announcement that US pricing begin at $54,900, Kia referred to the EV9 as a “wake-up call” for the sector. More than 4,000 EV9s have been sold by Kia in the US in the first three months of 2024.

Since its introduction, Kia has been hinting at a high-performance GT trim, but CEO Ho-Sung Song stated during his presentation on CEO Investor Day that it will go on sale in January.

The EV9 GT will expand upon the EV6 GT, Kia’s first high-performance electric car. In 2022, Kia launched the EV6 GT, their most potent car to date.

The EV6 GT’s 576 horsepower allows it to reach 60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds. Kia tested it against a Lamborghini Huracan EVO and a Ferrari Roma to demonstrate its superiority.

The EV6 GT produces 576 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque thanks to a two motor drivetrain and a 77.4 kWh battery. At $61,600, it is more affordable and faster than the majority of sports cars.

With “enormous power” and a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) speed of 4 seconds, Song revealed that the EV9 GT will go on sale in January.

More rapid acceleration will be provided by an AWD dual-motor system with high output. Additionally, for improved stability at high speeds, an electronic braking system and a strengthened suspension will be installed.

Cheap Kia EVs of the future

By the end of the decade, Kia hopes to lead the EV market by concentrating on producing reasonably priced EVs.

Song stated that six new mass-market electric vehicle models will be introduced by Kia. The EV2, EV3, EV4, and EV5 are among the five vehicles that Kia unveiled in October at its inaugural EV Day.

With a starting price of about $20,000 (149,800 yuan), the EV5 has already been introduced in China. In Australia, it will set you back about $46,000 (70,000 AUD).

The EV3 will be released by Kia before the end of the year. The EV3 is a more compact and cost-effective version of the EV9, with all of its technology and design advantages.

Similar to the EV9, the EV3 also sports the brand-new “Tiger Face” grille and other elements of Kia’s new design theme. Several prototypes have been tested as the official release date approaches. An estimated $30,000 is the starting price of the EV3.

The EV4 is scheduled to be on sale early next year, after the EV3. The brand’s interpretation of an affordable electric automobile is the EV4.

In developing nations, Kia will launch two distinct EV models, one of which is the Carens EV. Kia wants to sell 587,000 mass-market electric vehicles by 2026, or 66% of its total sales.

In addition, Kia disclosed that as it strives to bring new EV models into important markets, it will be bolstering its lineup of hybrid vehicles.

Song stated that long-term projections are maintained even though short-term EV demand is less than anticipated. Kia wants to sell 1.6 million EVs by 2030. The CEO of Kia also disclosed that the company will discontinue two large-size EV models in favor of more compact, reasonably priced variants.