I stepped into the Kia EV9 with pretty high expectations, but what I didn’t see coming was just how enjoyable it would be behind the wheel. However, there’s one issue that could be a serious drawback – and we’ll get to that soon enough.

Looks Like Nothing Else On The Road

From the moment you lay eyes on the EV9, you know it’s something different. Its sharp edges, bold stance, and funky C-pillar give it a look that’s both imposing and playful. And while I’m not entirely sold on the design myself, I can appreciate Kia’s willingness to break the mold. The EV9 looks like nothing else on the road, and whether you love it or not, it’s impossible to ignore.

Stuffed To The Brim, And Then Some

Step inside, and the mood shifts. The funky exterior makes way for a more grown-up cabin that feels refined without being too extravagant. Rich materials and a practical layout make it an inviting space, especially when you consider how spacious it is.

My six-foot-tall colleague was surprised by the amount of knee and headroom in the second row, especially with the seats pushed all the way back. Thigh support? Not an issue here, unlike the smaller EV6. But the third row, as with most SUVs, is best left for shorter journeys or younger passengers.

Now, on that drawback - the digital side mirrors. They’re a cool idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. My colleague Arvind shared, in detail, the nuances of it, read about it here.

To put it short - the screens feel unnatural, and without the depth or perspective of traditional mirrors, you’ll spend more time adjusting to them than necessary. It’s a classic case of overengineering – sometimes simpler is better.

And then there’s the power button/gear selector, hidden behind the steering wheel. I can’t tell you how many times I reached for it and almost activated the wipers by mistake (partly because having driven one too many Mercedeses). It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something that takes time to get used to.

The same goes for the climate controls, which are somewhat blocked by the steering wheel. It’s functional, sure, but it’s not the most intuitive setup Kia has come up with.

With the third row up, cargo space is 573 litres – more than enough for the weekly grocery run or a family road trip. Fold down the seats, and you’re looking at 2,314 litres of space, enough for all the luggage, gear, or random kid stuff that inevitably finds its way into the boot.

Drives like a BMW?

But let’s move on to the good stuff. Once you’ve figured out how to start the EV9, the driving experience is where it shines. I wasn’t expecting a 7-seater SUV to handle like this – certainly not one with such a high roofline and weight.

The steering is precise, well-weighted, and the ride quality is impressively smooth. The suspension tuning is nothing short of excellent. However, as with most BEVs, there's some noticeable lateral movement, which can cause a bit of head toss for passengers. This is common in electric SUVs due to their heft, so I won’t hold it against the EV9.

In corners, the EV9 stays relatively flat, defying its size in a way that left me genuinely surprised. BMW iX levels of surprised, in fact.

What really blew me away, though, was how well-insulated the cabin is. At highway speeds, the only noticeable sound was a bit of wind noise, understandable given the EV9's large silhouette. It’s quiet enough to rival the likes of the Mercedes EQS and BMW iX, which speaks volumes about the effort Kia has put into this car.

Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to fully test the energy efficiency of the EV9. However, I covered about 350 km from a 100% charge down to roughly 25%, so a 400 km range should be easily achievable in real-world conditions.

Conclusion

At RM 370k, the Kia EV9 GT-Line isn’t cheap, and some might balk at paying that much for a Kia. But here’s the thing: this car feels like it's worth every Ringgit. The materials, the insulation, the driving dynamics – it all screams premium.

If you peek underneath, you’d see a perfectly flat underbody, which is nicely covered, plus the usage of aluminium control arms. That’s top-shelf stuff typically used by premium carmakers. In fact, I’d argue it feels, in some areas, more expensive than a BMW iX, and that’s saying something.

Yes, it has a few quirks, like the digital mirrors and awkward button placement. The button issue is something you can get used to, but the digital mirrors? Those can be a bit unsettling, and you'll have to try them yourself to see if it's a deal breaker.

However, the real sticking point here is the badge. If this thing wore four rings or a three-pointed star, it wouldn’t be dismissed so quickly. For those willing to look past the badge, this is one of the best large 7-seater SUVs out there, electric or otherwise.

Also read: Digital side mirrors: Real progress or just fixing something that was never broken?