If you’ve been waiting for an electric family SUV that can outrun most sports cars, your patience is about to pay off. Kia has just unveiled the 2026 EV9 GT, and it’s heading to Australian driveways in the second half of 2025.
This isn’t just another electric SUV with good intentions. The EV9 GT delivers genuine performance credentials while maintaining the practicality families actually need.
What Makes This SUV Special?
Serious Performance Numbers
The numbers tell an impressive story. With dual electric motors producing a combined 374kW of power, this family hauler will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. That’s faster than many dedicated sports cars and leaves the current GT-Line variant in the dust by 0.7 seconds.
The front motor contributes 160kW while the rear motor delivers 270kW, creating an all-wheel-drive system that should provide excellent traction in various conditions.
Advanced Suspension Technology
Kia has fitted the EV9 GT with electronically controlled suspension – a first for any three-row SUV from the Korean manufacturer. This system adjusts damping based on your selected drive mode, allowing you to cruise comfortably with the family or firm things up when you want to enjoy some spirited driving.
There’s even a bright green GT button on the steering wheel that instantly switches to the stiffest damper setting when you need maximum control.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Power | 374kW (160kW front + 270kW rear) |
| Acceleration | 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | All-wheel drive |
| Wheels | 21-inch alloy with Continental high-performance tyres |
| Seating | Six seats (captain’s chairs in second row) |
| Charging | 800-volt architecture, 10-80% in under 25 minutes |
| Suspension | Electronically controlled adaptive dampers |
| Brakes | Upgraded with neon green calipers |
Unique Features That Set It Apart
Virtual Gear Shift Technology
Here’s something interesting – the EV9 GT includes Virtual Gear Shift technology that simulates the feeling of driving a traditional automatic transmission. Complete with artificial gear changes and paddle shifters, this feature adds an extra layer of engagement for drivers who miss the sensation of shifting gears.
The electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) even replicates gear shift sounds as you accelerate, creating a more immersive driving experience.
Performance-Focused Upgrades
Beyond the power increase, Kia has enhanced several key components. The upgraded braking system features eye-catching neon green calipers that peek through the 21-inch alloy wheels. An electronic limited-slip differential helps improve cornering stability, ensuring all that power translates into confident handling.
The high-performance Continental tyres (285/45R-21) provide the grip needed to make the most of the available performance.
Design and Interior Changes
Exterior Updates
The EV9 GT receives subtle but meaningful visual updates. A new grille pattern and redesigned front bumper help distinguish it from other variants, while the neon green brake calipers add a sporty touch that hints at the performance within.
Interior Enhancements
Inside, you’ll find more deeply bolstered sport seats with Alcantara inserts and bright green accents throughout. The steering wheel gets a unique design with that signature green GT button prominently placed for easy access.
Australian Market Considerations
Seating Configuration Differences
One notable difference for Australian buyers: the EV9 GT shown internationally features six seats with captain’s chairs in the second row. However, all current Australian-market EV9 models come with seven seats via a second-row bench. It remains unclear which configuration will arrive locally.
Expected Pricing
While Kia hasn’t announced Australian pricing, we can make educated guesses. The current EV9 GT-Line costs $121,000 before on-road costs. Given the $12,000 gap between GT-Line and GT variants in the smaller EV6 range, the EV9 GT could easily exceed $130,000.
Competition and Context
The EV9 GT won’t have the performance SUV segment to itself. Hyundai’s Ioniq 9, arriving in Q2 2025, offers similar family practicality though with less outright performance. The Ioniq 9 Performance AWD manages 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds – respectable but not quite as thrilling.
What This Means for Families
This represents a significant shift in what families can expect from their primary vehicle. You no longer need to choose between practicality and performance. The EV9 GT offers genuine sports car acceleration while maintaining the space, comfort, and utility that growing families require.
The electronically controlled suspension means you can have a comfortable ride for daily commuting and school runs, then firm things up for weekend adventures or when you simply want to enjoy the driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the EV9 GT arrive in Australia?
A: Kia has confirmed the EV9 GT will launch in Australia during the second half of 2025.
Q: How much faster is it than the current top model?
A: The EV9 GT is 0.7 seconds quicker to 100km/h than the GT-Line, with 91kW more power.
Q: Will it have seven seats like other Australian EV9s?
A: This hasn’t been confirmed yet, as the international version shown has six seats with captain’s chairs.
GWM bets on premium SUVs to win big in the Australian market
