Kia EV9 2024 Launches in Thailand, Awaits Arrival in Vietnam
Kia has introduced its new electric vehicle, the Kia EV9 2024, in Thailand. This highly anticipated model comes in two variants: the Earth Long Range (RWD) with a retail price of 3,499 million baht (2.4 billion dong), and the premium GT-Line AWD priced at 3,899 million baht (2.7 billion dong). Both variants offer seating for six passengers in a 2-2-2 configuration and feature a 99.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, but differ in terms of the drivetrain.
The Earth Long Range variant is equipped with a front-wheel drive system, powered by a 200 horsepower electric motor with a torque of 350 Nm. On the other hand, the GT-Line AWD features a dual-motor setup, with each electric motor delivering 189 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, resulting in a combined system power of 379 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. This variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h.
The GT-Line AWD may have higher performance, but it sacrifices a bit of range, offering 647 km instead of the 680 km available in the Earth Long Range variant. Charging times for both variants are the same: it takes 24 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80% State of Charge (SoC) using the maximum 350 kW DC fast charging power. Additionally, there is a Level 2 AC charger that takes 9 hours and 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%, along with a Vehicle-to-Load system that can provide up to 3.58 kW of power to electrical accessories and other devices.
Standard equipment for the Earth Long Range variant includes 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED grille lighting, LED taillights, roof rails, a dual-panel sunroof, keyless entry and power-folding rear doors with sensors. Inside, the SUV features synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, manually adjustable second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging pad, and six USB ports.
The GT-Line AWD improves upon the base variant with 21-inch alloy wheels and the GT-Line exterior package. Its interior also offers more luxurious seating, featuring power-adjustable front seats with footrests and driver’s seat position memory. The second-row seats are equipped with non-revolving relaxation seats that are power-adjustable and offer heating, ventilation, as well as a long slide and massage functions. Other upgrades included in the premium package are power-adjustable steering wheel, sunshades, metal pedals, and a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
Both variants come equipped with nearly identical safety features. The only difference is that the GT-Line AWD is equipped with a self-leveling rear suspension to ensure stability when carrying heavy loads. The available safety equipment on both variants includes front, side, curtain, and driver knee airbags, along with conventional passive safety systems, hill start assist, rear occupant alert, surround-view parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor.
The EV9 is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, such as Smart Cruise Control with “Stop and Go” functionality, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The EV9, sold in Thailand, is imported as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from South Korea and comes with a 7-year vehicle warranty, 8-year high-voltage battery warranty, 7-year free maintenance, and 7-year roadside assistance.
Local sources have reported that deliveries of the GT-Line AWD will begin in April 2024, followed by the Earth Long Range variant in June 2024.