Kia EV9 gets GT offshoot in 2025

Kia presented the EV9 GT for the first time at the LA Auto Show. The 374 kW offshoot of the EV9 electric SUV has significantly more power and a new type of chassis.

So far, the EV9 is available with all-wheel drive and an output of 283 kW – also in the ‘GT-Line’ trim, which, as with the EV6, should not be confused with the GT model. That is because the GT is not just a sporty equipment line, but the sporty top model of the series with extensive changes.

Above all, this includes the drive. As Kia announces, the EV9 GT also relies on an electric all-wheel drive with two motors – one for each axle. The unit at the front is specified with 160 kW, while the electric motor on the rear axle delivers a full 270 kW. In the EV9 GT, the rear motor alone is thus almost as powerful as the regular all-wheel drive vehicle. It should enable the GT to accelerate to 60 mph (96 kph) in 4.3 instead of 5.0 seconds – this is a provisional figure, according to Kia.

Like the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT also has an electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) intended to improve stability when cornering at speed. The e-LSD transfers the torque electronically controlled to the tyres with more traction. In addition – similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – there are simulated gear changes, known here as Virtual Gear Shift (VGS). “Simulating the experience of a traditional step-shift automatic transmission, VGS provides noticeable “shifts” as the vehicle accelerates and can reduce acceleration when the rev limit is reached. While VGS can be felt when used to simulate a traditional automatic transmission, the driver can also use the paddles located on either side of the steering wheel to manually shift through the gears for an elevated sense of driving engagement,” says Kia. The VGS naturally works with the sound generator to match the driving sounds produced to “to replicate the sounds of the gear shifts.”

There are no changes to the 800-volt system. The 99.8 kWh battery and a fast charging time of around 25 minutes from ten to 80 per cent thus remain unchanged. Kia has not yet specified a WLTP range. However, it is clear that the models for the US market will be delivered with a NACS charging port.

The EV9 GT will also have an electronically controlled chassis. “Accessed through the Drive Mode button found on the steering wheel, Normal, Eco, Sport and My Drive modes can be easily toggled by the driver depending on the conditions or desired driving style. Aside from setting shock damping, steering and brake feel are also optimized for each mode.” The light green GT button on the steering wheel activates GT mode with the hardest shock absorber setting.

Despite the sportier design, the EV9 GT should retain as much of its utility value as possible. The GT thus also has a ground clearance of almost 20 centimetres and, like the regular EV9, can tow trailers weighing up to 2.5 tonnes. The interior space also remains unchanged.

There are slight changes to the design: the EV9 GT has a modified lower air intake and the LEDs integrated into the front apron can also be seen in the press photos. Light green brake callipers are also fitted to the front axle. At the rear, however, the changes are minor – Kia has put more effort into the EV6 GT.

The EV9 GT will be produced in South Korea and go on sale in the second half of 2025. Kia intends to communicate the prices shortly before the market launch. The production in South Korea is worth mentioning, as the EV9 is actually also being built in the US – but due to the IRA requirements for the US tax credit, Kia has currently reduced production there to a minimum.

Speaking of the EV6: Kia also exhibited the revised version of its first E-GMP model in LA. The EV6 has been given a facelift, which includes a new look at the front and an upgrade to the 84 kWh battery. The EV6 (with the exception of the EV6 GT) is now also assembled at Kia’s West Point plant in Georgia.