Kia announces the arrival of a new entry-level version for its new electric car, the Kia EV9. The electric SUV then lowers its price and displays an entry ticket from 73,000 euros. Which risks making Tesla see red with its Model Y and Model X.
Like Hyundai, Kia is also actively preparing its electric offensive for the coming years. Several models are in fact in development, in order to meet the requirements of the European Union which wants to ban the sale of thermal cars in 2035.
A falling price
At the same time, the Korean manufacturer already offers a full electric range, with its EV6 in particular, which was voted car of the year 2022. More recently, the firm had also unveiled its EV5, for which new information and photos had been announced a few weeks ago.
But one of the most anticipated models undoubtedly remains the new EV9, which was made official last March and which we were lucky enough to be able to discover straight away. This large seven-seater SUV with a futuristic design will have the difficult task of chasing the land of the Tesla Model X, which has already been well established for several years. But also the Tesla Model Y, which exists in a 7-seater version… only in the United States for the moment.
This newcomer has many advantages, starting with its price much lower than the Model X. And this even if the American SUV also suffered a sharp drop in its prices a few weeks earlier. Until now, the French range of the EV9 started from 78,000 euros. A price obviously not cheap, which does not allow the latter to be eligible for the ecological bonus of 5,000 euros, reserved for cars under 47,000 euros.
But now the manufacturer has just announced the arrival ofa brand new entry-level finish a little more affordable. This takes the name EV9, quite simply, and starts from 73,000 euros. A price which is announced for the least powerful version, with 204 horsepower. For the second, displaying 385 horsepower, you will have to pay 80,000 euros.
A nice endowment
For the record, the electric SUV embarks a battery with a capacity of 99.8 kWh and displays a range of 541 kilometers in its entry-level version, while the most efficient promises 497 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. For comparison, the Tesla Model 20 inch aero rims delivered as standard.
The electric SUV then starts from 99,900 euros in its standard version and 114,990 euros with its Plaid version. Prices which remain significantly higher than the Kia EV9. Especially since the latter also displays a very interesting endowment, from the entry level. Delivered as standard with Volcano Red paint, this variant includes numerous driving aids.
Among them, let us cite the recognition of traffic signs, the reversing camera or even active highway driving assistance. Which in fact corresponds to a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. That’s not all, because keyless opening and starting are also part of the equipment, as is the panoramic screen incorporating a panel 12.3-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Plug & Charge, heat pump and route planner are also included as standard, as is the battery preheating system and scheduling of charging, during off-peak hours for example. The electric SUV also has all the cards in hand to compete with the recently unveiled new Volvo EX90.
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