The Kia EV9 is a stunning electric SUV that won the prestigious German Luxury Car of the Year 2024 award. This is the first time that a Kia model has received this honor and the first time that an electric vehicle has triumphed in this category. The EV9 beat nine other competitors, including some of the most renowned and expensive luxury cars in the world.
But what makes the Kia EV9 so special? How did it impress the German car experts, who are known for their high standards and strict criteria? And what does this award mean for Kia and the electric vehicle industry? In this article, we will explore these questions and reveal the secrets behind the success of the EV9.
The German Car of the Year Award
The German Car of the Year (GCOTY) award is one of the world's oldest and most influential car awards. It was established in 1982 by a group of leading automotive journalists who wanted to create an independent and objective evaluation of new car models in the German market.
The GCOTY award is organized by a panel of 27 trade journalists representing various media outlets and publications. They test and evaluate dozens of new models across five categories: Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy, and Performance. The winners of each category are selected based on several criteria, such as design, innovation, quality, safety, efficiency, and driving pleasure.
The winners of each category then compete for the overall title of German Car of the Year, which will be announced in October. The overall winner is chosen by a majority vote of the jury members, who consider each model's overall impression and impact on the market and society.
The GCOTY award is highly respected and sought-after by car manufacturers, as it reflects the opinions and preferences of German car consumers, who are known for their discerning taste and high expectations. The GCOTY award also significantly influences other markets, as it sets trends and standards for the global car industry.
The Luxury Category
The Luxury category of the GCOTY award includes all models with a base price of over $82,000. This category represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence, where only the best and most exclusive models can compete. The luxury category showcases the latest innovations and technologies and the highest levels of comfort and refinement.
This year, nine contenders were in the luxury category, including luxury sedans, coupes, and SUVs from brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Tesla. These models are among the most desirable and expensive cars in the world, offering unparalleled performance, quality, and prestige.
But among these giants, one model stood out from the crowd and emerged as the winner: the Kia EV9. This was a surprising and unprecedented choice, as Kia has never won a GCOTY award before, let alone in the luxury category. It was also a groundbreaking choice, as it was the first time an electric vehicle won this category.
The Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is not just another electric SUV. It is a game-changer that has revolutionized the electric vehicle segment. It combines a striking design, a spacious and versatile interior, a long-range battery, and ultra-fast charging technology that sets new standards in its class.
The EV9 is based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is designed exclusively for electric vehicles and allows for optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. The E-GMP platform is shared with other models from Kia's sister brand, Hyundai, such as the Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq 6.
The EV9 measures 5 meters in length (196 inches), making it the largest Kia model offered in Europe to date. It also has a generous wheelbase of 3 meters (118 inches), which translates into a roomy cabin that can accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats.
The interior of the EV9 is designed to offer comfort, convenience, and connectivity. It features a minimalist dashboard with dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. It also has a head-up display with augmented reality (AR) functions that project navigation instructions and other information onto the windshield.
The seats are another highlight of the EV9. They are upholstered in vegan leather that mimics animal skin patterns and textures. They also offer various adjustments and functions that enhance comfort and relaxation. The front seats have an electric recline feature that allows the occupants to lie down during breaks. The second-row seats can slide and fold to create more space or access to the third row. The third-row seats can also fold flat into the floor to increase the cargo capacity.
The Kia EV9 offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version with a single 150 kW (201 hp) motor that delivers an impressive all-electric range of up to 541 km (336 miles) based on WLTP standards or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with twin 141 kW (189 hp) motors that provides an all-electric range of 497 km (309 miles). Both versions have a large 99.8 kWh battery pack that supports 800-volt ultra-fast charging technology.
This means that the EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 15 minutes under optimal conditions, gaining up to 239 km (149 miles) of driving range in the process. This gives it one of the best charging performances in its class, comparable to that of the Porsche Taycan or the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The EV9 also offers a sporty GT-line version for those who want more excitement behind the wheel. The GT-line has an enhanced exterior design with distinctive details and colors. It also has a more powerful AWD system that can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
The Impact of the Award
The Kia EV9 is not only a great car in its own right. It is also a symbol of Kia's transformation into a leading EV provider and a challenger brand that can compete with the best in the industry. The EV9 showcases Kia's new design identity, which is inspired by nature and technology. It also reflects Kia's new brand slogan: "Movement that inspires."
The EV9 is part of Kia's ambitious electrification strategy, which aims to launch 11 new BEVs by 2026 and achieve a 40% share of eco-friendly vehicles in its global sales by 2030. The EV9 is also expected to boost Kia's presence and reputation in the European market, where it has been growing steadily in recent years.
The EV9 is already attracting attention and praise from customers and critics alike. It has received over 30,000 pre-orders in Europe since July and has won several awards and accolades, including the Luxury Car of the Year 2024 by the GCOTY jury.
The Kia EV9 is scheduled to arrive in Europe later this year, with a starting price of around $82,000 for the RWD version and $88,000 for the AWD version. The Kia EV9 GT-line version will cost around $95,000. The EV9 will also be available in other markets with different specifications and prices, including North America and Asia.
The Kia EV9 is a car that deserves to be celebrated. It is a car that proves that electric vehicles can be luxurious, practical, and fun to drive. It is a car that challenges the status quo and sets new benchmarks for the future. It is a car that moves us and inspires us. It is a car that won Germany's most coveted car award. And it might just win yours, too.
