The KIA EV9 GT will arrive on the market in the second half of 2025

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, LA Auto Show, the South Korean manufacturer has just unveiled the long-awaited GT version of its flagship electric model, the EV9. The event will be held at the Convention Center in this Californian city until December 1.

The new EV9 GT differs from the versions currently on sale today, mainly in its propulsion system. Although this new high-performance version also uses an electric all-wheel-drive system with two motors, one on each axle, the front motor has higher power, rising to 160 kW; while the rear motor reaches 270 kW, almost matching on its own the power of the current standard all-wheel-drive version, which delivers 283 kW combined. This new configuration allows the EV9 GT to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.5 seconds, compared with just over 5 seconds for the current model.

The EV9 GT also features an electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), similar to the one found in the EV6 GT, which improves stability through corners by redirecting torque to the wheels with greater grip. Additionally, it also incorporates Virtual Gear Shift technology, which simulates the sensation of a traditional automatic gearbox, providing a much more dynamic driving experience. This system lets the driver feel the shift between gears — virtually, since there is no real transmission — adjusting acceleration to enjoy a sportier drive, complemented by the equally virtual sound of each gear change.

Other improvements worth noting

Furthermore, as might be expected, the new EV9 GT retains the same E-GMP platform with 800V architecture, also keeping the 99.8 kWh battery pack with ultra-rapid charging capability. In this way, it is possible to increase the state of charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes. The South Korean manufacturer has not yet specified concrete range figures, but has confirmed that in North America the EV9 GT will be sold with an NACS charging port.

It is also worth noting that the EV9 GT will allow the driver to select between different driving modes — Normal, Eco, Sport and My Drive — to adjust damping, steering and brake response according to preferences or terrain conditions. A green button integrated into the steering wheel to activate GT mode will also set this high-performance version apart from the rest, stiffening the damping when pressed for a more sporty driving experience.

The EV9 GT does not, however, abandon its practicality, maintaining a ground clearance of nearly 20 centimetres and the ability to tow a trailer of up to 2.5 tonnes, features it shares with the standard EV9. Changes to the exterior design are also fairly subtle, including a modified lower air intake and green brake calipers on the front axle.

The EV9 GT will be produced in South Korea, and its launch in the North American market is scheduled for the second half of 2025. Its selling price will be revealed shortly before this date. The GT version of KIA’s flagship is expected to reach other markets, including Europe, around the same time, as its launch will be global.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadKIA EV92 versions · from 85,185 €