2025 Kia EV6 & EV9 GT Unveiled as Brand’s High-Performance Electric Duo

Debuted globally at the 2024 LA Auto Show are both the high-performance GT versions of the Kia EV6 & EV9.

The 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) officially kicks off today, and we’re already seeing several new models making their global debut here. On top of our list are the all-electric duo from Kia, which are the Kia EV6 GT and Kia EV9 GT. These are essentially the high-performance versions of the marque’s SUV crossovers, featuring more powerful powertrain outputs and tons of sporty design upgrades.

Starting with the facelifted EV6 GT, this all-electric crossover adopts the dual-motor AWD setup from its high-performance cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. As a result, the EV6 GT now boasts a total system output of 601 HP (448 kW) and 739 NM, which can be temporarily boosted to over 641 HP and 770 NM in GT driving mode.

Although no official 0-100 KM/H sprint times were disclosed by the Korean automaker, we’d reckon the new EV6 GT will improve over its predecessor, which completed said sprint in 3.5 seconds. Also borrowed from the Ioniq 5 N is the Virtual Gear Shift feature that uses sound effects and torque modulation to imitate the sensation of gear shifts of an ICE-powered car.

On the battery front, the new EV6 GT uses the same 84-kWh units as the non-GT model, replacing the only 77-kWh unit used on its predecessor. Again, no maximum range figures were given by Kia for now, but it will definitely be an improvement over the previous model’s 423 KM maximum range claim.

Moving on to the EV9 GT, this high-performance all-electric behemoth breaks cover as the brand’s most potent three-row SUV ever, thanks to its new dual-motor AWD setup. Unlike the smaller EV6 GT, however, the EV9 GT gets a lower combined system output of only 501 HP, although it is still powerful enough to make it go from 0-100 KM/H in less than five seconds, which is an impressive feat given its behemoth size.

And just like the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT also adopts the same Virtual Gear Shift system derived from the Ioniq 5 N, plus an electronic limited-slip rear differential for improved cornering performance. Battery specs, however, remain shrouded in mystery for now, but we can expect this high-performance EV SUV to get the same spec as the Long Range model, which uses a sizable 99.8-kWh unit.

On the visual front, it appears that the EV9 GT gets pretty subtle yet effective design upgrades that transform this luxury peoplemover into a sportier one. The biggest change lies on the front, as the EV9 GT adopts a new front bumper that houses larger active air flaps and tweaked LED headlights. Also new here are the massive 21-inch wheels this behemoth rides on plus a slew of green-hued accents around the exterior, most notably on the brake callipers.

The green accent continues as we get inside the car, as the same hue dons its GT-specific front seats with Alcantara inserts, steering wheel, and many more. In case that’s not green enough, you can also match these accents with the same green shade on its ambient lighting system, while the plethora of GT badges help to remind you that this is no ordinary EV9 you’re driving now.

In the US market, both the new Kia EV6 GT and EV9 GT are slated to go on sale later in 2025, with no pricing details unveiled for now. Unlike their US-spec, non-GT twins, which will be assembled at the Kia US plant in Georgia, both the EV6 and EV9 GT will be made in South Korea, which is the same plant responsible for making said models for other international markets.