Launched: Kia EV9 – 2 Variants, Up to 505 KM range, From RM369,668

Bermaz Auto (BAuto), through its subsidiary Dinamikjaya Motors, have officially launched the Kia EV9 flagship EV SUV in Malaysia today.

Dinamikjaya Motors, subsidiary of Bermaz Auto(BAuto) and distributors of the Kia brand in Malaysia, saw its line-up expanded today as it officially launches the new Kia EV9. This is Kia’s flagship all-electric (EV) SUV offering, and the firm will offer it across two fully imported (CBU) variants.

For Malaysia, the Kia EV9 arrives in two GT-Line guises. Both share identical powertrains and features, but are separated by seat-count and layout - 6-seat and 7-seat.

The GT-Line badge signals that both variants share the same dual-motor, AWD powertrain setup rated at 380 HP and 700 NM. The latter enables 0-100 KM/H in just 5.3 secs too.

Both variants also share the same 99.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This accepts DC fast-charging inputs as high as 350 KW, and each full-charge grants up to 505 KM range (WLTP).

For Malaysia, the EV9 comes in two GT Line guises, one featuring a 6-seat layout, the other with a 7-seat layout instead, both across three rows. The GT-Line designation means both variants harness the same dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup and 99.8 kWh battery pack.

Combined, said dual-motor driveline outputs 380 HP and a whopping 700 NM, thus enabling 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 5.3 seconds plus an electronically capped 200 KM/H V-Max. Given the 2,648 KG (7-seat) and 2,674 KG (6-seat) kerb weights, these are respectable figures indeed.

As for range, the 99.8 kWh battery pack mentioned enables both variants to achieve up to 505 KM (WLTP). Up to 350 kW DC charging input is accepted, thus enabling 10-80% re-charges in just 24 minutes. Besides that, 11 kW AC charging input is accepted too, but full re-charges take 10.5 hours here.

V2L function built-into the EV9 dispenses up to 3.58 KW and can power a range of household electronics and devices.

Additionally, the Kia EV9’s EV architecture also boasts a V2L function. As demonstrated in their glitzy Super Bowl ad, this feature can power a range of household appliances and electronics as it dispenses up to 3.58 kW.

This being a flagship offering, the features list is predictably rich and, crucially, identical across both variants. Common across both are full-LED lighting, sunroof, powered tailgate, digital side-mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, and leatherette seat covers.

Dual powered- and massage-equipped Relaxion seats (left) and three-seat second-row bench with one-touch sliding function (right) are what separates these two variants.

Primed across both variants are novel digital side-view camera-and-screens instead of mirrors.

Shared too is a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Paired with it is a 14-speaker Meridian audio system. Other key bits include a heads-up display (HUD), all-around parking sensors, and keyless entry.

Setting the two variants apart are the twin ‘Relaxion Seats’ – effectively powered and massage-equipped Ottoman seats – in the second row of the 6-seat variant. The 7-seat variant, on the other hand, gets a 60:40 split-folding three-seat bench in its stead with one-touch sliding function.

A full swing of ADAS features are also present across both variants.

Fully loaded too are the barrage of standard safety features which, predictably, includes a full swing of active driver assistance (ADAS) features. The bill includes seven airbags, surround-view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring system, auto-hold brakes, ISOFIX childseat points, and more. 

As for the ADAS package, the EV9 is brimmed with notable additions such as High Beam Assist, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (front, rear and side), Blind-spot Collission Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.

All of which come on top of the usual items like a blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, Lane-Following Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-go, as well as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.

As for price, the 6-seat variant commands RM374,688 sans insurance. The 7-seat variant is priced RM5,000 lower at RM369,688 instead.

As expected, the new Kia EV9 is handsomely equipped as any flagship offering should be, and the news gets better with its prices. Thanks to the on-going CBU EV incentive by the government, the Kia EV9 commands RM369,668 in GT-Line 7-seat form, and RM374,668 in GT-Line 6-seat form.

Included in both prices is a 5-year or 150,000 KM vehicle warranty, as well as an 8-year or 160,000 KM EV battery warranty. Available across five paintjob options, the Kia EV9 GT-Line is now open for orders at authorised Kia dealerships nationwide.

Check out more images of Kia’s flagship EV SUV in the extensive gallery prepared below. Are you digging this fully-loaded offering from Kia? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, as well as our social media pages…