Kia EV9 GT: The Performance Three-Row Electric SUV Nobody Saw Coming | Taha Abbasi

Kia has unveiled the EV9 GT, a high-performance variant of its award-winning three-row electric SUV that delivers supercar acceleration with family-hauler practicality. Taha Abbasi examines how this vehicle challenges assumptions about what electric SUVs can be.

Performance That Defies Size

The Kia EV9 GT packs dual motors producing over 500 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in approximately 4.5 seconds — remarkable for a vehicle that seats seven and weighs over 5,500 pounds. The GT variant adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential for improved handling. These aren’t cosmetic upgrades; they fundamentally transform the driving character of the EV9.

Taha Abbasi is impressed by Hyundai Motor Group’s (Kia’s parent) ability to extract performance from their 800V E-GMP platform. “This is the same architecture that powers the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6. The fact that it scales from a sporty hatchback to a seven-seat SUV without major compromises speaks to excellent platform engineering.”

Why the EV9 GT Matters

The performance three-row SUV segment has been remarkably underserved in the EV market. Families need space; enthusiasts want performance. Previously, these buyers had to choose between practical EVs (Model X, EV9 standard) and performance EVs (Model S Plaid, Lucid Air). The EV9 GT eliminates this compromise for the first time at its price point.

The base EV9 already won numerous awards for its design, technology, and value proposition. Adding a genuine performance variant expands its appeal to buyers who might otherwise consider a Tesla Model X or Hyundai IONIQ 9.

800V Architecture Advantage

Kia’s 800-volt electrical architecture enables ultra-fast charging at up to 350 kW, delivering a 10-80% charge in approximately 24 minutes. This charging speed advantage over 400V competitors (including most Tesla models) is a genuine differentiator for long-distance travel. As Taha Abbasi notes, “Charging speed matters more than range for road trips. The EV9 GT’s 800V system means shorter stops and more time driving.”

Competitive Pricing

At an estimated starting price around $73,000, the EV9 GT significantly undercuts the Tesla Model X ($79,990+) while offering comparable performance and more interior space. This pricing strategy has been a hallmark of Hyundai Motor Group’s EV approach: offer more for less, build volume, and use scale to improve margins over time.

The Hyundai Motor Group Momentum

Taha Abbasi has been tracking Hyundai Motor Group’s EV strategy closely and considers it the most credible challenger to Tesla’s dominance. Between Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, the group covers every EV segment from affordable commuters to luxury performance vehicles. The EV9 GT is the latest evidence that this strategy is working — and the rest of the industry should be paying attention.

Read more: Electric Vehicle Comparisons | EV Road Trip Planning

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About the Author: Taha Abbasi is a technology executive, CTO, and applied frontier tech builder. Read more on Grokpedia | YouTube: The Brown Cowboy | tahaabbasi.com