The Kia EV9 received excellent evaluations, surpassing the Volvo EX90 in a comparative assessment of large electrified SUVs conducted by the German automotive magazine, Auto Bild.
Auto Bild is a renowned automobile magazine published in Germany and is highly trusted among European consumers. This assessment targeted the 2024 World Car of the Year, the EV9, and the 2025 World Luxury Car of the Year, the EX90.
The comparison criteria encompassed seven categories: body, convenience, powertrain, driving performance, connectivity, eco-friendliness, and economic efficiency. As a result of comparing the EV9 GT-line (AWD) with the EX90 twin motor AWD model, the EV9 demonstrated superiority in the body, powertrain, and economic efficiency categories. The total scores were 589 for the EV9 and 571 for the EX90.
Based on a wheelbase of 3,100 mm, the EV9 was highly rated for its spacious interior, with second-row independent seats and a maximum loading space of 2,393 liters, earning high marks in the body category.
In the powertrain category, the EV9 excelled in overall driving quality, responsiveness, top speed, and energy consumption compared to the EX90. The EV9 accelerated from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The EX90 recorded times of 5.8 seconds and 3.7 seconds respectively under the same conditions.
Auto Bild evaluated that although the EV9 has lower output than the EX90, it achieves faster acceleration through its approximately 120 kg lighter weight and a high-efficiency system. The EV9’s maximum output is 283 kW (385 horsepower), and the EX90’s is 300 kW (408 horsepower).
The EV9 also demonstrated an advantage in real-world energy consumption. In a driving test of approximately 155 km, the EV9 recorded 27.9 kWh/100 km, while the EX90 recorded 33.5 kWh/100 km. Auto Bild explained that the EV9’s battery management system is more efficient than that of the EX90.
There were also differences in charging performance. While the EV9, based on an 800V system, supports a maximum of 210 kW charging, taking about 24 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% of the battery, the EX90 supports 250 kW but with a 400V system, resulting in a charging time of 32 minutes. These figures are based on German specifications.
In the driving performance evaluation, the EX90 exhibited rear oversteer during high-speed cornering despite being equipped with air suspension. Meanwhile, the EV9 maintained stable driving performance on various road surfaces and corners due to its rigid chassis.
In terms of economic efficiency, the EV9 clearly outperformed in price competitiveness and warranty conditions. Auto Bild stated that the EV9 provides similar performance at a lower price compared to the EX90, with a price difference of about 20,000 euros (approximately 31.5 million won).
Since its release in 2023, the EV9 has won the ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Electric Car of the Year’ at the 2024 World Car Awards. It also claimed the titles of ‘2024 North American Car of the Year’ and ‘2024 World Women’s Car of the Year’ in the SUV category and achieved overall victories.
A Kia representative expressed pride in the confirmed electrification technology and product value of the EV9, stating that they will continue to enhance customer value with a diverse lineup of electric vehicles.