The three-row Kia EV9 was one of the most awarded electric cars last year, winning World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and Favorite Plug-in Vehicle in addition to numerous design awards. Kia is now upping the ante with a zippier version of the model, the 2025 Kia EV9 GT.

The GT-badged model gets more power and technology, including Kia’s first electronically controlled suspension and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port suitable for the Tesla Supercharger. It also uses an advanced new virtual transmission. This hardware complements the sportier design and new features inside.

The 2025 Kia EV9 GT comes with 21-inch wheels and high-performance low-profile Continental tires. It also has the stylish neon green brake calipers from the smaller EV6 GT and a new lighting pattern for the pixelated LED headlights called “Energetic”.

Brinley notes that about 5 percent of EV6 registrations in the EV6 lineup were GT versions from January to September 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility’s U.S. light vehicle registration data. She also said that the GT version is likely to have a higher margin than the standard car and is helping to build excitement around the model range.

The changes inside the EV9 GT are also imaginative with bright green accents matching the calipers on the seats, steering wheel and elsewhere. The new sports seats are trimmed in Alcantara suede and embossed with the GT logo to stand out against the dark gray and black interior.

Similar to other SUVs, the EV9 GT has two 12.3-inch screens, one as a digital driver panel and one as a touchscreen infotainment system. Kia notes that content and features such as ambient lighting can change and improve through free updates. Creativity comes with a panel of buttons below the screen that disappears when the vehicle is not on, resulting in a much less busy look.

The EV9 GT comes standard with all-wheel drive from electric motors on the front and rear axles. There is a 160 kW engine at the front and a 270 kW unit at the rear. Together, they produce an estimated 501 horsepower (hp), an increase of 122 horsepower over the already quick EV9 GT-Line. Kia says it’s targeting a zero-to-60 time of just 4.3 seconds.

Kia has implemented technology from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N into this new model. Owners can adjust shock absorption, steering and brake feel. And like a true sports car, it comes with a special mode, here named GT, that sets everything to its most aggressive setting with the push of a button.

Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) simulates the experience of a conventional “step” automatic transmission. It can be used in automatic mode, where it will accelerate and decelerate like a normal vehicle, or with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that simulate shifting. Kia says its electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) works with the VGS to replicate shift sounds as the vehicle accelerates.

Continuing the sporty changes is the electronic limited-slip differential, which helps with cornering stability as it sends power to the required side of the rear axle.

Like the Kia EV9, the GT has an 800-volt fast charging architecture and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 25 minutes. Kia has not disclosed the expected range of all-electric SUVs.

A full suite of advanced driver assistance systems is included, with technology such as Smart Cruise Control-Curve, which slows the vehicle to stay comfortable around highway corners, and the new Park Collision Avoidance Assist, which warns the driver of pedestrians or objects while parking and interference. with brakes.

“The GT version won’t necessarily increase sales. There may be some buyers who step up for the GT, but the more likely scenario is that it’s an EV9 prospect who chooses the more powerful variant, which is good for the car’s image.” and the automaker’s bottom line,” Brinley said.

The 2025 Kia EV9 GT goes on sale next year. Kia hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but it’s sure to be higher than the top-of-the-line EV9 GT-Line, which starts at $73,900 before destination or EV tax rebates.