Kia Motors has officially stepped into the premium electric vehicle (EV) market in India with the launch of its flagship SUV, the Kia EV9, priced at Rs 1.30 crore. A three-row luxury electric SUV, the EV9 is being offered exclusively in a fully-loaded GT-Line AWD (All-Wheel Drive) trim, underscoring Kia's bold entry into the high-end EV segment. With deliveries set to begin in March 2025, the EV9 is poised to make a significant mark, albeit with a focused and selective retail approach.
Limited Availability in Select Cities
Kia's strategy for the EV9 reflects a clear understanding of its target audience. The premium SUV will be available at 20 select dealerships across India's top 10 metropolitan cities. This decision is rooted in the belief that the majority of demand will come from these urban hubs, where the infrastructure for electric vehicles is more developed, and the appetite for luxury vehicles is stronger. Customers in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai will likely be among the first to experience the Kia EV9.
Interestingly, Kia has not set any official sales targets for the EV9. Instead, the company has opted for an order-based import model, meaning the car will be imported as per customer demand. This approach gives Kia flexibility in managing stock and allows it to gauge interest before committing to larger volumes, a practical move given the premium nature and price point of the EV9.
Features and Design
The EV9 is being offered in a single, fully loaded GT-Line AWD trim, which means it comes with every feature and technological innovation that Kia has developed for this model. With its futuristic design, spacious three-row layout, and cutting-edge features, the EV9 aims to compete with the best luxury electric SUVs in the world. As an AWD model, it promises strong performance, enhanced by Kia's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a premium infotainment system.
Kia’s Future EV Plans
The EV9 is more than just a flagship SUV; it is a harbinger of Kia's future in India’s growing EV market. Kia has announced plans to introduce two locally produced EVs in the coming years, with the first set to debut in the second half of 2025. This vehicle is expected to be an electric version of the Kia Carens, offering a familiar product but with an electric drivetrain. Following this, another EV, possibly based on the Kia Sonet or a new compact SUV, will arrive in 2026.
With the EV9, Kia is not only making a statement but also laying the groundwork for a broader EV strategy in India, which will see a mix of premium imports and mass-market locally produced EVs.
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