The long-awaited Kia EV9 GT has finally broken cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, stepping into the limelight as the brand’s most powerful three-row SUV to date. Following the formula set by the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT dials up performance and attitude for Kia’s electric flagship, even if it holds back slightly on outright power compared to its smaller sibling.

Power to the People

While the two electric motors in the EV6 GT combine to produce 576 hp, the new EV9 GT has been capped at 501 hp. Driving the front wheels is a 214 hp motor, while located at the rear is a 362 hp unit. There’s no word on why Kia didn’t give the EV9 GT the same amount of power as the range-topping EV6, but it’ll still hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, which is a very impressive figure for a vehicle of this size.

Sharper Handling Meets GT Badging

To give the EV9 GT some genuine dynamic credibility, Kia has equipped it with selectable, electronically controlled suspension that adjusts alongside steering and brake responses. Modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and My Drive provide versatility, but for maximum fun, there’s a lime-green GT button on the steering wheel that transforms the SUV into full attack mode.

Review: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Is A Ballistic Missile That Redefines EVs

One standout quirk is the Virtual Gear Shift system. Mimicking the experience of a traditional gearbox, it offers simulated “gear shifts” and even limits acceleration at the so-called ‘rev limit.’ Hyundai pulled a similar trick with the Ioniq 5 N, and while it’s likely to divide opinion, paddle shifters and an Active Sound Design system attempt to inject a dose of driver engagement. Kia has also added an electronic limited-slip differential for improved cornering grip, bolstering the EV9 GT’s performance credentials further.

Range Anxiety? No Comment

Kia has yet to release official range figures for the EV9 GT. For now, buyers will have to live with some unanswered questions about how far this performance-focused SUV can travel on a single charge. What we do know is that it’s equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug and supports rapid DC charging. With the right charger, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes.

Subtle Aggression in Design

In typical Kia GT fashion, the EV9 GT’s visual upgrades are restrained but effective. It rides on bespoke 21-inch wheels, which frame larger, green-painted brake calipers. The front fascia gets minor revisions, including active air flaps and tweaked lighting elements, while the green accents continue inside. The cabin benefits from GT-specific sport seats with Alcantara inserts, unique ambient lighting, and a smattering of GT badges to remind you that this isn’t your standard EV9.

Kia America COO and EVP Steven Center sums it up: “The EV9 has been a home run for Kia, introducing the first mass-market electric three-row SUV, and the EV9 GT includes all those wonderful elements while amping up the fun factor significantly. This new halo trim is set to spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV.”

Delayed Gratification

All EV9 GTs will be produced in South Korea, with the first units expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2025. Pricing remains under wraps, but given Kia’s track record with its GT models, expect it to undercut rivals while still offering a mix of performance and practicality.

Kia has become a much cooler and desirable brand than it was a decade ago and at next month’s SEMA Show, it will unveil a pair of creations that could show just how hip the carmaker has become.

While only two teasers have been released of the new models, there are no prizes for anyone who guesses what Kia has been up to. The first concept is clearly based on the existing all-electric EV9, as evidenced by those unmistakable LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Read: 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line Is The Ultimate Family Electric SUV

Kia has then installed a yellow LED light bar on the roof of the three-row SUV and a trio of smaller yellow LEDs between the headlights. A pair of tow hooks are also visible. It seems likely that the special EV9 will be a more off-road-focused variant. Whether or not the concept spawns a production model remains to be seen, but Kia does offer a handful of slightly more adventurous versions of its SUVs, such as the Sportage X-Pro and the Sorento X-Pro. It would only make sense if the EV9 also got the X-Pro treatment. Either that or the marque may be working on some individual accessories it could launch for the EV.

The second vehicle teaser is a little more unusual. The LEDs are vastly different than any current Kia production model but do appear identical to those featured on the PV5, the electric van Kia unveiled at CES in January, which will soon hit the production line. We can see Kia has added two additional lighting units to the front fascia of the concept and like the EV9, has also added a yellow LED light bar to the roof.

It’s slightly harder to determine Kia’s plans for this model. While there could be some demand for an off-road version of the EV9, we suspect the market for an off-road commercial vehicle like the PV5 is smaller.

Whatever the case, all will be revealed at SEMA, running from November 5 to November 8 in Las Vegas.