The legend of Range Rover needs no further telling. They were and remain one of the finest all round prestige vehicles money can buy and now they are electrified too. Available now are both mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of this iconic SUV. Further to this, the Land Rover empire have announced that a fully electric Range Rover model will make its debut in 2024; so not long now.
Kia meanwhile, a mainstream brand from South Korea, have been quietly going about their business and developing a wide range of modern cars, some of which these days are powered solely by electricity. One such is the EV9, pictured here. Now, the Kia brand are rapidly closing the gap between the mainstream and premium markets as there cars become more capable and practical. The company no doubt see their future in the electric marketplace. The EV9 is the latest manifestation of that.
The question however is: Does the EV9 compete with the Range Rover Hybrids or the forthcoming Range Rover EV?
Range Rover Hybrids
Very little more need be said about the Range Rover Hybrid series that we didn’t say in our full review in June this year (find it here). Briefly then, the Range Rover provides electrified performance with a choice of new Extended Range PHEV models, the P440e and P510e, plus the latest MHEV P400 Ingenium petrol and D300 and D350 diesel engines. A powerful new petrol flagship – the P530 Twin Turbo V8 – delivers increased refinement and performance and is seventeen per cent more efficient than the previous Range Rover V8.
The new Extended-Range PHEV 5 combines the inherent refinement of Land Rover’s in-line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a 105kW electric motor integrated with the transmission. Together, the power-train provides up to 100km (62 miles) of near-silent pure-electric driving. With instantaneous electric torque the new P510e accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.6s), which will please drivers who hold the fossil-fuel Range Rovers dear.
This PHEV model is the most relaxing Range Rover yet on and off the road, they say. The significance of the electric torque to boost refinement further still should not be underestimated, making the P510e, especially serene on the move. The ride is great and the SUV handles surprisingly well for such a big vehicle. It could be argued that although there are more powerful conventional Range Rover models, this one is the most pleasing yet.
The Kia EV9
This one’s brand new. Kia’s all-new EV9 is an all-electric SUV designed and built for discerning drivers in the electrified era. It is this company’s first three-row electric flagship SUV and yes, it does much of what the Range Rover does: It is a spacious, striking to look at, rugged, sophisticated and technologically advanced electric vehicle.
Available as a six or seven-seater, it combines bold (and suspiciously Range Rover-like) styling. It purports to be versatile, multifaceted and fully connected to the world. More to the point, Kia say that the car has a range of up to 541 kilometres (336 miles) so should be capable of a day’s driving without a further charge. Should it be required however, the EV9 features an 800V ultra-fast charging option delivering 239 km worth of power in just 15 minutes.
On The Outside
At the front, the EV9 features the latest generation of the company’s ‘Digital Tiger Face’. The distinctive vertical headlamps are powered by LEDs and characterised by a thin lens projection, or for the GT-line variant, small cube projection.
To the rear, a unique ‘star map’ lamp graphic within the signature LED tail-lights gives the Kia EV9 an instantly recognisable look. Automatic flush door handles contribute to a modern, high-tech appearance, while active air flaps improve aerodynamic efficiency. It might be big and boxy but it is very slippery through the air. Nineteen, twenty or twenty-one inch wheels with noise-absorbing tyres mounted on low-drag alloys with a unique rectangular or triangular design element complete the exterior.
On The Inside
The Kia EV9 is characterised by a spacious interior with a minimalist and easy-to-use layout. The unique EV architecture, with the long wheelbase and flat floor allows for more cabin space than ever before. The EV9 comes with three rows of seats and is available in both a six-seat and a standard seven-seat layout. It is currently one of the very few seven-seat electrified vehicles available.
Upon entering the Kia EV9, the driver finds a big emblem on the steering wheel which illuminates while driving, which some might consider a distraction. The model also comes with the option of Digital Side Mirrors; digital screens connected to cameras instead of analogue mirrors. These expand the driver’s field of vision, increasing both safety and convenience.
The digital rear view mirror, meanwhile, can be used as a normal electric chromatic mirror or as a display for camera picture which enables the driver to get a safe rear view in situations when the view is obscured. The centre console is equipped with a fast wireless phone charger. The lower part of the dash contains a USB port and charger. The second and third rows also feature USB chargers. Various ambient mood lights are applied inside the front rear armrests and on top of the map pocket, providing different lightning functions including a car camping mode.
When the vehicle is stationary, the passengers can choose between relaxation or swivel function for the second-row seats. The relaxation seats offer superior comfort while the swivelled seats can be turned around to face the third row. In addition, the EV9 features numerous innovations that make journeys more comfortable and convenient.
The EV9 is also the first Kia vehicle to come with additional software upgrades via the Kia Connect store, enabling owners to update and personalise their vehicle with the features they want. Leather alternatives and materials made from recycled plastics mark an important and significant shift towards more sustainable interiors, we learn.
On The Road
The Kia EV9 is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both versions come with a 99.8kWh battery featuring Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. The rear-wheel drive version has a 150kW motor which is capable of a maximum torque output of 350Nm. This drivetrain variation can accelerate from 0-100kmh in 9.4 seconds.
Meanwhile, the all-wheel drive variation is powered by twin 141kW electric motors with maximum torque of 250Nm & 350Nm for the Baseline version and 350Nm & 350Nm for the GT-line model, front and rear. It has a top speed of 124mph (200kmh) and accelerate from 0-100kmh in 6.0 seconds and 5.3 seconds respectively.
Clearly, the Kia cannot compete with the Range Rover in terms of rough stuff sophistication. With the AWD version, a little light off-roading is feasible and achievable but in other respects this new EV from Kia is pressing all the right buttons and is the SUV that will make the South Korean company one of the new breed of premium car makers.
If electric vehicles are to finally break out then this is the car that is going to break down the barriers. It doesn’t have a budget price but it comes in at well below Range Rover rates, that’s for sure. Unquestionably, the EV9 is going to be a big seller and deservedly so. It is very comfortable, practical and delivers a great ride. This is likely to be the car electric aficionados have been waiting for. In its way it is as technically advanced as its prestige rival and of course does not emit emissions locally. When it finally arrives, the Range Rover EV is going to have a fight on its hands.
If potential buyers would like to find out how they can own one of these great cars then please get in touch to find out about the comprehensive MHH International VAT-free export service from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, the Caribbean and elsewhere.
