Kia’s flagship electric SUV is set to gain a performance variant in 2025. The EV9 GT uses a twin-motor drivetrain with 215bhp coming from the front and 362bhp from the rear axle. Combined, the motors develop a peak output of 501bhp and propel the car from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The response from the powertrain can be linear in true EV fashion or mimic the performance delivery of a piston engine with the Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system. This technology - first seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – simulates a multi-speed transmission and allows the driver to change up or down through a number of “ratios” using the paddles on the steering wheel. This works together with synthesised engine noise, which should add a sense of familiarity to those moving from petrol to electric power. With VGS deactivated, the paddles can be used to adjust regenerative braking intensity.

Six driving modes will be available, with Normal, Eco, Sport, Terrain and the independently configurable My Drive settings, selectable via a steering wheel-mounted button, while the GT Mode is activated via its own neon green button. The response from the steering, brakes and e-motors changes in each drive mode, along with active suspension. The standard-fit Road Preview System uses sensors and a forward-facing camera to analyse the road surface and adjust the suspension accordingly. We expect the pothole recognition feature to be working overtime on British roads...

The EV9 GT also gains electronic limited-slip differentials with torque vectoring, to send the performance to the wheels with the most traction and limit wheelspin on those with less grip. At each corner, GT-specific 21” alloy wheels can be found, with enlarged brake discs and neon green callipers – a signature GT flourish – hiding behind the spokes. The styling tweaks for the high-performance SUV are subtle, with an updated pattern on the active air flaps in the lower grille, and the additional running lights in the front bumper being unique to the GT.

Inside, new sports seats feature on the front row, with all seats clad in man-made leather and alcantara. The contrast stitching and piping is the same neon green colour as the brake callipers. GT-specific graphics feature on the infotainment displays, with a mix of physical buttons and capacitive sensors controlling the technology and air conditioning.

Just like the regular EV9, the GT is able to tow up to 2.5 tonnes, and we expect it to offer a choice of six or seven-seat configurations. The 99.8kWh capacity battery will offer a WLTP range of over 280 miles – a reduction of 33 miles compared to the dual-motor EV9 GT-Line S model. An 800-volt electrical architecture allows for a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes at a DC rapid charger, at a maximum of 210kW.

Pricing, kerb weight, maximum torque and top speed will all be confirmed when the EV9 GT goes on sale in 2025. Introducing the VGS simulated transmission to a large, luxury SUV is a bold move, but if it has the same effect on driver engagement as it has in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, this could prove to be an inspired choice. We expect this technology to be used on all the forthcoming driver-centric models from Kia, including the soon-to-be updated EV6 GT.