The landscape of electric vehicles in Australia is shifting rapidly. We’ve seen efficient commuters, rugged off-roaders, and luxury cruisers. But the arrival of the Kia EV9 GT marks a new chapter in the “EV Evolution.”

Imagine a vehicle that can carry seven people in supreme comfort, tow a boat for a weekend away in Jervis Bay or the Mornington Peninsula, and then out-accelerate a dedicated sports car at the traffic lights. That is no longer a contradiction; it’s the 2026 Kia EV9 GT.

At EV Evolution, our mission is to empower you with the most accurate, timely insights into the Australian EV landscape. Today, we are diving deep into the confirmed details of Kia’s most powerful production car ever—a machine that promises to redefine what a family SUV can do.

The “GT” Badge: A Legacy of Performance

For those new to the Kia ecosystem, the “GT” badge isn’t just a trim level; it is a statement of intent. It began with the Stinger GT, a twin-turbo V6 that challenged European hegemony. It continued with the EV6 GT, which proved that electric power could be engaging, emotional, and blisteringly fast.

Now, that high-performance DNA is being injected into the massive EV9. This isn’t just an EV9 with a body kit. It is a re-engineered performance vehicle designed to put a smile on your face while handling the school run.

EV Evolution Insight: Many Australian drivers worry that moving to a large electric SUV means sacrificing driving dynamics. The EV9 GT is Kia’s answer to that fear, proving that “practical” doesn’t have to mean “boring.”

Under the Hood: Heart-Stopping Specifications

Let’s get straight to the numbers that matter. The standard EV9 is already a capable vehicle, but the GT variant turns the dial up to eleven.

1. Powertrain and Acceleration

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT is powered by a dual-motor setup that is significantly more potent than the existing GT-Line.

• Total Power Output: Approximately 374kW (over 500 horsepower).
• Torque: Expected to exceed 700Nm, delivering instant, neck-snapping thrust.
• 0-100 km/h: Kia is targeting a time of 4.3 seconds.

To put that in perspective, this 2.7-tonne family SUV accelerates faster than many V8 muscle cars of the past decade. The front motor produces around 160kW, while the rear motor is boosted to 270kW, ensuring a rear-biased, sporty feel when you push it.

2. Battery and Range

Power is nothing without endurance, especially in a country as vast as Australia.

• Battery Capacity: 99.8kWh (usable).
• Estimated Range: While official WLTP figures for Australia are pending, we anticipate a real-world range of roughly 410km – 450km.

Note: The range is slightly lower than the standard EV9 Earth or GT-Line models due to the sticky performance tyres and higher output motors. However, for most Australian urban dwellers and weekend warriors, this remains more than sufficient.

3. Charging Speed: 800V Architecture

One of the Kia EV9’s biggest selling points is its E-GMP platform, which supports ultra-fast 800-volt charging.

• Charging Time: 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes when using a 350kW ultra-rapid charger (like those from Chargefox or Evie Networks).
• Add 100km Range: In approximately 5-7 minutes of charging.

The “X-Factor”: Virtual Gear Shift & Active Sound

This is where the EV9 GT separates itself from every other electric SUV on the market. Kia understands that for many enthusiasts, the lack of mechanical feedback in EVs can feel “clinical.”

Borrowing technology from the widely acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the EV9 GT will feature Virtual Gear Shift (VGS).

• What is it? It simulates the feeling of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
• How it works: Using the paddle shifters, you can “change gears.” The car momentarily interrupts torque delivery and adjusts the motor sound to mimic a rev-match downshift or a hard upshift.
• Why it matters: It brings engagement back to driving. You can feel the car “engine braking” into corners and surging forward on “upshifts,” giving you a connection to the machine that one-speed EVs simply cannot match.

Paired with Active Sound Design, which pumps a futuristic, high-performance sound into the cabin (and arguably outside), the EV9 GT offers a sensory experience that rivals internal combustion engines.

Handling the Australian Road: Suspension & Brakes

Australian roads are unique—often rough, cambered, and unpredictable. A heavy, fast SUV needs serious engineering to handle them safely.

Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS)

The EV9 GT will be the first EV9 to feature fully adaptive suspension.

• Comfort Mode: Soaks up the bumps of Sydney’s Parramatta Road or Melbourne’s tram tracks with ease.
• GT Mode: Stiffens the dampers to minimize body roll, keeping the car flat and composed through twisting country B-roads.

High-Performance Braking

Stopping 374kW of mass is critical. The GT will feature:

• Neon Green Calipers: A signature of Kia’s GT line.
• Upsized Discs: Larger, ventilated discs to manage heat during spirited driving.
• Regenerative Braking: Calibrated to work aggressively in GT mode to assist with deceleration while recapturing energy.

Exterior and Interior Upgrades

You won’t mistake the GT for a standard model in the school carpark.

• Exterior: Expect a more aggressive front fascia, unique 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, and the distinctive “Lime Green” (or Neon) brake calipers.
• Interior: The cabin will feature bucket-style sports seats with “GT” embroidery, offering better side support for cornering. The steering wheel will house the dedicated “GT” button—a single press that transforms the car from a docile family hauler into a track-ready beast.

Despite these performance upgrades, it retains the EV9’s legendary practicality:

• 7-Seat Configuration: Still available, ensuring no family member is left behind.
• V2L (Vehicle-to-Load): You can still plug in your coffee machine or laptop while camping.

Why This Matters for the Australian Market

At EV Evolution, we believe 2026 will be the year the “Performance EV” goes mainstream for families. Until now, if you wanted a 7-seat EV with this level of performance, your options were limited to six-figure luxury vehicles like the Tesla Model X Plaid or the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.

The Kia EV9 GT is expected to undercut these rivals significantly in price while offering comparable, if not superior, engagement.

The Competition

• Tesla Model X: Faster in a straight line, but significantly more expensive and currently not available in RHD (new orders).
• Volvo EX90: Focused more on safety and luxury than raw engagement.
• Hyundai Ioniq 9: Likely to focus more on comfort (“lounge on wheels”) while the Kia takes the sporty lane.

Expected Pricing & Availability

While official pricing hasn’t been released, industry estimates suggest the Kia EV9 GT will land in Australia in late 2025 or early 2026, with a price tag likely between $130,000 and $140,000 AUD.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Compromise-Breaker?

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT is shaping up to be the ultimate “have your cake and eat it too” vehicle. It solves the dilemma of the car enthusiast who needs family practicality but refuses to drive a boring car. It represents the maturation of the electric vehicle—moving beyond just “saving the planet” to “saving the joy of driving.”

As we move closer to the launch date, the Australian charging infrastructure continues to improve, making vehicles like the EV9 GT viable not just for city sprints, but for the great Australian road trip.

EV Evolution will be tracking every update, every leak, and every official announcement regarding the EV9 GT. We are committed to keeping our community informed and ready for the future of motoring.

🚀 Ready to learn more?

The world of EVs changes daily. If you want to check the latest confirmed specs, find out about charging stations near you, or compare the EV9 GT against other upcoming models like the Hyundai Ioniq 9:

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About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.