The Kia EV9 Wins Luxury Category in German Car of the Year 2024 Awards

Sep 21, 2023

Here at Classic Kia of Waukegan, we really love being part of a brand that is committed to upward mobility in sustainable practices, forward thinking business practices in innovative green technologies, and always moving forward and growing in leaps and bounds. That’s why today we’re so thrilled to announce that the Kia EV9 has won the Luxury Category in the German Car of the Year 2024 Awards. The Kia EV9 has continued to soar above the competition, making it a top pick for an environmentally responsible electric daily driver vehicle. Let’s take a look at what makes this car rise a cut above the competition.

Chosen by a panel of 27 trade journalists from a pool of nine competing models
EV9 follows in the footsteps of EV6, Kia’s first dedicated BEV

Following its debut in the five-meter class, the 3-row Kia EV9 Electric SUV won over the 27 member jury of the “German Car of the Year 2024” award. In fact, it emerged victorious against other competitive models in the “Luxury” class category, featuring all models with a base price over 70,000 Euro. It’s an impressive moment for the EV9, especially considering it’s only the second model to join Kia’s dedicated battery-electric vehicles, following in the tire tracks of the Kia EV6 which won European Car of the Year in 2022.

It’s clear that the EV9’s impressive engineering and world-class specs such as ultra-fast charging technology, luxurious and spacious interior, and fully loaded features have made an impression in the European market. The EV9 is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and features 800-volt ultra-fast charging technology, affording it one of the best charging performances in its class. Under optimal conditions, the 99.8 kWh battery can gain up to 239km of driving range in just 15 minutes of charging. With a rear-wheel drive option powered by a 150kW Motor, it delivers a truly spectacular all-electric range of 541km based on WLTP Standars. Customers can also opt for an all-wheel drive variant which is powered by twin 141 kW electric motors, and an all-electric range of 497km (WLTP). And, of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the AWD version is offered in the sporty, snazzy GT-Line model.

If you’re seeking creature comforts on your commute, then the EV9 is the right choice. The GT-line version comes with front-row “relax” seats with electronic adjustability, allowing you to recline comfortably while charging. It offers a seven-seater or six-seater option with individual second-row seats. You can choose from relaxation seats or swivel seats which turn 90 degrees to the open doors, or 180 degrees to face the rear passengers. It’s a wonderful option for socializing as well as accessibility.

“As Kia’s new flagship, the EV9 plays a pivotal role in transforming our brand into a leading EV provider. With its extraordinarily variable and spacious interior, striking design, and ultra-fast charging technology, it sets new standards in the SUV segment,” said Won-Jeong Jeong, President of Kia Europe. “We are very proud that the EV9 was named ‘German Luxury Car of the Year’ even before it is launched, as it is a strong signal that the Kia brand and its electrification strategy are recognized and awarded by German industry experts.”

In this year’s GCOTY competition, which marks its sixth edition, a panel of 27 trade journalists tested and evaluated a comprehensive lineup of 48 new models. The competition is structured into five distinctive categories: ‘Compact,’ ‘Premium,’ ‘Luxury,’ ‘New Energy,’ and ‘Performance.’ Currently, the panel is poised to select the overall winner from the five best-in-class, with the announcement slated for the beginning of October.