Kia EV9 GT delayed indefinitely in the US due to market conditions.
The EV9 GT, with approximately 500 horsepower, has been delayed in the US due to a sluggish market; the expected price will exceed $80,000 when the $7,500 credit line ends and it will be subject to an import tax of around 15%.
Kia has confirmed that the EV9 GT – the most powerful version of its EV9 family electric SUV – is “delayed until further notice” in the US. The model, which was expected to launch before the end of 2025, boasts around 500 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds, but changing market conditions have cast uncertainty over its commercialization plans.
While the luxury electric vehicle segment is stagnating, the projected price tag exceeding $80,000 (approximately 2 billion VND) places the EV9 GT in a more inaccessible price range, especially after the $7,500 federal tax credit ends. Furthermore, the high-performance versions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles are primarily imported from South Korea, meaning the EV9 GT faces import tariffs of around 15% in the US, increasing costs and business risks.
Motivation and experience: performance geared towards the road.
The EV9 GT is positioned as the most significant performance upgrade in the EV9 lineup, focusing on acceleration and stability at high speeds. While Kia hasn't released details of the motor configuration, the estimated 500 horsepower and acceleration time of over 4 seconds suggest a clear direction: optimizing throttle response, body control, and traction.
- The adjustable rear limited-slip differential supports efficient torque transfer during acceleration and cornering.
- Large brakes, paired with high-performance tires to handle the heat load and grip required for high-performance driving.
- The electronically controlled suspension system (ECS) allows for adjustment of stiffness according to the driving mode, balancing ride comfort and body control.
- The internal combustion engine simulation mode – previously seen on the EV6 GT, inspired by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – aims to capture the characteristic driving feel of a high-performance vehicle.
Design emphasizes performance.
The exterior changes focus on aerodynamics and visual identity:
- The front bumper has a more aggressive design to optimize airflow and enhance the sporty look.
- The custom-designed wheels are paired with the distinctive green brake calipers of the GT variant.
Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel and sport seats with large hip pads provide a secure seating position when cornering. Green accents continue the high-performance DNA in the cabin.
Pricing and positioning within the EV9 range.
The EV9 GT is expected to cost around $10,000 more than the EV9 GT-Line, priced at $71,900. With a total cost projected to exceed $80,000, the GT variant is beyond the reach of most consumers, especially given dwindling incentives.
While the future in the US remains uncertain, pre-orders have already opened in several other markets. In the UK, the announced price is £82,185 (approximately $108,000), thus solidifying the EV9 GT's positioning in the high-performance electric SUV segment.
Barriers in the US: declining preferential treatment, rising import costs.
The end of the $7,500 federal tax credit significantly reduces the EV9 GT's price advantage. Furthermore, high-performance variants like the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N are primarily imported from South Korea, meaning the EV9 GT is likely to be subject to import taxes of around 15%. These two factors combine to drive up the actual retail price and make the planned US launch more risky.
Kia stated that the delay was due to “changing market conditions.” This move is consistent with reality: demand for premium electric vehicles is slowing, while the cost of high-performance products is often more difficult to optimize than mainstream versions.
Commercialization status: limited presence, exploratory signals.
In the US, some dealerships have received demo vehicles of the EV9 GT, but there are no official test drive videos or reviews yet. The available content mainly consists of close-up videos from the US and Canada. This suggests that the EV9 GT may not be widely commercialized in the US market in the near future.
Quick summary table
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Situation in the US | Delayed “until further notice” |
| Estimated capacity | Approximately 500 horsepower |
| Accelerate | Acceleration time in over 4 seconds |
| Performance upgrade | Adjustable rear limited-slip differential; large brakes; high-performance tires. |
| Suspension system | ECS electronically controls and adjusts stiffness according to the driving mode, simulating the feel of an internal combustion engine. |
| Design identification | Sporty front bumper; custom rims; green brake calipers; three-spoke steering wheel; sporty seats with large lumbar support. |
| Price compared to EV9 GT-Line | Approximately $10,000 more expensive (≈ 250,000,000 VND) compared to $71,900 (≈ 1,797,500,000 VND). |
| Expected price in the US | Exceeding $80,000 (approximately 2,000,000,000 VND) |
| Discounts/Taxes | The $7,500 tax credit (approximately VND 187,500,000) has ended; import tax is approximately 15%. |
| Other markets | UK: £82,185 (approximately US$108,000 ≈ VND 2,700,000,000) |
Conclude
The EV9 GT boasts a true "GT" upgrade package – limited-slip differential, larger brakes, premium tires, and ECS suspension – along with a performance-focused design. However, in the US, the cost after incentives and import taxes of around 15% makes the business model less viable. The indefinite delay reflects Kia's caution regarding a stagnant segment. In Europe, where pricing has been announced and pre-orders are open, the EV9 GT is likely to arrive sooner; while in the US, the prospect of widespread commercialization remains uncertain.
