Its true market may be defined in the full page coloured advertisements in respected US motoring magazines, but something as large as Kia’s EV9 is also available here.

The all-electric SUV is the flagship model in the Korean Company’s BEV line-up, offering a choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive depending on specification. It also offers the choice of seven seats or upping the extravagant luxury of six seats with the middle row offering two captains’ chairs in lieu of a tree-seat row.

The EV9 is the largest of Kia’s UK line-up and joins the Soul EV, Niro EV and EV6 in offering zero-emissions mobility. It is the second vehicle in the company’s range to be built on its Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP). All editions come with a 99.8kWh battery pack with Kia’s fourth-generation power technology. The rear-wheel drive EV9 ‘Air’ has a given range of up to 349 miles, while the all-wheel drive versions see a reduction to 313 miles.

All versions come with a 99.8kWh battery pack rated at 378bhp with maximum torque across the range of 700Nm. This translates to standard performance figures of a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds with a given top speed of 124mph.

placeholder image — KIA EV9, GT-Line S. Jim Mc Cauley.

On road, and the vehicle is clearly designed for family comfort with forgiving suspension complementing the ambience of the interior. Its power disguises its substantial 2.5 tonne weight and it maintains an unexpected agility once off the faster A- roads. Direction options and parking are controlled on a steering column stalk and a menu offers a choice of drive options easing from ‘Normal’ to ‘Eco’ or to sharpen response to ‘Sport’. A fourth ‘My Drive’ option allows drivers to customise a setup for themselves with acceleration, braking and steering settings all adjustable. Regenerative braking can also be adjusted to give at one extreme, one-pedal driving with throttle lift-off initiating braking. A comprehensive list of ADAS technologies is standard as well as 360 degree surround view monitor.

For the driver, there is Kia’s latest 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster. This top model also gets a customisable head-up display, projecting information into the driver’s line of sight. Both front seats have full power adjustment and have heating and ventilation as do the middle pair. These captains’ seats can be rotated through 180 degrees or locked at 90 degrees to help with child placing. While the rear seats provide adequate room, accessing them is awkward.

Storage extends to generous door pockets as well as a double tier central console while the boot area with rear seats up gives 333 litres. This extends to 2,393 litres with all seats folded and easy access through the powered tailgate.

In terms of running costs, the official range is given as up to 313 miles and recharging to 80% gave a 215 mile range. Not only is this the largest vehicle in Kia’s line-up, but it is also the most expensive, topping the range at £77,985. However, it comes as extremely well equipped and the only optional extras are premium and matt paint finishes. For business users, annual BIK is 3% and like all Kia models, warranty cover is 7 years / 100,000 miles with free 7 years Kia Connect Services.