Review
"Eh, siao ah? Spend so much for a KIA". Yes, we get this a lot from those still living in the 90s. This is a KN badge car now (pun intended), not the KIA your grandfather used to drive. It won 2024 World Car of the Year and World Electric Car of the Year. The titles speak for itself. It's like SQ winning the world's best airline award.

Now compare to the closest rivals in the 3-row SUV segment. Petrol/hybrid version competitors are Volvo XC90. It is dated, and costs 422-490k. Audi Q7 is even more ridiculously priced at 499k, also dated interior. Electric version competitors are Mercedes EQS SUV. It costs a whopping 590-690k. BMW iX at 500k is not even 3-row seater and has horrible interior design. None of the above is a true 3-row seater. You need to chop off the adult legs. And the above Continental/Swedish/Chinese made are having more questionable reliability issues compared to the much-improved Korean made of late, which at times are better than Toyota reliability standard. I come from one of the brands above. And I have experienced it all since day 1 of car collection. So, it is more "Siao" To pay more than half a million just for a badge with lower quality and reliability. It is more sensible to buy the only true 3-row SUV in the market (for now), with better quality, cheaper and for a badge that half of the people can't read or pronounce.

For those eyeing on the performance sheet, you'll be glad to know the GT-line has been mis-represented on the spec sheet. It should read 380hp/700Nm, launches 0-100 in 5.0 sec thereabouts based on reviews from around the world. It's not a sports car. But this power is decent for a 3-row SUV.

What I like
Head-turning interior and exterior design. Good materials used in the cabin despite vegan leather and recycled plastics used. Unlike some other brands that use lousy plastic materials and couldn't even last one car show event. Proper mix of traditional and futuristic interior design that defines a proper car. Not overly minimalistic that you need to keep adding third party mods. Or too flashy interior. Comfortable 1st and 2nd row massage seats. Full sized adults can fit 3rd row as well. Quiet drive on the road. Decent comfort and handling that commensurate SUV-type driving. Power and acceleration when you need it. Good boot space even when 3rd row is deployed. Has many cup holders and USB-C chargers. Electric folding/unfolding for 2nd/3rd row seats. 3-pin power socket at the boot for your camping power needs. Comes with roof rails. And this vehicle is built for towing should you need to.

What I do not like
Seems like no KIA Connect app for SG version. So, no handphone link to the car to access information. Digital grill only comes with one pattern. Waste of full potential for LEDs not used or lighted in the pattern. Should have included all the patterns. The digital grill is glass material and susceptible to stone chips and cracks. It will be a very expensive replacement. Dealer should actually come up with a warranty program for this expensive panel, or maybe throw in a complimentary PPF for front side of the car. Little to no educational information on EV charging options for first time EV user. Could have provided free charging credits on certain petrol/charging stations to ease the transition and also serves as educational pointers.

Review
Kia's new flagship is quite the doozy - as if you haven't guessed from the swanky new exterior. Get it if you have the means, this could be a historically significant product.

What I like
Premium looking both inside and out. Boxy exterior is strong and futuristic, without garish appointments. And the cabin, while lacking in a bit of colour, is outright elegant.

Powertrain is thoroughly accomplished. The Kia EV9 is fast, and settled on the road, mushing down obstacles so you're never disturbed when pusing your way through even broken tarmac. And the torque. There's plenty of responsiveness here that's delivered in a way that would be difficult in a combustion-powered car. It's lovely to drive, and to just sit in and relax.

What I do not like
Nothing.

Review
Kia has gone all oversized and premium with this EV9. Could this be the large SUV for the more sensible amongst us?

What I like
The car looks outright futuristic. Drive into the night and the head lights light up with little squares that look like nothing else out there.

Interior seats are also fantastically comfortable, and the infotainment is snappy, clean and elegant.

It may be a huge SUV, but its power and torque are more than plenty to ensure that you're darting around effortlessly.

What I do not like
Not the affordable Kia that you know.

Review
Forget the Kia that your dad used to drive. This is unlike anything Kia has pushed out before.

This EV9 is big, luxe, and a mighty sweet thing to drive. It's a new ear for Kia.

What I like
It's big size and boxy shape, for starters. Those star-inspired elements that accompany its head lights are just outright gorgeous.

Then there's the space inside, and the fact that passengers get air-conditioning vents and charging ports galore.

Ride comfort is also excellent, and the seats here are great even if you're growing a little wide around the waist.

What I do not like
Infotainment could be a touch more intuitive.

Pricey.