Australia's best-value EV? Kia EV9 pricing and specification confirmed with three-row, seven-seat electric SUV to kick off from under $100k

Kia's LandCruiser-sized electric SUV will kick off from $97,000 in Australia, making the EV9 among the best-value (on a dollar-per-square-metre basis) electric vehicles in the country.

The Kia EV9 will land in dealerships next week, with two of the three trim levels, Air and GT-Line, available immediately.

A third trim level, the mid-tier Earth which slots between the other two grades, has been delayed by a couple of months.

The full Kia EV9 price list is as follows:

While the Air receives a single rear-axle motor that produces 160kW and 350Nm, both the Earth and the GT-Line are equipped with a dual-motor, AWD setup that produces real power and staggering acceleration.

While both generate 283kW and 700Nm, the GT-Line is also equipped with an "Acceleration Boost" function, giving the big bus true hot-hatch acceleration, clipping 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds, compared to 6.0 seconds in the Earth.

While the RWD Air scores a 76.1kWh battery (unlocking a WLTP driving range of 443kms), both AWD variants are equipped with a 99.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack, increasing range to 512kms (Earth) and 505km (GT-Line).

All models are equipped with 800V architecture, which the brand says - when plugged into an ultra-fast charger - will help the EV9 go from 10 to 80 percent charged in just 20 minutes.

KIA EV9 AIR - $97,000

Standard features:

• 19” Alloy Wheels
• Projection Headlights with LED DRL’s
• LED Taillights
• Auto-Flush Door Handles
• Power Folding Mirrors
• Push-button start
• Artificial leather seats (powered in front)
• 2nd Row Tilting type Walk-in Device
• Remote Folding 2nd Row Seat Release
• V2L
• Twin 12.3-inch interior screens with 5.0-inch climate panel
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Wireless device charging
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Smart-powered tailgate
• Kia Connect and OTA
• Fingerprint authentication
• Nine airbags
• AEB w/ Junction Crossing, Lane Oncoming, Lane Change Side
• Highway Drive Assist 2.0
• TyrePressure Monitoring System
• LKA with Lane Follow Assist
• Multi Collision Braking
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Smart Cruise Control with S&G
• Rear View Camera

KIA EV9 EARTH - $106,500

Adds:

• Gloss Black Finish Wheel Mouldings & Side Sills
• Ambient Mood Lighting with Steering Wheel Logo Illumination
• Artificial Leather Seats
• Surround View Monitor
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• PCA –Reverse

KIA EV9 GT-LINE - $121,000

Adds:

• 21” Alloy Wheels
• Small Cube Projection LED Headlightswith LED DRLs
• Bridge Type Roof Racks, Black
• Privacy Glass (Rear Doors & Tailgate)
• Digital Side Mirrors
• Dual Tilt & Slide Sunroof
• Remote Smart Park Assist