Kia EV9 Air

Does the entry-level version of Kia’s seven-seat electric SUV make the most sense? On sale Spring Price from £65,025

IMPRESSIVE THOUGH THE Kia EV9 electric SUV is in terms of space, practicality and range, one of the sticking points with the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive (AWD) versions we’ve driven until now is their high prices.

This new entry-level Air model goes some way to addressing that concern, being around £8000 cheaper to buy than the next version up the food chain. True, it’s still pricier to buy than the rival Mercedes-benz EQB that we’ve driven on page 25, but it’s better at accommodating seven adults and their luggage than that car.

With an official range of 349 miles, the EV9 Air can travel farther between charges than any of its siblings (and the EQB). That’s because there’s only one electric motor drawing power from the same 95kwh (usable capacity) battery.

With 200bhp driving the rear wheels and a 0-62mph time of 9.4sec, it’s significantly slower than the 378bhp AWD option, but there’s still enough punch for everyday driving. It builds momentum more gently than the AWD, too, rather than instantaneously pinning occupants back into their seats. This also means the Air doesn’t pitch back and forth on its soft suspension so much during acceleration and braking, making for a smoother experience.

The Air’s steering is slightly lighter than the AWD’S and instils a little less confidence when turning in to corners. Its relatively slow response doesn’t encourage any more than a moderate pace, either.

The Air misses out on a few bits of kit, so you get regular LED headlights rather than adaptive ones, and the steering column adjusts manually. Electric front seats are standard, but they don’t have a massaging function like those in other versions. You get a larger storage area under the bonnet than in the AWD; elsewhere, as with any EV9, the Air is incredibly spacious and practical inside.

The EV9 Air’s £65k asking price is still high enough to limit its appeal, but at least you don’t need to spend more to get an electric SUV with comfy seating for seven adults and a long range.