Kia SUV EV9 GT Outperforms Volvo EX90 in German Review, Underscoring Edge of Korean High-Performance EVs

[The Financial News] Kia Corporation stated on the 25th that its flagship electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Kia EV9 GT, has been recognized for its competitiveness after it outperformed the Volvo EX90 in a recent electric vehicle comparison test by leading German automotive magazine Auto Bild.
Industry observers note that this result is significant because a high-performance Korean electric vehicle has surpassed the top-tier electric model of premium brand Volvo Cars in both performance and value.
In Germany, the home of the automobile, the evaluations of Auto Bild, a highly trusted car magazine, serve as an important reference point not only for German buyers but also for consumers across Europe when purchasing vehicles.
The latest issue of Auto Bild features this comparison test between the Kia EV9 GT and the Volvo EX90 Twin Motor AWD. The evaluation covered seven categories: body (interior space), comfort, powertrain, driving performance, connectivity, environmental friendliness, and cost efficiency.
The Kia EV9 GT received high marks in major categories such as body, powertrain, and cost efficiency, scoring a total of 583 points. It beat the Volvo EX90, which scored 565 points, by a margin of 18 points.
Kia Corporation also won a previous comparison test conducted by Auto Bild in May last year, when the Kia EV9 GT-Line (AWD) came out ahead of the Volvo EX90 Twin Motor AWD.
Auto Bild highlighted the outstanding use of space in the Kia EV9 GT, noting, "Kia is clearly ahead when it comes to trunk space." The magazine went on to praise the model, saying, "The maximum cargo volume of 2,393 liters available when both the second- and third-row seats are folded benefits from the boxy design, which maximizes efficiency, and the frunk configuration is also more practical than Volvo’s."
The Kia EV9 GT also distinguished itself in the powertrain category, which is central to any high-performance model. Equipped with a powerful motor delivering a maximum output of 508 horsepower and an 800V high-voltage system that enables ultra-fast charging, the Kia EV9 GT scored 97 points and outperformed the Volvo EX90.
The model also demonstrated strong competitiveness in cost efficiency. Thanks to its reasonable pricing and favorable warranty conditions, the Kia EV9 GT earned 62 points in this category, widening the gap with the Volvo EX90, which scored 45 points, and proving its superiority in terms of overall value.
A Kia Corporation representative commented, "The Kia EV9 GT, which combines high performance with premium value, is the ultimate embodiment of Kia’s electrification philosophy," adding, "We will continue to lead the global electric vehicle market with distinctive design and outstanding electrification technology."

hjkim01@fnnews.com Kim Hak-jae Reporter