Kia EV9 named best electric SUV in Germany

Kia Corp. ‘s EV9, the signature large all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) of South Korea’s No. 2 automaker, was named the top electric SUV in Germany by the German automotive specialist publication Autozeitung.

The latest comparison evaluation was conducted in five categories: body, driving convenience, powertrain, dynamic driving performance, and eco-friendliness/economy.

The EV9 scored 3,353 points, claiming the top position in three categories: body, dynamic driving performance, and eco-friendliness/economy.

This score placed it ahead of the comparative models, the Mercedes EQS 450 (3,317 points) and the Audi Q8 e-tron (3,233 points).

The EV9 received high praise for its spacious interior and passenger convenience. Particularly in the body category, it scored the highest in 8 out of 9 criteria.

Moreover, the dynamic driving performance category received higher ratings in braking distance (cold/hot) and traction.

Before this evaluation, the EV9 had already won two of the world’s top-three automotive awards: 2024 World Car of the Year and 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Write to Nan-Sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com