[KRS_SN]

Heading off to do this. I DONT want to buy but it has 7 seats and a 7 year warranty. I hope I'll hate it. I'll report back

[exxxviii]

I'm super interested in what you think. I need to get out and drive one. I think they are incredibly good looking and one of the few legit 3-row BEV SUVs out there. And HMG's E-GMP platform is one of the best.

My wife's car is a Palisade Calligraphy. It is spectacular. HMG's quality, luxury, and value are amazing. I don't think she will ever give it up.

[Pictor]

I've only seen the EV9 on the road or at events. I haven't driven it yet. But I understand that the EV9 is not a true 800v platform. My experience with 800v eGMP cars is what has me really considering a Macan or the upcoming NA5 (iX3). I'm still holding out some hope that the LCI iX would have a boost to either nominal voltage or improved charge curve to close the gap in charge speed for those occasional road trips.

[NomoTesla]

Based on Bjorn's recent video, the EV9 charges maybe 1 minute faster than an iX yet the EV9 has a 10% smaller battery. That's not flattering to Kia-Hyundai's "800v architecture" that is supposedly so much faster. The EV6 and Ioniq5 finish charging much sooner because their batteries are much smaller.

I believe VAG 800v architecture to be vastly superior to Hyundia-Kia.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

Heading off to do this. I DONT want to buy but it has 7 seats and a 7 year warranty. I hope I'll hate it. I'll report back

my 2$ bet is that you will like it.

[Pictor]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

Based on Bjorn's recent video, the EV9 charges maybe 1 minute faster than an iX yet the EV9 has a 10% smaller battery. That's not flattering to Kia-Hyundai's "800v architecture" that is supposedly so much faster. The EV6 and Ioniq5 finish charging much sooner because their batteries are much smaller.

I believe VAG 800v architecture to be vastly superior to Hyundia-Kia.

The EV9 is closer to a nominal voltage 500v, unlike the EV6.

[note46]

Originally Posted by Pictor

The EV9 is closer to a nominal voltage 500v, unlike the EV6.

This... at least for the larger of the two battery sizes offered. the smaller one is a true 800V.

[moesess34]

You can lease a fully loaded ev9 for a lot less than a ix. We all know the ix is a better car. It’s really a question of Is the ev9 a better value and fits certain people’s needs better. I’m tempted because I could lease one for about $500 less a month than my ix m60 😆😆

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by moesess34

I could lease one for about $500 less a month than my ix m60 😆😆

I couldn’t. 🤣

[KRS_SN]

I drove the top of the line fully optioned GT lineS
Cons

Black plastic everywhere Including the centre console and arm rest.
Idrive type screen is rather monochromatic
Does not display brilliant colours like the IX.
Head up display isn't as sharp or display enough information.
The seat padding comfort for sitting is say 20% worse than the IX. The castanea feels plush the ev9 leatherette is rather basic.
The HK in IX is completely on a different league than the stereo system with the same settings and music source when played through android auto in the ev9. Bass and clarity and theatrcal effect compared to IX was a real let down.
The acceleration was mature and not visceral like the bmw.
Being an ev and despite being in sports mode I could feel a throttle lag But this is nowhere near as compared to an ice vehicle It felt mature in the way delivered power and not like a sporty vehicle

Pros
The seat massage is much better
The headrest is fabulously comfortable
Android auto connects instantly
The 3rd row is for proper adults at 6ft I fit in easily.
3 click in settings for 2nd row. In the mid setting I had few inces of legroom and 2nd row had ample legroom too. Major plus
Luggage space with 7 seats up better than X7
Rearview mirror can switch to camera view so loading up the boot isn't an issue.
Turning on indicators brings on the camera view relating to the side indicated on drivers display. Such a good safety feature.
Spirited driving for 15 miles motorway and b roads sport mode 2.8mi per kwh. It was by the end of the drive showing 43%soc and 143 miles left 14 degrees Celsius. That was fine by me.
Regenerative function can be turned down to minimal and the car coasts. I love this option.
Lots of buttons on steering wheel for volume/autodrive/regen/terrain(snow mud sand etc)/drive modes(comfort,sport,eco).buttons on dash for home.
3 trims, Plenty of options as standard. No need to be an expert to spec it.


The surprise
When you are sat in the driver seat , it doesn't feel like a large car and you can see beyond the hood.
The sound insulation on the motorway is brilliant. Is it absorbed un even road surfaces very well.
It drove much smaller than I expected for a car of that seems to have beaten bmw in its own game in this regard.
When it came to twisted roads and roundabouts and corners the body lean was very limited. In this regard it felt as though it had beaten bmw at its own game.

The dealership experience
No nonsense. Straight away gave me a figure on how much discount was available. Right away told me the lowest apr. The original salesman who is supposed to take me on the test drive was off sick.But the guy who greeted me initially just got on with the job and said OK.I'll deal with it and took me for the drive.And he was well informed and a young person and knew everything about the technology.

Summary
Bags of practicality and a peach to drive and 7 proper seats too. If you disregard the interior and sound system it's a bomb for a 75k price. And yes I would choose it over an X7. Better driving than my X7 on DHP.

[NotASheepRB]

Excellent review, KRS_SN ! I test drove the EV9 (Land trim) earlier this week too, although my SoCal dealership had a limited 3 mile drive path that included a short freeway stint.

I, too, was impressed with the drive and the technology. The interior is nicely designed and organized, but their “vegan leather” is a bit closer to plastic than the ix.

From a pricing perspective, the KIA dealership was not really willing to provide any dealer discount on top of the $7,500 KIA cash. If I could get $6 - $8k dealer contribution on top of the $7,500, I would lease one on the next 4 - 8 weeks.

[KRS_SN]

NotASheepRB
True. A functional vehicle. 2-3k discount without even asking. In a few months you hopefully should get what you quote.

[exxxviii]

Great summary, thanks. I saw the DM Sound review of the EV9 Meridian system, and they gave it a good, but not great. The BMW HK system is very good by anyone's premium audio system standard. And ditto a few of your other observations.

• The HMG HUD is also good, but the iX may be the best on any car. Though, one of BMW's major misses is that the Kias will give you a blind spot alert in both the HUD and instrument cluster. I wish BMW would copy that.
• I freakin' love that turn signal camera in the instrument cluster.
• Another nicety... you can configure the momentary turn signal flashes to 3, 5, or 7 flashes. Why did BMW hide that from us???
• BMW's DAPP is better than Hyundai's HDA2. But HDA2 is pretty good on most highways.
• I wish the iX had a digital rear view mirror.
• Oh, and the Kia has ventilated seats front and rear, and their ventilation action crushes the iX.
• The iX iDrive 8.5 blows away the HMG UI.

My wife's next car will be gas, so that rules out the EV9 (and matching Ioniq 9). So, I am curious if it will be another Palisade (EV9's gas sister platform) or X7. Time will tell...

[KRS_SN]

exxxviii
I'm curious about the ioniq 9 too. That's one factor that may stop me from pulling the trigger.

[LuisBoston]

All the cons you post are not surprising at all. It's almost comparing apples to oranges here, Kia to BMW.

Before my iX I had a Polestar 2 and recently an EV6 as a rental. To me, both are EVs, and that's about it for comparison. The build quality / componentry of the 2 was at least 1 level up on the EV6. Just like I'd expect to the difference between the EV9 and iX. In fact, I'd expect the iX (a flagship from BMW) to be 1.5 levels or even 2 levels above the Kia.

They're both boxy EVs, that's the end of the comparison for me. Different segments, different markets. Different dealer / service experiences.

(or maybe I'm just a snob)

[KRS_SN]

LuisBoston
Unlike the IX There is no sense of occasion when sat in it. Exterior s also ordinary unlike the IX. The way it drives for its size in terms of comfort and little lean was the unexpected thing.
AND. It has a split transparent sunroof that opens. And blinds for it but only 2 zone air conditioning and has a plug where you can attach a kettle/microwave etc too! Utility but economy feeling interior

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

LuisBoston
Unlike the IX There is no sense of occasion when sat in it. Exterior s also ordinary unlike the IX. The way it drives for its size in terms of comfort and little lean was the unexpected thing.
AND. It has a split transparent sunroof that opens. And blinds for it but only 2 zone air conditioning and has a plug where you can attach a kettle/microwave etc too! Utility but economy feeling interior

The power opening moonroof is the only thing I’d want. Such a shame BMW refuses to offer it in its EVs.

[NomoTesla]

Originally Posted by LuisBoston

The power opening moonroof is the only thing I’d want. Such a shame BMW refuses to offer it in its EVs.

Sure if you're willing to tolerate a few inches less headroom or a few inches taller car. There's no free lunch here. The iX is 3" shorter in height than an X5 yet offers amazing interior headroom for all passengers. I don't think I'd give that up for an opening sunroof. The sense of space inside the cabin is tremendous and one of its best selling points.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

Sure if you're willing to tolerate a few inches less headroom or a few inches taller car. There's no free lunch here. The iX is 3" shorter in height than an X5 yet offers amazing interior headroom for all passengers. I don't think I'd give that up for an opening sunroof. The sense of space inside the cabin is tremendous and one of its best selling points.

I’m 6’3 and very much willing to have 1-2” less headroom.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by LuisBoston

The power opening moonroof is the only thing I’d want. Such a shame BMW refuses to offer it in its EVs.

While I understand the consumer desire for options, thinking about my past BMWs I've had probably a dozen or more moonroof/sunroof cars, and I expect I opened all of them combined a total of three times over several decades. Maybe four. And I've had probably four of them repaired or replaced because of the opening mechanism. Different strokes, but no. Pass on the opening sunroof. A better option for US cars, as noted before, would be NO sunroof, just because of the expanse of glass and the cost of replacement. If it was a couple of thousand bucks, I'd spec it every time, but the actual demolishing required to replace it and the $10,000++ expense would understandably give buyers pause.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

While I understand the consumer desire for options, thinking about my past BMWs I've had probably a dozen or more moonroof/sunroof cars, and I expect I opened all of them combined a total of three times over several decades. Maybe four. And I've had probably four of them repaired or replaced because of the opening mechanism. Different strokes, but no. Pass on the opening sunroof. A better option for US cars, as noted before, would be NO sunroof, just because of the expanse of glass and the cost of replacement. If it was a couple of thousand bucks, I'd spec it every time, but the actual demolishing required to replace it and the $10,000++ expense would understandably give buyers pause.

I've had opening moonroofs on every car I've had since 2000 (seven cars - Mazda, Toyota, BMW) and never had a problem. Ever.

Here in NE (and when I lived in CA) I kept it open more than I do closed. We have great weather for open roof driving.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

While I understand the consumer desire for options, thinking about my past BMWs I've had probably a dozen or more moonroof/sunroof cars, and I expect I opened all of them combined a total of three times over several decades. Maybe four. And I've had probably four of them repaired or replaced because of the opening mechanism. Different strokes, but no. Pass on the opening sunroof. A better option for US cars, as noted before, would be NO sunroof, just because of the expanse of glass and the cost of replacement. If it was a couple of thousand bucks, I'd spec it every time, but the actual demolishing required to replace it and the $10,000++ expense would understandably give buyers pause.

THIS. Our last B8 and our son's current M3 Comp's Carbon fiber roof look amazing and NO hot glass to deal with. The iX, i5 and i7 would be awesome with a carbon fiber roof!

I do not want a moon or sun roof. I do not want a glass pano roof...I want a SOLID roof (like Taycan offers).

And the cost of the glass and labor for the iX (and I am assuming 7 Series) pano roof is near $20,000 and the interior of the car is essentially torn apart and it is about 30 days of hard work (verified by my BMW dealer).