If you’re looking to ferry six or seven people and pamper them at the same time, few options come close to a large and luxurious Japanese MPV. However, if you’re a family man and a keen driver, wouldn’t you prefer something with better handling, power, and looks instead of a spacious but slightly uninspiring MPV?
Then there’s the image issue: luxury MPVs are meant to be ridden in, not driven. If you’re driving your family in one, chances are you’ll look quite like the hired help. And you don’t spend that kind of money to look like a chauffeur.
Here’s where seven-seater SUVs come into the picture. They project the right image and offer the practicality of MPVs, but with better aesthetics and driving dynamics, though they lose out slightly in terms of interior space and practicality—with all seats up, luggage space on these SUVs is limited.
But what if you don’t want to compromise—what if you want an SUV that offers the space of an MPV? And after getting the best of both worlds, why not have it run on battery power, with torque that out accelerates mid-range German sedans?
Think we’re aiming for a pie in the sky? Not really. Say hello to the Kia EV9.
MPV space and creature comfort in a cooler shape
If you’ve not seen a Kia EV9 in the flesh before, it’s bigger than the Toyota Alphard in almost every aspect. Except for height, it’s wider by 80 mm and longer by 5 mm than the de-facto taukeh ride, its wheelbase is significantly longer by 100 mm too.
What this means is an average-sized adult can fit into the third row with legroom to spare, made more comfortable with third-row air conditioning, USB-C charging ports, and electrically reclining seats. If the third-row seats are that packed with creature comforts, the amenities only improve as you move forward in the vehicle.
The second-row seats take the comfort quotient further with heated and ventilated seats. Here, Kia offers you two configurations: two captain seats or a three-seater bench. If you opt for the former, you can recline comfortably at the touch of the relaxation button to enjoy the view from the panoramic sunroof.
Up front, the Kia EV9 doesn’t skimp on comfort (after all, the driver and front passenger deserve pampering too). The front passenger enjoys the same one-touch relaxation function as those in the rear, allowing them to recline and unwind at the press of a button. Heated and ventilated seats ensure that every journey is comfortable.
READ MORE: 2024 Kia EV9 launched in Malaysia, from RM370k – 505km range, 6/7-seater variants
Unleash the beast within
But it’s behind the wheel where the EV9 truly distinguishes itself from large MPVs. The driver is treated to a different kind of luxury—acceleration that is rare in vehicles of this size. With its powerful electric motors, the EV9 can outpace quite a few cars on the road. And you are doing it in a spacious cabin that the German mid-range sedan you’ve just overtook can only dream of.
The EV9 is also packed with cutting-edge technology that enhances both safety and convenience. It features Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).
As a driver, you benefit from all these technologies displayed on a thoughtfully designed widescreen that seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. This minimalist approach reduces clutter and makes accessing navigation, media, and vehicle settings intuitive and straightforward. Unlike some competitors that overload you with unnecessary features, Kia focuses on what’s essential for an enhanced driving experience.
Can you spot a future winner?
While it’s true that badge cachet plays a big part when it comes to buying a car, we should also take a step back and understand that cars don’t become a hit overnight—popularity is earned through merits and word-of-mouth from early adopters.
Just as early adopters recognised the potential in that now ubiquitous MPV, discerning drivers now have the opportunity to embrace a future winner.
As subsidy rationalisation looms, the case for a pure-electric luxury SUV becomes stronger, especially at a time when you can take advantage of the SOLARIS subsidy to power a luxurious people carrier with renewable energy.
Are you one of those with the foresight to spot a future winner?
[This post is sponsored by Kia Malaysia]
GALLERY
