Kia's Nightfall EV9: A Unique Special Edition That Truly Increases Speed | Carscoops

      Kia has unveiled the EV9 Nightfall Edition alongside the EV4 at the New York Auto Show.

      The Nightfall features glossy black exterior accents, 20-inch alloy wheels, and black leather seating.

      An electronic enhancement boosts the torque output of the 379-hp drivetrain from 443 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft.

      Typically, special editions aren’t very distinctive once you look deeper; consider the many lackluster Corvette, Mini, and MX-5 specials we've encountered over the years. However, the Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition is one that we are pleased to welcome because, while it doesn't drastically deviate from the original model, it is likely to offer an improved driving experience compared to the standard electric SUV it’s based on.

      Unveiled today at the New York Auto Show alongside the EV4 and K4 hatch, the Nightfall Edition appears to be your usual special variant created by the marketing team to provide added appeal to a model after the initial excitement has subsided, maintaining interest until the next facelift arrives.

      This edition is derived from the six- and seven-seat mid-range EV9 Land, but it enhances the aesthetic with glossy black detailing on the front grille, skid plates (yes, gloss-black skid plates, very practical), mirrors, roof rails, and mirror caps. A unique paint color named Roadrider Brown is also available, although it's unclear how it appears since Kia only released images of a Glacial Pearl White version.

      The exterior enhancements are completed with a new design of 20-inch wheels, and the updates continue inside, where the Land’s somewhat dull gray and black interior receives a sporty refresh highlighted by an all-black color scheme. Both the headliner and seats—featuring a more sophisticated, performance-oriented stitching—are black.

      And that's where many special editions typically end, but the Nightfall Edition goes further. The 379 hp (384 PS / 283 kW) dual-motor electric drivetrain includes the Boost mode typically reserved for the GT-Line EV9 or available as a $900 Feature-on-Demand on Land models.

      This modification raises peak torque from 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) and reduces the zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint time from 5.7 seconds to 5.0 seconds for the Land with and without the FoD. However, Kia claims the Nightfall Edition can achieve this in 4.5 seconds. Vehicles tend to feel quicker at night, right?

      We appreciate the design and specifications of the Nightfall, but it's challenging to determine its value until Kia reveals the price increase over the $69,900 Land. Nevertheless, the Premium shouldn't be too high, as the GT-Line retails for $73,900.