Kia's EV9 GT Has Been Delayed Indefinitely | Carscoops

Kia's EV9 GT Has Been Delayed Indefinitely | Carscoops

      The performance version of the EV9, known as the EV9 GT, was originally slated to be released later this year, but its launch has been delayed due to "market conditions."

      Kia has announced the postponement of the EV9 GT indefinitely amid shifts in the market landscape.

      The EV9 GT was anticipated to debut this year with a powerful output of 501 horsepower.

      The starting price was expected to be over $76,000, positioning it among Kia’s most expensive offerings.

      Introduced at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia claimed the EV9 GT would “ignite the passion of driving enthusiasts who need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV.” It was scheduled for release in the latter half of 2025, but it has yet to materialize.

      There seems to be a valid reason for the delay, as Kia has discreetly postponed the high-performance crossover. While the automaker has not provided specific details, they informed Car & Driver that the EV9 GT's launch has been “delayed until further notice” due to “changing market conditions.”

      The publication expressed concerns that the U.S. launch might be completely canceled. This wouldn't be an unprecedented situation, as Ram recently discontinued the 1500 REV, and Volkswagen abandoned its plans to introduce the ID.7 in the U.S.

      The decision isn't surprising, considering that the sales of the EV9 have significantly declined following the end of the clean vehicle tax credit. Last month, dealers sold just 666 units, compared to 1,941 units sold in October 2024.

      Additionally, the EV9 GT was expected to be quite expensive. While U.S. pricing hasn’t been officially revealed, the EV9 GT-Line starts at $71,900, indicating that the GT variant may have cost around $76,000 or more.

      This is a considerable price for a Kia, but the crossover features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system generating an estimated 501 hp (374 kW / 508 PS). This is an increase of 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) over the GT-Line, allowing the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds.

      In addition to its remarkable powertrain, the EV9 GT was expected to be equipped with an electronically controlled suspension, enhanced front brakes, and virtual gear shift technology. This would be complemented by an electronic limited slip differential, distinctive styling, and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

      This represents the second electric Kia aimed at the U.S. market to face delays in recent weeks, as the launch of the EV4 sedan has also been postponed “until further notice,” citing similar market challenges.

Kia's EV9 GT Has Been Delayed Indefinitely | Carscoops

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Kia's EV9 GT Has Been Delayed Indefinitely | Carscoops

The performance variant of the EV9 was expected to debut later this year, but its launch has been delayed because of "market conditions."