Kia Australia has confirmed the expansion of its MY26 EV9 range, headlined by the arrival of a new performance-focused GT variant. The updated seven-seat electric SUV line-up is now available in four grades: Air, Earth, GT-Line and GT.
For Fleet Managers and novated lease buyers evaluating large-format electric SUVs, the MY26 update strengthens the EV9’s position as one of the few full-size, three-row BEVs capable of balancing long range, performance and premium specification in a single package.
EV9 GT raises the bar
The new EV9 GT becomes the most powerful and luxurious iteration of the model to date. It features a dual electric motor all-wheel-drive system producing 374kW and 740Nm, enabling a 0–100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds while offering up to 510km of WLTP driving range.
Beyond outright performance, the GT introduces Electronic Controlled Suspension and has undergone a localised ride and handling program tailored to Australian road conditions. For fleets operating across varied metro and regional environments, that local tuning is more than a marketing line—it directly influences driver comfort, control and long-distance usability.
The GT also brings distinct visual and interior upgrades, including unique 21-inch gloss black alloy wheels and a digital LED grille featuring Kia’s Star Map lighting exclusive to the variant. Inside, a bespoke interior specification includes second-row relaxation seats as standard, reinforcing its executive transport credentials.
Capability across the range
The broader MY26 EV9 line-up continues to offer two battery configurations, covering both standard and long-range applications.
The Air RWD (76.1kWh) offers a 443km WLTP range, while the larger 99.8kWh battery in AWD form extends range to 521km in the Earth variant. GT-Line and GT AWD versions deliver 505km and 510km respectively (WLTP).
That 500km-plus envelope in most long-range variants provides practical flexibility for intercity travel, regional operations and high-utilisation executive roles where charging access may not always be predictable.
Pricing context
While the focus of the MY26 update is the introduction of the GT and expanded specification, Kia has confirmed the following RRPs:
- EV9 Air RWD – $97,000
- EV9 Earth AWD – $106,500
- EV9 GT-Line AWD – $121,000
- EV9 GT AWD – $129,250
For novated lease customers, the EV9 remains eligible under current EV FBT exemption settings (subject to thresholds and program eligibility), which can significantly influence whole-of-life cost modelling when compared with large ICE SUVs.
Strategic option for fleet transition
As organisations move from high-level emissions targets to practical vehicle replacement strategies, the EV9 offers a pathway to electrify large SUV segments without sacrificing seating capacity or long-distance capability.
The addition of the GT expands the top end of the range, giving fleets a performance-led halo option while maintaining the core attributes that matter in operational settings: range, space, safety and ride comfort.
With four clearly defined grades and multiple powertrain options, the MY26 EV9 line-up provides Fleet Managers with more flexibility to match vehicle capability to duty cycle, policy and sustainability objectives—rather than forcing compromise.
