Kia’s high-performance GT division is quietly gaining momentum, and now there’s two new flagships crowning their respective model ranges, the facelifted EV6 GT and the brand new EV9 GT. 

Both feature the new Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system to enhance driver involvement, alongside electronic limited-slip differentials, and bespoke suspension settings. The duo are competitively priced and highly specified as standard, and opt not to shout about their performance levels like some of their rivals.

New EV9 GT

The EV9 GT is the high-performance variant of Kia’s flagship electric SUV. In this setting, the e-LSD-equipped dual-motor drivetrain delivers 502bhp from 3,800-8,000rpm, while peak torque of 546lb-ft (740Nm) is available between 0 and 5,600rpm. Full performance is unlocked by pressing the neon green GT button on the steering wheel. From a standing start, 62mph is reached in 4.6 seconds, and the car can reach a top speed of 136mph. 

While the motors drive all-four wheels through single-speed gearboxes, the VGS system simulates a six-speed transmission, and allows the driver to “shift gears” via the steering wheel-mounted paddles. The car can automatically change through all six speeds if the driver prefers, or revert to single-ratio operation.

With a 99.8kWh capacity battery, up to 280 miles of WLTP range is claimed, and 24 minutes is required for a 10-80% DC rapid charge at a peak input of 210kW. A heat pump is included on all models for improved energy management, and maximising range in colder months.

Adaptive suspension features for the first time in a Kia GT model, with the EV9 getting electrically controlled dampers at each corner. This allows for comfort-oriented setups in the car’s Eco and Normal driving modes, and a sharper state of tune in the Sport and GT settings. Off-road drive settings for mud, snow, and sand are selectable. The suspension also features a Road Preview System which scans the tarmac ahead, adjusting each strut in real time to compensate for rough surfaces, or potholes. The system will be working overtime on British roads.

The interior is clad in black and neon green contrasting upholstery, with three-piece bucket seats for the front occupants. A seven-seat cabin comes standard, but the three-perch second row can be swapped for a pair of electrically adjustable captain’s chairs as a cost option. Boot capacity is up to 828 litres behind the second row, and 333 even with all seats occupied.

The new EV9 GT will be available in one equipment level, with cost options limited to the Premium Paint palette, and the cabin configurations. All models come with GT-specific styling, 21” alloy wheels, gloss black exterior trim, neon green brake callipers, a glass sunroof, triple-screen infotainment system, smartphone integration, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, heated and ventilated first and outer second row seats, rear window blinds, and much more.

The EV9 GT is priced from £82,185 with seven seats, with the six-seater costing an extra £1,000. While it becomes the most expensive Kia on sale, it’s close to the price of the Polestar 3 Performance, while significantly undercutting the BMW iX M60, and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV, and offering more seats than all its key rivals.

EV6 GT Facelift

The EV6 GT returns following the model’s facelift, complete with an uprated dual-motor drivetrain that delivers 641bhp and 568lb-ft (770Nm) of torque. Full performance is unlocked by pressing the neon green GT button on the steering wheel. The car retains a rear-biased power split, can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds, and reach an unchanged top speed of 161mph.

Under the skin, an enlarged 84kWh capacity battery offers up to 279 WLTP miles of range - an increase of 16 miles compared to its predecessor - while weighing 1kg less than before. DC charging is possible at up to 258kW, returning a 10-80% top-up in just 18 minutes. A flat-to-full charge using a home wallbox will take around 12 hours.

Inside, electrically adjustable bucket seats feature as standard on the front row, and all five seats are clad in the GT-specific black and neon green upholstery. Kia has listened to customer feedback by switching gloss black plastic trim for a matte metal-effect, reducing the fingerprint-attracting qualities of the cabin.

Like the EV9 GT, all UK-bound models will come in one specification level, with options limited to the exterior colours. Standard equipment includes the GT styling package with revised bumpers and gloss black exterior trim, 21” alloy wheels, neon green brake callipers, twin 12.3” infotainment displays, a head-up display, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, active cruise control, heat pump, curtain airbags, and much more.

The updated performance model is on sale now, with prices starting at £59,985 - a £2,690 discount over the outgoing car. Its closest rival - in terms of power and price - will come in the form of the smart #5 Brabus later this year. Beyond the list price, do the tweaks make for a more rounded driver-focused EV? We’ve already driven the new EV6 GT, and you can read our review here.

The new GT pair come with Kia’s 7-year factory warranty, while the battery warranty lasts for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Order books for both new high-performance models are open now, with EV6 GT deliveries beginning immediately, and the EV9 GT following in the third quarter of 2025.