The winner of the 2024 AM Awards EV of the Year category, sponsored by Diamondbrite, is the Kia EV9.

As with other car categories in the AM Awards, this winner was picked by AM's dealer readers.

Kia’s model range has taken great strides forward in recent years, with its core line-up becoming more advanced, more stylish and more desirable.

For the first time, Kia is offering compelling alternatives to the conventional premium-badge players and, in the case of the EV9 a completely unrivalled proposition.

Its launch of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on bespoke EV platforms has elevated the brand even further, firstly with the EV6 and now the EV9.

5

The Kia EV9 is a large SUV offering futuristic styling, premium-car technology, a high level of standard kit, three rows of seats – either in six- or seven-seat configurations – and plenty of safety equipment.

For those that place comfort, practicality and safety high on the agenda, then the EV9 should be near the top of their shopping list.

A refined electric powertrain and an exceptional WLTP range of more than 300 miles further adds to its appeal. In real-world driving it delivers impressive efficiency - the EV9 is capable of adding 154 miles of range from a 15-minute recharge when using the fastest charge points - and buyers can choose from the lower-priced and longer range rear-wheel-drive, or the faster all-wheel-drive variant.

It’s a good job the Kia EV9 is one of the largest new cars on sale as it has a mighty trophy haul to carry around, despite only being on sale for a few months.

UK Car of the Year, World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle are just some of the titles it has already secured. It can now add AM’s EV of the Year gong to the list.

Tim Rose, editor of AM, said: “Kia has brought many superb new cars to the UK in recent years, but the fully electric EV9 is its most exciting yet. Even though it is Kia’s highest priced model ever, our dealer readers are confident there’s a place in the market for it and voted it the best new ‘EV of the Year’.

"The EV9 is a truly impressive large electric SUV that is ideal for bigger families which want to cut their carbon footprint without compromising on space, comfort and premium-grade equipment.”

Finalists:

  • BMW i5
  • BYD Dolphin
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6
  • Kia EV9
  • Lexus RZ
  • Volvo EX30

The latest AM industry special issue

Spotlight on the customer

In this issue:

What consumers really want - trends and habits dealers must understand to provide the right buying experience

Barriers to EV purchase - many private motorists need extra help before they take the plunge

Delighting used car buyers - it's essential for retailers to offer tailored experiences and great value

Aftersales customer care - valuable interactions are vital as dealerships face fishing in a diminishing pool

A customer-first future - Steve Young, ICDP MD, gives AM an exclusive insight.

Read now