● German Auto Bild score: 583 points — 18 points ahead of the Volvo EX90
● 508 hp · 800V architecture underpinning high performance — powertrain competitiveness proven
● Clear advantages in space and value — signals a shift in what defines a premium electric SUV
Hello.
I’m Yuniji of YukaPost, an automotive influencer.
Are buyers in the premium electric SUV segment starting to favor product merit over brand cachet?
The Kia EV9 GT outscores the Volvo EX90 in a major German outlet’s comparison, and that result says more than just who won a single test.
Coming from Europe’s market, the finding offers a window into how consumer priorities are evolving in the global EV landscape. Whether this reflects a temporary judgment or the start of a structural shift in the premium electric-SUV segment — and whether it will change perception of the EV9 at home — remains to be seen.
Result from Germany — EV9 GT shakes up the premium benchmark
Kia said the EV9 GT topped the Volvo EX90 in a comparison test by Germany’s influential Auto Bild.
The review covered seven categories beyond straight-line performance: build quality, convenience, powertrain, driving dynamics, connectivity, environmental impact, and economy.
The EV9 GT totaled 583 points, beating the EX90’s 565 by 18 points.
That carries weight because the assessment comes from Germany — a center of the auto industry — and from a publication with strong consumer influence. It’s notable that the EV9 is gaining recognition abroad even before full domestic acceptance.
Space sets it apart — EV9 delivers on SUV fundamentals
The most striking result in the test was the EV9’s space efficiency.
Auto Bild judged the EV9’s cargo capacity to be clearly superior.
With the second and third rows folded, the EV9 offers up to 2,393 liters of cargo space, illustrating the practical advantage of a boxy SUV layout. The addition of a front trunk (frunk) further boosts real-world usability.
That’s not just about being “big.” Flexible cargo space is a core measure of how practical an electric SUV is as a family vehicle. The EV9 GT scored highly not only for performance but for delivering on SUV fundamentals.
508 hp · 800V — defining high-performance EV standards
The EV9 GT also proved competitive in the powertrain category, a key battleground for high-performance models.
It employs a dual-motor setup producing about 508 horsepower on an 800V high-voltage architecture that supports ultra-fast charging.
That configuration goes beyond peak output: it’s designed for on-road responsiveness and charging efficiency.
The EV9 GT scored 97 points in the powertrain category, outpacing the EX90.
It also earned high marks in a comprehensive assessment that included charging speed and efficiency — criteria increasingly critical for electric vehicles.
Competitive pricing as well — the premium definition is shifting
An eye-opening result came in the economy category.
The EV9 GT scored 62 points for its reasonable price and warranty terms, while the EX90 scored 45.
That doesn’t simply mean “cheaper.” It reflects a difference in perceived value at a given price point.
Brand prestige used to dominate premium purchases; today, buyers increasingly prioritize tangible value.
In that context, the EV9 GT stands out as a model that balances performance, space, and price.
Kia EV9 vs Volvo EX90 — where they diverge
The Volvo EX90 embodies the traditional premium electric SUV, built on safety credentials and brand image.
By contrast, the EV9 GT — despite Kia’s relatively younger brand image — emphasizes intelligent space design, advanced electrification, and price competitiveness to offer a different interpretation of premium.
Ultimately, this comparison does more than declare a winner: it highlights how the yardstick for premium SUVs is changing.
Already, the EV9 has won World Car of the Year and North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, earning global recognition for its product strengths.
Editor’s note
Looking at how people choose cars today, decisions feel more about “what I actually get” than “what brand it is.”
The EV9 GT’s result may represent one facet of that shift rather than a standalone triumph.
If the trend continues, the meaning of “premium” could gradually change.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below — I’d like to hear them.
