Kia EV9 GT delayed indefinitely in the US due to market

Kia has confirmed that the EV9 GT – the most powerful version of its EV9 family of electric SUVs – has been “delayed until further notice” in the US. The model was expected to launch before the end of 2025 with around 500 horsepower and acceleration in just over 4 seconds, but the changing market landscape has left commercialization plans unclear.

While the luxury EV segment has stagnated, the expected price tag of over $80,000 puts the EV9 GT in a more inaccessible spending category, especially after the $7,500 federal tax credit expires. Additionally, high-performance versions from Hyundai and Kia are mostly imported from Korea, leaving the EV9 GT in the US facing an import tax of around 15%, increasing costs and business risks.

Motivation and experience: performance oriented towards the road

The EV9 GT is positioned as the most significant performance upgrade of the EV9 line, focusing on acceleration and stability at high speeds. While Kia did not disclose the motor configuration details in this information, the power output of around 500 horsepower and acceleration times of more than 4 seconds indicate a clear direction: optimized throttle response, body control and grip.

Adjustable rear limited-slip differential assists in efficient torque transfer during acceleration and cornering.
Large brakes, with premium tires to meet the heat load and grip when exploiting performance.
The ECS electronically controlled suspension system allows for changes in stiffness according to driving mode, balancing comfort and body control.
The internal combustion engine simulation mode – previously featured on the EV6 GT, inspired by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – aims for the driving emotion typical of high-performance vehicles.

Design emphasizes performance

Exterior changes focus on aerodynamics and visual recognition:

The front bumper is designed to be more powerful to optimize airflow and increase sportiness .
The specially designed wheel set combines with green brake calipers typical of the GT variant.

Inside, a three-spoke steering wheel and sports seats with large side bolsters provide a firm seating position when cornering. Green accents continue the high-performance DNA throughout the cabin.

Price and position in the EV9 range

The EV9 GT is expected to cost around $10,000 more than the $71,900 EV9 GT-Line. With a total cost expected to exceed $80,000, the GT variant is beyond what most consumers are willing to pay given the diminishing returns.

While its future in the US is unclear, some other markets have already opened deposits. In the UK, the announced price is £82,185 (≈ 108,000 USD ≈ 2,700,000,000 VND), thereby solidifying the EV9 GT's position in the high-performance electric SUV segment.

Barriers in the US: declining incentives, increasing import costs

The $7,500 federal tax credit ends up significantly reducing the EV9 GT’s price advantage. Combined with the fact that performance variants like the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N are primarily imported from Korea, the EV9 GT is likely to be subject to an import tax of around 15%. These two factors combine to push up the actual retail price and make a US launch more risky.

Kia said the delay was due to “changing market conditions,” a move that makes sense given the slowing demand for premium electric vehicles, while high-performance models are often less affordable than entry-level models.

Commercialization status: limited presence, tentative signals

In the US, a few dealers have received EV9 GT demo cars, but there are no official test drive videos or reviews yet. The content that appears is mainly close-up videos in the US and Canada. This suggests that the EV9 GT may not be widely commercialized in the US market in the short term.

Quick Summary Table

Category	Information
Situation in the US	Postponed “until further notice”
Estimated capacity	About 500 horsepower
Accelerate	Acceleration time over 4 seconds
Performance upgrade	Adjustable rear limited-slip differential; large brakes; premium tires
Suspension system	Electronically controlled ECS, changes stiffness according to driving mode; simulates the feel of an internal combustion engine
Design identity	Sport front bumper; unique rims; green brake calipers; three-spoke steering wheel; sport seats with large side bolsters
Price compared to EV9 GT-Line	About $10,000 more expensive than $71,900
Estimated price in the US	Over 80,000 USD (≈ 2,000,000,000 VND)
Incentives/Taxes	The $7,500 tax credit has ended; import tax is about 15%
Other markets	UK: £82,185 (≈ 108,000 USD ≈ 2,700,000,000 VND)

Conclude

The EV9 GT combines a truly “GT” package of upgrades—a limited-slip differential, big brakes, premium tires, and ECS suspension—with a performance-oriented design. But in the U.S., the cost equation after incentives and a roughly 15 percent import tax makes the business model less viable. The indefinite delay reflects Kia’s caution in a slowing segment. In Europe, where pricing and reservations have already been announced, the EV9 GT is likely to arrive sooner; in the U.S., the prospect of widespread commercialization remains unclear.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/kia-ev9-gt-tri-hoan-vo-thoi-han-tai-my-vi-thi-truong-10312371.html