BMW I3 vs Kia EV9
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Kia EV9

$97,000 - $129,600

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2026 Kia EV9

By James Cleary

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

270 km

Electric range

510 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

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Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

99.80 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Loaded with creature comforts
User-friendly cabin and technology
Immense performance

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Big price tag for a Kia
Active safety needs fine tuning
Doesn’t look like a $130k SUV

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2026 Kia EV9 Summary

Kia’s newest addition is either an overpriced mistake or the logical next step for a brand looking to move up in the world.

It’s called the EV9 GT, and much like the many ‘GT’ variants that have gone before it, this one is packing plenty of performance. It’s also loaded with creature comforts, enough to push it into the same league as the luxury car establishment.

But it also takes Kia to new heights in terms of price, which were already pushing boundaries. And it comes at a time when electric vehicles are in hot demand, but at the other end of the price spectrum.

So is this the case of the right car at the wrong time, or simply the next step in Kia’s evolution?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2026 Kia EV9

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

Whether you think the EV9 GT is an over-priced mistake or the logical next step for a brand looking to move up in the world will depend on your point-of-view.

Kia has certainly extended the appeal of the EV9 range, but possibly in the wrong direction. Certainly the wrong direction if the goal is to add significantly more sales.

A cheaper alternative to the $97,000 EV9 Air would likely be a more popular choice from the point-of-view of Australian families considering replacing their diesel-powered SUVs with something that doesn’t rely on the chaotic fuel market.

But that’s not really who the EV9 GT will appeal to. Instead, from the point-of-view of someone looking at a more expensive European option, whether it be an Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX or something else, the EV9 GT may be appealing in a very different way - assuming that they aren't driven by what badge is on the front.

Kia has certainly evolved beyond its ‘cheap and cheerful’ image or buying primarily for its long warranty. These days Kia is a mainstream brand, but whether it has enhanced its reputation enough to attract buyers willing to spend more than $130,000 will be decided in the showroom.

BMW I3 vs Kia EV9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Kia EV9
What's the difference?