BMW I4 vs Kia EV9

What's the difference?

The BMW i4 balances a solid, old-school feel with the beauty and stunning looks of high-end technology. It feels like the end of an era for the German brand before it leaps into the screen-heavy age of software-defined vehicles.

While BMW hasn’t publicly announced an end-date for i4 production just yet, the new i3 is bound to overshadow it once it arrives. It offers more than double the claimed range and will likely address a number of this car’s flaws.

In the meantime however, the i4 is definitely worth considering if you value driving dynamics and a quality feel in a car that you can drive daily.

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.