WHEN it comes to large SUVs size matters… and KIA’s latest flagship motor certainly measures up in the ‘big beast’ department at over five meters long.

Making Range Rovers look small the EV9 is a match for long wheelbase Defenders with the same purposeful look and 4×4 ability.

Weighing in at 3,240kg this is a lot of car for your cash (£73,275 on the road) with loads of space for up to 7 adults in super comfy artificial leather seats (front electric with memory and massage functions and first two rows heated and cooled) and unlike some competitors the rearmost seats are easy access, full-sized and auto folding.

Almost everything about the EV9 is big from the standard kit list to power on tap – 378bhp giving 0 to 62 in a blistering 5.3 seconds in sport mode (there are also normal, eco and personalised settings).

Another big number is the EV’s fully charged range – up to 415 miles around town and 313 on motorway journeys. However, a small number is the time KIA say it takes to power up on a super-fast 350kW charge connection – just 24 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent, although standard 50kW systems will take a little longer at 1 hour 23 minutes.

On to that extensive kit list which includes GT-Line exterior styling, 21 inch striking alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, electrically adjustable and heated steering wheel with memory function, smart power tailgate, a 12.3 inch infotainment screen and similar sized driver display, sat nav, adaptable cruise control, wireless phone charging and 360 degree cameras plus a raft of off road and safety systems. Another surprising feature is the driver’s seat, which can turn into a bed chair if you need to pull off for a rest and also grips you more tightly in sport mode.

So as we have come to expect from KIA their latest offering breaks new ground in terms of technology while delivering good value – yes it is a lot of cash but then you do get a whole lot of car and equipment for your money, undercutting rivals in terms of specification and performance. There is also a 2WD ‘Air’ version which is £65,750.

I got to spend a week with KIA’s expansive EV and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to drive, despite its sheer size. If you need to transport the whole family in comfort then this is well worth a look.

And like all KIAs the EV9 comes with a standard 7-year/100,000 mile warranty – 8 years for the battery and electric motor.

For more information see www.kia.co.uk

By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth