Kia is making a strong push into the premium segment with the launch of its Carnival luxury MPV and EV9 luxury SUV in India. Both models, set to be sold as completely built-up (CBU) units, mark Kia’s entry into the high-end market. Known for its success in the mass market with models like the Sonet, Seltos, and Carens, the introduction of these two luxury vehicles aims to enhance Kia’s presence in the Indian premium car segment.
The Carnival and EV9 are packed with advanced features, positioning them as top-tier options in their respective categories. The Carnival is equipped with luxurious second-row powered seats with ventilation and leg support, a one-touch smart power sliding door, dual sunroofs, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, and a dual panoramic curved display that includes a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. It also comes with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring 23 autonomous functionalities to enhance safety.
Meanwhile, the EV9, Kia’s most expensive global vehicle, is even more feature-rich. It boasts an 18-way driver power seat with memory function, 12-way front passenger seat, second-row captain seats with massage function, a panoramic display integrating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 6-inch HVAC controls, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system. The EV9 also includes 10 airbags, over 100 features via Kia’s next-generation connected car technology, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and more than 27 ADAS features.
In terms of specifications, the Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-liter Smartstream diesel engine, producing 193PS of power and 441Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the EV9 is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which will also underpin future Hyundai electric vehicles in India. The EV9’s all-wheel-drive version comes with dual motors, generating a combined output of 384PS and 700Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. It offers a driving range of 561 km on a single charge and can charge from 10-80% in just 24 minutes using a 350kW DC fast charger.
The Carnival, with its large dimensions, offers a 7-seater layout, while the EV9 provides a 6-seater configuration. Both models offer spacious interiors and premium finishes. The Carnival is expected to be priced around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom), while the EV9 could be priced around Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom).
Although neither vehicle has direct competitors in the Indian market, the Carnival could appeal to buyers of models like the Toyota Innova Hycross, Maruti Suzuki Invicto, and Toyota Fortuner, while the EV9 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQE and BMW iX in the luxury electric SUV segment.
