The all-electric Kia EV9 has been voted the World’s Best Car for 2024 by the panel of journalists judging the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY). This significant announcement coincides with International Women’s Day, a momentous occasion that not only empowers women but also acknowledges the connection between personal autonomy and automobiles in many countries.
Prior to casting their votes, the 75 motoring journalists hailing from 52 nations including Renuka Kirpalani from Autocar India diligently tested numerous car models, thoroughly evaluating every aspect. Among the 63 contenders, the finest automobiles in each category emerged victorious in the initial voting round. The winners in their respective categories were as follows:
Volvo EX30 (Family Car)
BMW Series 5 (Large Car)
Kia EV9 (SUV)
Volkswagen Amarok (4×4 & Pick-up)
Aston Martin DB12 (Exclusive Car)
In the subsequent round of voting, these exceptional finalists formed the basis for determining the prestigious title of the World’s Best Car for 2024.
“This year’s election was particularly difficult due to the excellent level of all the candidates, says Marta Garcia, executive president of WWCOTY. Each of the finalists had sufficient merit to win the trophy. The Kia EV9 has won out over its rivals because it is a vehicle capable of satisfying the needs of consumers everywhere.”
Why the Kia EV9 won
After careful analysis and thorough examination, the verdict overwhelmingly favours the Kia EV9 as the leading choice in the realm of electric SUVs. Boasting an impressive seven-seat capacity, it is the first of its kind in this segment. Despite its considerable length of 5 metres, the vehicle excels in aerodynamics, contributing to its exceptional performance. Notably, the Kia EV9 showcases a cutting-edge design, incorporating advanced technology and offering both bidirectional charging and ultra-fast charging capabilities.
Here’s what some of the judges have to say:
“The Kia EV9 is truly a game-changer for electric vehicles. It will be the vehicle we look back on down the road and say ‘that is when EVs became truly affordable, user-friendly and desirable for all consumers’. No other vehicle has taken the same risks and pushed the design and engineering boundaries to the same limit.” Tanya Gazdik, USA
“Kia has developed a large SUV with an electric motor that stands out for its good aerodynamics, innovative design, high levels of technology – with up to level 3 autonomous driving. And because it offers bi-directional charging and ultra-fast 800-volt charging.” Sara Soria, Spain.
“Widespread electrification acceptance is going to depend on having EVs available in most segments. The Kia EV9 offers a family-friendly interior, and on top of that, a driving experience that feels close to that of gasoline but with no emissions. It should win over many buyers who aren’t used to battery power and will be more comfortable with a vehicle that feels familiar to them.” Jil McIntosh, Canada
“An exceptionally noble, spacious, versatile, multi-purpose electric car. The electronic four-wheel drive is also capable, and the different driving modes make the EV9 an excellent vehicle in the Nordic winter and snowdrifts. I tested the car in a sub-25-degree frost and I was happy that the EV9 behaved in cold winter weather like a normal luxury car: it warmed up quickly, the mileage was not affected much by minus degrees. A great achievement from the Korean automaker.” Ylle Rajasaar, Estonia.
“The Kia EV9 features the most advanced solutions on the market, such as a front grille with LED lighting and an interior that can transform into a living room thanks to the seats rotating 180 degrees. The internal space allows up to seven occupants and the most powerful version with two electric motors is capable of producing up to 384hp with impressive performance.” Isadora Carvalho, Brazil.
“The car is reliably predictable, always doing exactly what you ask of it. Sometimes I even forget about the extra seating rows behind me, and I think Kia deserves credit for that. With the EV9, you’ve got a future-proof vehicle, not just for growing families but also for energy efficiency”. Rowan Peperkamp, The Netherlands
“The EV9 excited me about the future possibilities for multi-purpose electric vehicles. It was hard to believe this large, comfortable and versatile vehicle did not need a tank of petrol or diesel.” Liz Swanton, Australia
WWCOTY: Giving a voice to women in the automotive world
Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is the only car awards group in the world composed exclusively of women motoring journalists. This unique award aims to recognise the best cars of the year and to give a voice to women in the automotive world. The voting criteria are based on the same principles that guide any driver when choosing a car. The jurors do not select a ‘woman’s car’ because cars are not gender specific. Aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint, among others, are considered when casting the votes.
However, beyond choosing the best cars of the year, WWCOTY’S goal is also to give visibility to women in the automotive world and to contribute to making women’s voices heard on all continents because mobility for a woman means access to many personal and professional possibilities.
The 2024 Kia EV9 has also been selected as a top three finalist in two categories – World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle – for the 2024 World Car Awards. The all-electric EV9 has earned recognition in both the categories, placing it among the top contenders for these titles. A potential dual victory for the EV9 at this year’s awards would mark another milestone for Kia, following previous successes with the Kia Telluride in 2020 and the Kia EV6 GT in 2023. The final winners will be revealed live during the World Car Awards ceremony at the 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on March 27, 2024.
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