The Kia EV9 is a stunning electric SUV that won the prestigious German Luxury Car of the Year 2024 award. This is the first time that a Kia model has received this honor and the first time that an electric vehicle has triumphed in this category. The EV9 beat nine other competitors, including some of the most renowned and expensive luxury cars in the world.
But what makes the Kia EV9 so special? How did it impress the German car experts, who are known for their high standards and strict criteria? And what does this award mean for Kia and the electric vehicle industry? In this article, we will explore these questions and reveal the secrets behind the success of the EV9.
The German Car of the Year Award
The German Car of the Year (GCOTY) award is one of the world's oldest and most influential car awards. It was established in 1982 by a group of leading automotive journalists who wanted to create an independent and objective evaluation of new car models in the German market.
The GCOTY award is organized by a panel of 27 trade journalists representing various media outlets and publications. They test and evaluate dozens of new models across five categories: Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy, and Performance. The winners of each category are selected based on several criteria, such as design, innovation, quality, safety, efficiency, and driving pleasure.
The winners of each category then compete for the overall title of German Car of the Year, which will be announced in October. The overall winner is chosen by a majority vote of the jury members, who consider each model's overall impression and impact on the market and society.
The GCOTY award is highly respected and sought-after by car manufacturers, as it reflects the opinions and preferences of German car consumers, who are known for their discerning taste and high expectations. The GCOTY award also significantly influences other markets, as it sets trends and standards for the global car industry.
The Luxury Category
The Luxury category of the GCOTY award includes all models with a base price of over $82,000. This category represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence, where only the best and most exclusive models can compete. The luxury category showcases the latest innovations and technologies and the highest levels of comfort and refinement.
This year, nine contenders were in the luxury category, including luxury sedans, coupes, and SUVs from brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Tesla. These models are among the most desirable and expensive cars in the world, offering unparalleled performance, quality, and prestige.
But among these giants, one model stood out from the crowd and emerged as the winner: the Kia EV9. This was a surprising and unprecedented choice, as Kia has never won a GCOTY award before, let alone in the luxury category. It was also a groundbreaking choice, as it was the first time an electric vehicle won this category.