A GT version of the Kia EV9 is to be launched in 2025 and it packs 508hp with a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds.

The all-wheel drive powertrain and available horsepower make the EV9 GT the most powerful SUV Kia has ever produced with a range of more than 280 miles on a single charge.

The added power is supported by Electronically Controlled Suspension aided by a Road Preview System that uses advanced sensors and the front camera to analyse road surface conditions ahead, including the detection of potholes.

Kia says this gives improved shock absorption and ride comfort.

On the design side, the EV9 GT features special exterior and interior elements, highlighted by neon accents on the GT-exclusive steering wheel and sports seats.

Outside, the GT-dedicated digital lighting grille shows "Energetic" lighting patterns, and its 21-inch alloy wheels incorporate a distinctive design.

Large front brake callipers, in neon green with exclusive GT lettering, are part of a reinforced braking system.

Inside, sport seats are trimmed with Alcantara suede inserts and focused on comfort, embossed with the GT logo. The interior is GT-exclusive dark grey and black faux leather and suede with neon green accents.

Different drive modes can be selected via a button on the steering wheel.

The Normal, Eco, Sport, My Drive, and Terrain modes can be toggled by the driver depending on the conditions or desired driving style, with the shock damping, steering and brake feel optimised for each mode.

A Snow mode provides safe driving on snowy roads and distributes the torque accordingly to all four wheels to improve traction.

A neon green GT button on the steering wheel enables GT Mode, to offer the full performance potential of the EV9 GT.

An electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) with dynamic torque vectoring helps with cornering stability by limiting wheelspin to the tyres with less grip and the EV9 GT also features all the driver assistance systems found on the EV9.

In addition, the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is now customisable, allowing the driver to adjust the over-speed warning on the EV9 GT.

The EV9 GT also has a GT-exclusive Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) that simulates the experience of a step-shift automatic transmission

The driver can use the paddles on either side of the steering wheel to manually shift through the gears for an elevated sense of driving engagement with in-cabin Active Sound Design (ASD) working with VGS to replicate the sounds of the gear shifts as the EV9 GT accelerates.

Its 800-volt fast charging architecture, paired with a 99.8kWh battery enables the EV9 GT to charge from 10-to-80 per cent in 24 minutes with DC fast charging.

With three rows the vehicle can accommodate up to seven people and it also features a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg.

The EV9 GT is an extension of Kia's strategy to have 11 electric vehicles on the market by 2026, expanding to 15 models by 2027, with the product line-up in Europe fully electric by 2035.

Information on EV9 GT pricing, specification and availability in the UK will be revealed soon, says Kia.

However, with the current GT-Line S range topper priced from £76,025 it is likely the GT9 will come in at around £85,000.