carwow's Matt Watson lines up five of the most talked-about premium electric SUVs for a comprehensive group test: the BMW iX, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Polestar 3, and Volvo EX90. The test covers design rankings, real-world range estimates, interior quality, driving dynamics, boot space, practical features, and a drag race to settle who is quickest.
On design, the Kia EV9 comes out on top. The BMW iX sits at the bottom of Matt's personal ranking. Estimated real-world ranges, calculated using each car's trip computer average and usable battery capacity, run from 202 miles for the Kia EV9 up to 317 miles for the Polestar 3. These figures reflect a group of journalists pushing the cars, so real-world numbers for regular drivers would likely be higher.
The drag race goes convincingly to the BMW iX, which hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and covers the standing quarter mile in 12.7 seconds. The iX in this test has 544 horsepower and is the only car with factory launch control. The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 are very close, both completing the quarter mile in 13.7 seconds.
On driving dynamics, the Polestar 3 earns the top spot. Its steering is sharp and direct, the suspension is firm without being uncomfortable, and it feels genuinely engaging in a way that most large electric SUVs do not. The Volvo EX90 prioritizes comfort but has a notable lag in standard drive mode when pulling away, which caught the driver off-guard at a roundabout. The BMW iX is the most theatrical, capable of four-wheel drifts on a closed course, but its steering is less precise than the Polestar on road.
For rear seat space and seven-seat practicality, the Ioniq 9 comes out ahead. Its wheelbase is slightly longer than the Kia EV9's, and the second row has generous slide and recline. In boot space tests using carry-on suitcases in seven-seat mode, the Ioniq 9 fits eight bags against the Kia's seven and the Volvo's six. The BMW iX and Polestar 3 seat only five.
The verdict: If you only need five seats, the Polestar 3 is the recommendation. For seven-seat family use, the Ioniq 9 wins over the Kia EV9 on practicality, interior quality, and value. The Kia looks better. The BMW is the quickest and the most fun on a track. The Volvo is the most comfortable over bumps.