There’s big, and then there’s the Kia EV9. Seven seats, genuinely massive proportions, and a presence on the road that is hard to ignore. On paper it sounds like it might be a bit much, but in practice it’s rather impressive.

Design-wise, it’s angular and bold in a way that somehow works. There’s a similarity to the Hyundai Santa Fe – both are unapologetically square and blocky – but the EV9 carries it with a bit more style. The test car was finished in a stunning blue that absolutely does it justice, and the sculpted, precise lines make it easier to place than you’d expect for something this size. Given the dimensions, this is quite an achievement!

Inside, you’re greeted by a wide, sweeping screen that runs from the steering wheel across to the centre console. It sounds potentially overwhelming, but nothing feels cramped or complicated. Everything is clearly laid out, and the whole setup feels genuinely premium rather than tech for the sake of it.

Heated and ventilated seat controls

A nice touch is having the heated and ventilated seat controls – along with the heated steering wheel – positioned on the door beside you, which keeps the main dash cleaner and puts the controls right where your hand naturally falls. Whoever thought of that deserves a raise.

Comfort is excellent. The seats offer plenty of adjustment and have a calf support that folds out electrically, while the headrests are soft, supportive and mesh-backed, so your head won’t be sweating on longer journeys.

Not just a nice extra, it’s genuinely useful

Visibility is great too; you can see all five rear seats in the mirror at once, which is no small feat, and there’s a head-up display, as well as blind spot cameras that project a view onto the dash as you indicate. On a car this size, that’s not just a nice extra, it’s genuinely useful.

Out on the road, the EV9 is impressively composed. Road noise is well-suppressed, there is only a little wind noise (understandable given the panoramic sunroof), and the cornering is far better than the size would suggest. It hugs bends without rolling and while the seats aren’t heavily bolstered, they provide just enough support to feel secure without becoming uncomfortable on longer runs. The power delivery is, to put it simply, very satisfying.

At 86% charge, the car was showing 245 miles of range. With a 99.8kWh battery and 378bhp, the numbers are solid, although so is the price at just under £77,000. That’s a significant investment, but it’s a significant car. The 360-degree cameras make parking feel far less daunting than it should, and the remote tailgate is a nice practical touch for family life.

Distinctive and well thought out

Kia has built a reputation for design that pushes boundaries, and the EV9 is another example of that. It’s distinctive, well thought out and genuinely enjoyable to drive. I’d have very few qualms about living with one – and that’s probably the best endorsement I can give.