Compare the2024 BMW XMVS 2024 Kia EV9

The XM’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The EV9 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW XM has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The EV9 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The XM has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The EV9 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the XM. But it costs extra on the EV9.

The XM has standard BMW Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The EV9 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the XM and the EV9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The XM’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the EV9’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the XM for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the EV9.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 1 place higher in reliability than Kia.

The XM has more powerful engines than the EV9:

The XM’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 340 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The EV9’s range is only 230 to 304 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 20 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 84 hours and 20 minutes.

For better stopping power the XM’s brake rotors are larger than those on the EV9:

The XM’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the EV9 are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the XM has larger tires than the EV9 (F:275/35R23 & R:315/30R23 vs. 255/60R19).

The XM’s standard 275/40R22 front and 315/35R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the EV9’s standard 60 series tires. The XM’s optional 275/35R23 front and 315/30R23 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the EV9 GT-Line’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XM has standard 22-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the EV9. The XM’s optional 23-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the EV9 GT-Line.

The XM has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the EV9; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The XM has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The EV9 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The rear suspension of the XM uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the EV9, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The XM offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Kia doesn’t offer an active suspension on the EV9.

The XM has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The EV9’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XM is 1.2 inches wider in the front than the average track on the EV9.

For greater off-road capability the XM has a greater minimum ground clearance than the EV9 (8.7 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the XM to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The XM’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EV9’s (5952 vs. 2000 pounds).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 32% lower rating, Kia is ranked 26th.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the EV9 Land/GT-Line, the XM has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XM has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The EV9 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The XM also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The XM has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the EV9.

The BMW XM outsold the Kia EV9 by over two to one during 2023.