Kia has taken the wraps off the EV5 SUV idea, its third born EV, only a week after displaying the production-spec full-size EV9 SUV. The new Kia EV5, because the title suggests, is smaller than its freshly revealed EV9 sibling, however follows the bigger car in adopting the ‘Opposites United’ design ethos which can outline all future fashions from the Korea model. 

• Production-spec Kia EV5 to go on sale in China first
• Gets a versatile cabin just like the EV9
• Sits on a model of the E-GMP platform

Kia EV5: What’s new?

Referred to formally because the ‘Concept EV5’ for now, the brand new SUV will launch in China later this 12 months – which is why it has been unveiled with no prelude on the model’s Chinese EV Day occasion. Kia has not stated whether or not it can come to Europe as effectively, however has promised to disclose “future plans for the other global markets” in the end. 

Technical particulars additionally stay largely underneath wraps, however the manufacturing model of the EV5 is more likely to trip on a variation of the E-GMP platform that underpins the 2 current bespoke Kia EVs, and one other 4 that may observe earlier than 2026. 

In measurement and stature, the EV5 seems roughly similar to at this time’s combustion-engined Kia Sportage, and so may feasibly function a rival to equally conceived household EVs together with the Toyota bZ4X, Nissan Ariya and Volkswagen ID 4. While Kia has not but provided any hints as to efficiency and pricing, it’s more likely to match these cars (and its siblings) in providing a alternative of two- and four-wheel-drive powertrains, and if it is provided with the identical 77kWh battery because the EV6, it can provide a aggressive most vary of greater than 482km (300 miles). Kia presents the EV5 as a crossover that helps the life of householders pursuing a “‘borderless life’ where there is no boundary between their enjoyment and appreciation of nature and the city”.

Kia EV5: styling 

Like the EV9, it’s sharply proportioned and overtly centered on practicality, and the bigger car’s swivelling seats function right here, too – permitting occupants in each rows to show 90 levels to “enjoy uninterrupted views of the scenery”, courtesy of rear-hinged rear doorways and the absence of an A-pillar. This is a function that appeared on the unique EV9 idea, too, and is unlikely to make it to the production-spec EV5. 

Kia EV5: inside

Uniquely, the EV5 idea additionally seemingly encompasses a bench-style entrance seat – profiting from the shortage of a transmission tunnel to offer extra space for the entrance occupants. Whether or not such a function may very well be homologated on the market in China or elsewhere stays unclear, however little doubt the panoramic roof (internet hosting battery-boosting photo voltaic panels on the idea) will make it to showrooms, as will the sustainably sourced inside supplies and wraparound digital infotainment display atop the dashboard. 

The EV5’s outside remit is additional highlighted by a pop-out wood desk within the boot that appears to double up as a bench, vegetation within the rear storage bins and chunky 21in wheel designs that trace at a level of ‘go-anywhere’ functionality. 

Kia EV line-up in India

For India, Kia at present sells the EV6 as the one mannequin in its electrical portfolio amongst a bunch of combustion engine powered choices.