Kia EV5 to rival Tesla Model Y, with smaller EV3 and EV4 concepts also revealed
Kia EV4 to take on the Tesla Model 3
Kia has revealed its new EV5 electric compact SUV as part of the South Korean brand’s plan to “lead and accelerate the electric vehicle revolution.”
Unveiled at its first EV Day in Korea, the company revealed the third instalment in its “EV” range of electric cars. Following on from the EV6 and EV9 models, the EV5 is described as a “compact electric SUV for modern individuals with families.”
Designed partly with the Chinese market in mind, the EV5 is designed to offer “exceptional versatility and outstanding comfort” as well as “advanced technology, dynamic performance, and pioneering safety”.
It also comes with an EV9-inspired interior that’s intended to feel more like a living room than a traditional car’s cabin.
Asian-market details only so far
Production of the new EV5 will take place both in China and Korea, with the Chinese market receiving three different versions — Standard, Long-Range and Long-Range AWD — although it is not clear which of these will come to Europe. A high-performance GT version is also expected to follow in due course.
In Standard form, the EV5 gets a battery pack with a capacity of 64kWh and a front-mounted 215bhp motor, while it’s said to have a range of 329 miles on the Chinese efficiency test. That’s often more generous than the European and American alternatives, so expect a shorter range on the EU’s WLTP test. In South Korea, the Standard car gets a smaller 58kWh battery.
Moving up to the Long-Range model takes the battery capacity to 88kWh in China and 81kWh in South Korea, but both cars get the same 215bhp motor as the basic Standard model. As a result, they can go even farther on a charge, with Kia aiming for a range of 447 miles on the Chinese efficiency test.
Finally, the Long-Range AWD models will get the same battery as their two-wheel-drive counterparts but they’ll add an extra 94bhp rear motor, upping the power available to as much as 309bhp but cutting the range to 404 miles.
The AWD EV5, however, will offer faster charging capability, allowing the battery to be topped up from 30 to 80 per cent in 27 minutes.
This technology will be paired with i-Pedal regenerative braking and an efficient heat pump system to manage battery temperature and keep it operating at its most efficient even in the winter.
Two-screen dashboard layout
Inside, the EV5 will come with a two-screen display that combines a 12.3in touchscreen with a similarly sized digital instrument display, both of which use Kia’s latest-generation software.
The use of physical controls has been minimised as a result, with just four “hidden hard keys” replacing the 17 buttons that would previously have been needed for ignition, audio and heater controls according to Kia.
The EV5’s upholstery, meanwhile, is eco-friendly, with recycled fabric and Bio-PU leather.
In the Chinese market, there will be a bench front seat but other territories will get the usual two front seats with a centre console incorporating a table and storage.
The EV5 will also be offered with relaxation seats that feature a four-mode massage function, while the rear will get a zero-degree, full-flat folding camping seat that effectively turns into a bed.
There’s also a rear food refrigerator/warmer than can warm or cool food and drinks between five and 55 degrees Celsius.
Growing electric family
Kia’s EV day also saw the reveal of two new concept cars for the burgeoning EV family, in the shapes of the EV3 and EV4.
The Concept EV3 is a compact coupé-SUV, designed to take cues from the flagship EV9, while the Concept EV4 is a sporty saloon.
Few technical details have been released for either concept car but the EV3 gets clever folding seats and an interior designed with soft mood lighting.
The Concept EV4, meanwhile, is said to have a “cocoon-like ambience” designed to promote driver engagement.
Both show cars place the emphasis on sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and construction methods, including natural fibres used to create a carbon-fibre alternative.
This approach is particularly evident in the seat designs, which use natural fibres to give the interior “soothing natural tones” and a modern aesthetic, while also reducing weight. Recycled cotton, hemp and walnut shells also feature in a bid to create eco-friendly cabins.
The Kia EV5 is expected to launch in the UK by 2025.
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