Kia reveals EV5 electric SUV

CHINA will get first dibs at Kia’s new, all electric EV5 SUV, essentially a scaled-down version of the EV9, with other markets including Australia playing a waiting game to find out when it might go global.

The chunky five-seater, replete with ‘suicide’ rear doors, four pivoting seats and no B pillar, was revealed at an event called Kia Chinese EV Day, but is only at concept stage right now.

Based on supplied images, the EV5 looks close to being production ready.

Kia Corporation is putting a lot of effort into growing its Chinese market base underlined by the Concept EV5 taking centre stage “to present the brand’s strategy and to establish global leadership in electrification”.

Kia says the vehicle provides a preview of a production all-electric SUV model that will be launched later this year. 

Like the Kia EV6, the small/medium EV5 SUV will be built on Kia’s E-GMP platform and use the same powertrains – a 77.4kWh battery with up to 520km of range in the two-wheel drive model, 484km in the dual-motor all-wheel drive that has outputs of 239kW and 605Nm.

The square set concept follows through with a new design language for Kia BEVs, shared with the similarly blocky EV9, that points to the styling direction of all future fully electric models from the brand. Kia says the vehicle “clearly exudes a progressive look from all angles”.

At the front, designers have adopted a new look Digital Tiger Face that projects “cleanness and dignity, strength and robustness in equal measure while paying subtle homage to the famous Kia Tiger Nose grille”. The new design is integrated with Kia’s Star Map signature lighting technology.

Side panels reflect the same polygonic highlight lines as the EV9 while striking 21-inch wheels and an aerodynamic-enhancing roof spoiler complete the picture.

Inside, the EV5 is equipped with intuitive features to give occupants greater freedom to interact with and appreciate the great outdoors. Kia says its Bold for Nature design philosophy has been a key influencing factor.

The EV5 features a flat floor and generous interior space ‘where nature, people and technology can come together in harmony’.

“Combined with the design themes of healing, caring and re-charging, the interior of the Concept EV5 provides the perfect environment for occupants to relax,” said Kia in a media statement.

The same philosophy has been applied to the EV5’s colour palette that may include some funky satin textured hues.

The bridge lighting technology inside the EV5 can be adjusted to suit the needs and reflect the moods of occupants while materials used inside include a wide suite of sustainable materials. These include plant-based materials like seaweed extract and upcycled PET bottles on the seats, doors, dash and headliner… without the use of animal leather.

“It is my great privilege to proudly announce that Kia is entering the EV market in China,” said Kia Corporation president and CEO Ho Sung Song.

“The Kia Concept EV5 marks yet another definitive step on our mission to become a leader in sustainable mobility solutions to provide a better future for all. 

“Kia will enrich our customers’ lifestyles and enable them to pursue personal adventures by setting fresh standards for dynamic and efficient electric driving.”