Kia has detailed its third dedicated electric vehicle (EV), the EV5, ahead of an Australian launch during 2024.
Production of the Sportage-sized Kia EV5 will take place in both Korea and China, with Australian-specification models to be sourced from China.
Contrary to previous reports, Kia has confirmed the EV5 uses the same E-GMP dedicated all-electric architecture as the EV6 and EV9, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
It’s unclear if the Kia EV5 has an 800V electrical architecture like all the other E-GMP-based EVs, or if it uses a lower-voltage version as has previously been speculated.
The Chinese-market version of the EV5 is available in three different variants: Standard, Long Range, and Long Range AWD.
The Standard model is powered by a front-mounted 160kW electric motor which is paired with a 64kWh battery pack. Kia claims it has a driving range of up to 530km according to lenient CLTC testing.
The Long Range model has the same front-mounted 160kW electric motor as the Standard model but has a larger 88kWh battery pack. The South Korean carmaker claims this variant has a driving range of up to 720km according to lenient CLTC testing.
The Long Range AWD model adds a 70kW rear-mounted electric motor, bringing system outputs to 230kW. It’s paired with a 70kWh battery pack with a claimed range of up to 650km according to CLTC testing.
Regardless of the variant, Kia claims the EV5 offers “fast-charging capability”, and it can be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 27 minutes.
It’s unclear if Australian-specification Kia EV5 models will differ from the Chinese-market versions.
In addition to these core EV5 models, the South Korean carmaker has confirmed a high-performance GT will be revealed at a later date.
The EV5’s battery pack has been engineered for both hot and cold climates and features an “advanced head pump system” that manages the battery’s temperature.
It also offers the company’s i-Pedal one-pedal driving system, which is claimed to minimise fatigue and enhance “the comfort of driving”.
There is vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which means the high-voltage battery can be used to power external appliances, as well as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, which enables surplus energy to be shared with the power grid.
Inside the EV5 comes with a curved display that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the one housing. There’s also a 5.0-inch display for the tri-zone climate controls, as well as an optional head-up display.
The EV5 debuts a new unified graphical user interface for the audio-visual, navigation, and telematic screens. It also offers over-the-air software updates, and features can be upgraded through the Kia Connect Store.
Buttons have been kept to a minimum in the EV5, with a total of 17 buttons scattered around the cabin.
The EV5’s seats are covered in recycled PET fabric and Bio-PU leather upholstery, and in Chinese-market versions there’s a front-row bench. It’s unclear if this will be available on Australian-specification versions.
Features include ‘relaxation’ seats that have a four-mode massage function; ‘comfort’ seats that have heating and ventilation, as well as a footrest; a front centre armrest with storage and an integrated table; and a Multi Table luggage board that can also be transformed into a table.
There’s also a full-flat folding second-row “camping seat” with a rear console 4.0-litre refrigerator/warmer that has a temperature range of 5 to 55 degrees Celsius.
On the safety front, the Kia EV5 has Highway Driving Assist 2, which helps drivers maintain distance, stay centred in the lane, change lanes, and adjust lateral positioning; rear cross-traffic alert; remote parking functionality; and digital key functionality.
At this stage pricing for the Kia EV5 hasn’t been disclosed, though the larger EV6 range starts at $72,590 before on-roads in Australia.
In addition to the production version of the EV5 being detailed at Kia’s EV Day, the company also revealed concept versions of the EV3 SUV and EV4 sedan.
