► Kia EV5 is latest all-electric SUV
► Shown at Chengdu motor show
► China sales in 2023, could come here
The Kia EV5 is the latest mid-sized family-focused electric SUV from the Korean manufacturer, and more details have been announced after the production version was revealed at the Chengdu Motor Show in China in August 2023.
This is the third model to come with the ‘EV followed by a number’ naming approach, following the Kia EV6 and the EV9, but it is the latter from which the EV5 takes the greatest influence.
That’s because this is very much a family SUV – a Kia EV9 but shrunk a bit of sorts. It’s described as a compact SUV and is aimed at the needs of ‘Millennial families.’ Those with younger kids rather than teenagers more likely than not in which case.
The Kia EV5 is based on the group’s E-GMP electric platform, the same hardware you’ll find underpinning models such as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It will be offered in standard, long-range, and long-range AWD specs:
- Kia EV5 standard range: 64kWh battery, 329-mile electric range
- Kia EV5 long range: 88kWh, 447-mile electric range
- Kia EV5 long range AWD: 88kWh, 404-mile range
All models come with a 160kW front motor; the AWD version adds a 70kW electric motor at the rear axle for all-wheel drive.
Fast-charging brings 30-80% recharging in 27 minutes.
Go on then, what’s the EV5 like inside?
Kia claims to have done research that shows Millennial families view their EV SUV as an extension of their house – an extra room rather than a means of getting to the shops.
This explains why Kia has used the sort of language that is more befitting a listing on Rightmove than a car brochure in some places, saying that the interior is ‘closer in concept and execution to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin.’ Assuming your lounge has everyone facing the same direction and features a steering wheel…
Some of those features include adjustable lighting, which can be set at 10 different levels of brightness and come in 64 different colours. There are also settings that mean the lighting can react to how you drive, dim in low light conditions and let you know if you are going over the speed limit, which sounds less irritating than a series of bongs.
There are also four different internal colours and five seats patterns, including two woven and one artificial leather covering.
What about the outside of the Kia EV5?
Thankfully the outside of the Kia EV5 doesn’t continue the domestic theme and is not inspired by the exterior of a three-bed semi, instead drawing influence from the larger EV9. Distinctive features include the ‘Tiger Face’ front grille, which is very reminiscent of the bigger car.
It also comes with a 3D lighting design, which is said to be inspired by star constellations. Kia has confirmed there will be a choice of 10 colours – nine glossy and one matte.
Will the Kia EV5 come to the UK?
So far Kia has only confirmed the EV5 will launch in China, but it is planning to take it elsewhere in the world, too.
Do not expect it in UK line-ups in 2024, but CAR understands it is under consideration for right-hand drive sale from 2025.
Kia aims to sell one million EVs a year by 2026, rising to 1.6m annually by 2030.