Kia EV 5: the smaller sibling of the EV 9 will debut this year in China

Kia has set an ambitious target of selling 1.6 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030, up from its initial target of 1.2 million. To achieve this vision, the South Korean carmaker has strategically planned to introduce at least two BEVs per year, resulting in a solid lineup of 15 BEVs by 2027.

This time the chosen one is the Kia EV 5. This model was presented at the 2023 China Electric Vehicle Day in March and was widely acclaimed by consumers for its modern design. They have classified this electric version as the electrified sibling of the new-generation Sportage and it will be positioned below the 7-seat giant, the EV9.

Details on the pricing of this model are not yet known, but we can say it will be around 40,000 EUR and will compete with several models in the segment, such as the Toyota bZ4X, the Nissan Ariya, the Volkswagen ID.4, and possibly even the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The EV 5 will make its debut in the fourth quarter of this year in China, with arrival in other markets expected in the first half of 2024.

Designed to break barriers

In terms of design, the upcoming EV5 has a striking, muscular appearance that pays tribute to its big brother, the EV9, but with a more compact design that gives it authenticity and identity as a member of the Kia family. The front styling features the new “Digital Tiger Face“, the famous Kia Tiger Nose grille, which has a full-width LED light bar below the front edge of the frunk, and the exclusive Kia Star Map lighting technology, which depicts the concept of a constellation.

At the rear we find full-width LED taillights with a C-shaped design; the spoiler and a protective panel complete the rear styling. The paint finish is inspired by a rich, formidable tone found in nature and is called Iceberg matte green.

Inside, we find a design with light, recycled and eco-friendly colors offering ample space and a flat floor for greater comfort for occupants. As with the EV9, the availability of swivel seats may vary according to the country’s specific design regulations, which could limit their inclusion in certain markets.

In this model, they have focused on unifying the screens: both the driver’s display and the infotainment system have been merged into an incredibly clear and intuitive instrument cluster with a wide screen that stretches across the dashboard.

A reduced version of its big brother

Kia has not yet announced any details about the powertrain, but everything points to its production being carried out on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), similar to the EV9.

No details have been given about the battery this model will carry either, but its capacity is expected to be between 77.4 and 90 kWh and to offer a range of 400-500 kilometres. If everything goes as expected, its 800-volt architecture should allow DC fast charging of up to 350 kW and even offer bidirectional charging capabilities.

EV 5 image gallery