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The latest Kia electric car is a Sportage-sized family SUV pitched as a more practical alternative to the EV6. For now it is China only, but it is expected to come to global markets at a later date.
The 2024 Kia EV5 electric SUV has been unveiled in China, ahead of deliveries in the world’s largest car market before the end of this year.
For now the EV5 – which is the same size as the Sportage mid-size SUV – will be sold only in China, but Kia has indicated production for other markets is planned to follow at a later date.
Previewed by a concept earlier this year, the EV5 is boxier and styled to be more practical than the lower, sleeker EV6 electric car – and closer in proportions to the top-selling Kia Sportage.
It is expected to offer a pair of battery packs – depending on where the vehicle is sold, China or overseas – including one that may use technology from Chinese car giant BYD.
There is said to be a new version of the “Tiger Face” front end that has featured on Kia models for a decade – with distinctive LED headlights connected by a light bar, and “Signature Star Map Lighting … inspired by star-studded constellations,” according to Kia.
Information published by Chinese motor-vehicle regulators show the EV5 is set to measure 4615mm long, 1875mm wide and 1715mm tall, riding on a 2750mm wheelbase.
Compared to a Sportage it is shorter (45mm) bumper to bumper – but only 5mm shorter between the wheels, to maximise interior space – as well as 10mm wider and 55mm taller.
Meanwhile the EV5 is 80mm shorter nose to tail, significantly shorter (150mm) between the wheels, and 15mm narrower, but 170mm taller for more headroom and boot space.
There will be nine gloss colours available overseas – Snow White Pearl, Clear White, Starry Night Black, Magma Red, Ivory Silver, Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Tide Blue and Shale Grey – plus matte Ivory Silver.
Inside, inspiration is drawn from the seven-seat Kia EV9 electric SUV due in Australian showrooms this October.
There appear to be the same dual 12.3-inch screens as the EV9 – split by a small 5.0-inch touchscreen for climate-control functions – as well as the same steering wheel design, and dashboard switchgear.
Features visible in Kia’s initial images include three-zone automatic climate control, satellite navigation, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated front seats, and 64-colour ambient interior lighting.
The ambient lighting system is said to synchronise with the drive mode, and Kia claims it “dims in low light conditions [or] subtly alerts if the vehicle strays over the speed limit.”
The front seats are connected in a bench-like style – though there are still two positions – with a centre console placed low in the car, with two cupholders and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Kia says there is a choice of four interior colours and five seat patterns, including “two woven options and one artificial leather option for the base model.”
Specifications for the Kia EV5 have yet to be published, however government documents show it will launch in China with a single 160kW/310Nm electric motor.
It is expected to be underpinned by a dedicated electric-car platform, but it’s yet to be confirmed if it is the same E-GMP chassis as the EV6.
Chinese-market versions will reportedly use a lithium iron phosphate battery pack built by Chinese electric-car giant BYD.
According to a report from The Korean Car Blog, EV5 SUVs destined for overseas markets will instead opt for an 82kWh battery pack with more conventional nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry, good for 600km of claimed driving range.
The 2024 Kia EV5 is due in Chinese showrooms before the end of this year.
Kia says it will reveal more details on global expansion plans for the vehicle at a ‘Kia EV Day’ media event due to be held in October, where it will “expand upon its global vision for electrification.”
Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.
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