The Kia EV5, the third dedicated BEV in the brand’s line-up, is built on Kia’s dedicated EV platform, E-GMP. It introduces a new era of electric mobility and distinctive SUV design. Featuring a form shaped by the brand’s unique design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, EV5 combines exceptional versatility and outstanding comfort with advanced technology, dynamic performance, and pioneering safety to deliver a harmoniously balanced vehicle.
The EV5 features an interior that completely reimagines the vehicle’s interior space. Drawing inspiration from the recently launched larger EV9 SUV, it offers an extensive interior space that is closer in concept and execution to a home ‘lounge’ than a traditional car cabin.
Electric Powertrain and Driving Experience
The Kia EV5 will be offered on the company’s dedicated EV platform, E-GMP, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle’s performance and contributing to its excellent overall driving dynamics.
Production of the EV5 will take place in both China and Korea, and the Chinese market will have access to three variations: standard, long-range, and long-range AWD.
The standard model, equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW motor, is expected to have a driving range of 530km per charge according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). The long-range model, featuring an 88kWh battery and the same 160kW motor, aims to achieve a range of 720km per charge. The long-range AWD model will feature an 88kWh battery pack and a combined output of 230kW, with a front-wheel 160kW motor and a rear-wheel 70kW motor. With the AWD EV5, Kia is targeting a driving range of 650km based on the CLTC standards. Additionally, the model offers fast-charging capability, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent capacity in just 27 minutes.
For Korea, all variants of the EV5 models, including standard, long-range, and long-range AWD versions, are in development, with potential adjustments being considered. The standard model will have a 58kWh battery and a 160kW front motor. The long-range model will feature an 81kWh battery and the same 160kW front motor. The long-range AWD model will include an extra 70kW rear motor, resulting in a combined power output of up to 225kW. The driving range of each model will be tailored to meet market demands.
The EV5 battery has been engineered to function effectively throughout all four seasons, even in extreme hot and cold weather. An advanced heat pump system, an already popular feature of the EV6, has been incorporated into the EV5 to manage the battery’s temperature, ensuring consistent performance regardless of external conditions.
It will offer a regenerative braking system and an i-Pedal system that allows drivers to both slow down and accelerate using a single pedal, thereby minimising fatigue, and enhancing driving comfort.
“The EV market is expanding from one catering to the smaller early-adopter group to a broader mass majority of customers. As a leader in the great EV transition, we have quickly expanded our EV line-up beyond the EV6 and EV9 to include a variety of small- and medium-sized models such as the EV5. Our competitive, growing EV line-up will accelerate the popularisation of electric vehicles and provide consumers with more options from which to choose,” Spencer Cho, Head of Global Business Planning Sub-Division, said.
“The Kia EV5 is not just the next addition to our rapidly expanding EV line-up, but also the embodiment of how we will accelerate the EV revolution. For us, it is the perfect representation of both our future EV strategy and our commitment to accelerating the worldwide transition to EVs.”
The EV5 will also be available as a ‘GT’, offering further performance features and engaging driving experience. More information regarding the EV5 GT trim will be revealed later.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The EV5’s spacious, light, well-ventilated cabin is equipped with cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity technology that enhances efficiency and convenience on every journey, while enabling occupants to remain safely engaged with the digital world as they travel.
It is equipped with the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system and supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates. It incorporates a Panoramic Wide Display, which combines a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system, along with a 5.0-inch climate control display. These features provide the driver with comprehensive information and content for a convenient and immersive driving experience.
The brand’s new Unified Graphical User Interface (GUI) is applied between the audio-visual, navigation, and telematics (AVNT) screens, and the CDU ensures enhanced information display consistency. Simple-to-navigate menus provide improved usability of EV-specific functions and enable drivers to monitor aspects such as range and EV charging at a glance. The seamless flow of information is further augmented by an optional windscreen HUD (Head Up Display).
Throughout the cabin, physical buttons are kept to a minimum. Beneath the central AVNT screen, four hidden hard keys provide a start/stop function along with AVNT and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control. Previously, these systems would have required 17 buttons to control.
The three-zone climate control system enables individual control for the driver, front passenger, and second-row occupants, while an after-blow feature reduces air conditioner odours, ensuring a pleasant cabin environment for all occupants.
Customers can keep their EV5 constantly updated by upgrading the SUV’s digital features and services without any need to take the vehicle to a dealership. Beyond the standard features, the Kia Connect Store offers a wide array of options to add to the vehicle’s performance and enjoyment of the user experience.
Safety and Convenience Features
The Kia EV5 is equipped with seven airbags in total. In addition to the state-of-the-art seatbelt technology, its structure is engineered for optimum strength. Naturally, it is offered with the brand’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a range of active safety.
The model comes with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which helps drivers maintain distance, stay centred in the lane, change lanes, and adjust lateral positioning.
With a simple touch of the Kia Digital Key 2 smart key, customers can activate the vehicle’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) system. This technology enables the SUV to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle. Also, the smart exit function and a remote forward and reverse function provides drivers with added peace of mind when navigating tight parking spaces. These features contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable driving and parking experience.
Using ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, the RSPA 2 automatically manoeuvres the vehicle into the designated parking space, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift. The system also automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in its path. It also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing.
Efforts are being made to enhance energy utilisation in the EV5 by incorporating Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions. With V2L, the high-voltage battery can supply power to external electronic devices. Kia will concentrate on rolling out V2G in regions where the necessary infrastructure exists, enabling surplus battery energy to be shared with the grid.
Multiple seating configurations
The EV5 is available with a choice of seats featuring eco-friendly recycled PET fabric and Bio-PU leather coverings. This innovative approach elevates the EV5’s spacious cabin from somewhere for occupants to sit while travelling, into an ultra-comfortable, highly practical, and inspiring environment that meets the needs of modern, family-oriented individuals and ensures an enjoyable experience every time they enter the vehicle.
At the front of the vehicle, bench-type seats (Chinese market only), combined with mood lighting, provide a comfortable space for occupants. The centre console armrest also incorporates a table and storage, adding to the vehicle’s usability.
The reclining seats are designed to prevent back and spine discomfort with their continuously adjustable back angle. Relaxation seats feature a four-mode massage function with three levels of intensity, enabling occupants to choose their individual sweet-spot setting during charging, leaving them feeling fully refreshed when they resume their journey. Comfort seats provide exceptional levels of enhanced wellbeing, thanks to six massage air cells, four-way lumbar support, a three-step heater and ventilation function and a footrest. The model’s safety seats, equipped with three airbags and a four-way adjustable headrest, provide optimum occupant protection.
On reaching their destination, families can effectively transform the rear of the vehicle into a bedroom thanks to the 0-degree, full-flat folding second-row camping seat. They can enjoy pre-purchased food stored in the rear console refrigerator/warmer. The unit provides food warming and beverage cooling functions with a temperature range of five- to 55-degrees Celsius and a 4.0-litre capacity. It can be used in numerous ways, such as keeping takeout breakfast warm during commutes, heating beverages like tea and coffee, and storing ice-cold drinks and water during summer camping trips.
Naturally, the EV5’s interior designers have also thought of a feature to enable occupants to enjoy their food, whether they choose to dine alfresco or in-cabin. It takes the form of the highly versatile Multi Table luggage board, which can instantly be transformed into a table.
