Kia has given us the first proper look at its new midsize electric SUV, the EV5.
Positioned as a smaller offering to the large electric EV9 which is set to arrive in Australia by October 2023, the EV5 carries much of the same design philosophy as its larger sibling.
Kia says that the new EV5 will launch in South Korea “in the latter half of 2023” and is likely to be one of the star cars at Kia’s upcoming EV Day, set for October.
This is the 2024 Kia EV5
A spokesperson for Kia Australia told Chasing Cars that the brand “is keen to bring in as many EV models as possible including EV5 and we do have our hand up”.
EV5 set to use same E-GMP architecture as EV6 and EV9
The new midsize electric SUV will almost certainly use a version of the existing E-GMP Hyundai/Kia/Genesis EV platform, though it’s not yet clear if it will use the evolved version which could bring more range and performance.
Styling is very similar to that of the EV9 large SUV
Power and torque outputs have not yet been released, however it’s likely that the EV5 will feature performance similar to that of the EV6 and be offered in both single- and dual-motor guise.
This means you can expect power outputs roughly between 200kW-270kW and up to 600Nm of torque, depending on the configuration.
If you’re wondering about size, the EV5 will be most similar in dimensions to the current Kia Sportage.
Inside the Kia EV5 with its brown interior and dual screens
What we know so far about the Kia EV5
Design wise, the EV5 features the familiar elements that debuted on the EV9 large SUV, with its tiger face and striking LED headlights, also set to feature on the facelifted Sorento large SUV and Carnival people mover.
Expect the upcoming Kia EV5 to be similar in size to the current Sportage
According to Kia, the interior is set to feature the following:
- Dynamic ambient lighting
- Mixture of natural and man-made elements
- CCnc connected car software including wireless Apple CarPlay
- Four interior colour options
- Five unique seat patterns
We are yet to find out about the EV5’s exact model lineup, precise electric motor and battery figures and, of course, standard levels of equipment that will be available.
Stay tuned for more updates as the EV5 gets closer to its official launch.
