Kia EV5 will be launched in China this year while it will be introduced in select global markets in the future
Kia has unveiled the EV5 compact electric crossover at the Chengdu Motor Show in China. It is heavily influenced by the design of the flagship EV9 and will be slotted below the EV6 in the brand’s global lineup. Slated to be introduced in China first, the Kia EV5 will make its way to other international markets in the near future and we can expect it to arrive in India as well.
The Kia EV5 has an overall length of 4,615 mm and the wheelbase stands at 2,750 mm. The exterior comprises smooth-flowing body surfaces, muscular wheel arches, a shut-off front grille with a prominent LED headlamp cluster covering the entire width, a forward dipping bonnet with a muscular finish, a raked front windshield and a slightly angular roofline.
Other visual highlights of the Kia EV5 are body coloured shark fin antenna, an integrated spoiler and an upright boot. The rear comes with C-shaped LED tail lamp signatures while the Kia corporate badge is mounted in the middle, dual-tone 21-inch wheels having a futuristic look, a sporty bumper with an air inlet at the front, and sharp-looking rearview mirrors.
The South Korean auto major aims to attract millennial family-based customers with the EV5. Focussing on practicality, the compact EV comes with a front passenger seat that stretches over the centre tunnel giving a couch-like feel, and perhaps you could consider it as a living room. It also features ADAS-based technologies, a dashboard inspired by the EV9, and dual screen layout.
The equipment list gains a four-spoke steering wheel, wireless charger, multi-colour ambient lighting, flat-fold rear bench seats, etc. It is underpinned by the modular E-GMP skateboard EV architecture and the China-bound EV5 will likely use a single electric motor, capable of producing 218 PS and 310 Nm of torque, driving only the front axle.
While the technical specifications are not, it is confirmed to use a lithium iron phosphate battery pack sourced from BYD. Based on the markets, the performance and range capabilities will vary. Kia is already working on the more compact EV4 to strengthen its zero-emission portfolio.
