The Korean automaker, Kia has unveiled 3 new models – the production-spec EV5, EV4 sedan and the EV3 compact SUV at its first global EV event in Korea. The company claims that these electric vehicles will join its global-EV line-up in future and will help to achieve its ambitious plan of achieving 1 million EV sales by 2026.
Kia is currently selling the EV6 born-electric SUV in most of the international markets. The company will soon introduce the EV9 flagship electric SUV. It is likely to be launched in our market in 2024. The new electric vehicles are based on the e-GMP modular platform that underpins the EV6.
KIA EV5 Production-Spec SUV
The EV5 SUV was recently showcased in production-form in China. The company said that the EV5 will be the brand’s global product, which suggests that it could also be launched in our market in future. The electric SUV will be produced in China as well as in Korea for the global markets.
The Kia EV5 SUV is offered in 3 versions – Standard, Long-Range, and Long-Range AWD. The standard version is fitted with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW electric motor. It is claimed to offer a certified range of 530km on a single charge. The long range version is fitted with an 88kWh battery pack along with a 160kW electric motor. This version is claimed to return 720km of range in a single charge. The top-spec long-range AWD version gets the same 88kWh battery, but with a more powerful 230kW motor. The front axle motor is rated at 160kW, while the the rear axle mounted electric motor is rated at 70kW. This variant is expected to offer a range of up to 650km on a single charge.
The Kia EV5 will also receive a performance-oriented GT variant at a later stage. The electric SUV is offered with multiple seating configurations, and features 3 screens for infotainment, HVAC duty and instrument panel. The SUV gets ADAS tech and Vehicle-to-load function.
KIA EV3 Compact Electric SUV
It previews the brand’s entry-level born-EV SUV, which is likely to replace the Soul EV in global markets. The SUV shares styling cues from the bigger EV5 and the EV9 SUVs. The e-SUV is based on the brand’s new CMF design philosophy, where CMF refers to Colours, Materials and Finish. The Kia EV3 comes with sporty styling elements with several cuts and creases all around body. It has a steeply raked windscreen and a tapered roofline, muscular wheel arches and chunky alloys.
The interior layout is inspired from the existing Kia EVs, featuring minimalistic design elements.The SUV comes with mini tables that rotate in length, position and angle. In conjunction with the movement of the seats, the tables support four customer experience-enhancing modes – Focus, Social, Refreshing and Storage. The folding bench-type rear seat is equally flexible and can be effortlessly folded upward, allowing for storing bulky luggage such as electric scooters and bicycles.
Kia EV4 Sedan
The EV4 concept previews a future electric sedan that will rival the Tesla Model 3. This concept sedan comes with a slant-back look. It comes with sharp front profile with vertically positioned headlamps, and a prominent bumper with a large air intake along with black treatment. The 4-door sedan shares styling cues from the EV6; however, it has many new styling elements.
The sedan has a highly sculpted bonnet and a roofline that tapers towards the back. The sedan has a prominent shoulder line that starts at the rear door and merges into the vertically stacked tail-lights. It has a tall rear bumper and an integrated spoiler. The sedan gets a uniquely styled alloy wheels in a triangular pattern.
The cabin has minimalistic design with limited physical buttons. Kia designers have placed an air conditioning control panel that can be neatly stored in the center console when not in use and applied pin-style air vents that offer the flexibility to change patterns. The Concept EV4 comes with a new ‘Mind Modes’ feature that adjusts ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns.
