Sharp launch price for Kia EV5

BY PETER BARNWELL | 14th Oct 2024

KIA’S BEVification continues following this week’s delayed arrival of the fully electric EV5 medium SUV that is imported from China and available now in four variants starting with the single motor standard range Air at $56,770 drive-away with 400km claimed range.

From there, the range rises through $63,990 for the Air 2WD long range (555km claimed), $68,990 for the Earth AWD (500km claimed) and $75,990 for the GT-Line AWD (470km claimed).

All prices are drive-away, although Western Australia residents will be required to kick the tin for an additional $1000 on Air and Earth variants, or $2K extra for the GT-Line.

The EV5 faces a few BEV competitors at similar money, primarily the Tesla Model Y that is also sourced from China and priced from $55,900 before on-road costs.

Apart from Tesla, the entry-level EV5 occupies a similar size and price combination as Chinese newcomers such as the Xpeng G6 (from $54,800 + ORC) and Zeekr X (from $56,900 + ORC) – but all are likely to be undercut by the Leapmotor C10.

Higher EV5 grades will vie with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (from $69,800 + ORC), Subaru Solterra (from $69,990 + ORC) and the Toyota bZ4X (from $66,000 + ORC).

Electrons for the base EV5 come from a 64.2kWh battery while the others including the Air long range run an 88.1kWh unit.

Power and torque for the pair of single motor EV5s is rated at 160kW and 310Nm respectively while the dual motor versions call up 230kW and 480Nm.

The EV5 is on what is called the N3-ek platform with BYD battery technology and not the ubiquitous E-GMP architecture used by Kia and its sister brands Hyundai and Genesis, which explains the front-wheel drive on base EV5 models instead of the RWD found on similar-sized E-GMP models.

Sharing angular “Opposites United” family styling with the big EV9 and small EV3 due soon, the chunky EV5 appears both practical and imposing in a two box idiom.

It is replete with recurving “constellation-shaped ‘Star Map’ signature” lighting, a snub nose, flat face aero style wheels ranging in size from 18-inch to 20-inch model dependent, uncomplicated side panels and a chopped-off rear end.

All variants score roof rails, rear spoiler and folding door handles, the latter in conjunction with the wheels, for improved aerodynamics.

Kia says the EV5’s interior provides new levels of driver enjoyment and user experience adding that a funky Nougat Beige colour is available with selected Earth trim exterior colours.

Leveraging design cues from the EV9’s interior, Kia claims the EV5 cabin “sets a new standard for design and practicality, while providing new levels of driver enjoyment and user experience”.

All grades have dual 12.3-inch displays with a 5.0-inch bridging segment and are equipped with the new ccNC unit through Kia’s updated GUI (graphical user interface).

The model’s integrated panoramic display with climate monitoring is designed to present an intuitive driver experience.

Range-wide comfort and convenience features include Kia Connect, OTA updates and a column type Shift-by-Wire (SBW). A “smart” powered tailgate is available on Earth and GT-Line trims.

Spend the extra for a GT-Line (due in December) and you’ll gain heated/cooled storage, fingerprint module, augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist 2.

The newcomer has all the active and passive safety technology currently available from Kia including across on all variants: highway driving assist 2 and a centre side airbag, with a blind spot view monitor available on the GT-Line.

Per every other model in Kia’s line up Down Under, the EV5 has undergone an extensive local ride and handling program to ensure it is suitable for Australia’s unique road conditions.

A variety of exterior colours is available including two-tone options exclusive to the GT-Line. Earth grade is available with an artificial leather interior provided in both Smokey Black and Nougat Beige on select exterior colours.

Kia Australia’s chief executive officer,â¯Damien Meredith, said “EV5 marks a significant milestone in Kia’s global journey to increase access and take-up of electric vehicles.”

“As we affirm our commitment to becoming a leading sustainable mobility provider, we’re pleased to announce pricing and key features that give EV5 a competitive edge in the local electric vehicle market.”