Kia EV3, EV4 and EV5 concepts unveiled

KIA has used the occasion of its inaugural EV Day (held in Seoul) to showcase three upcoming battery electric vehicles – the EV3, EV4 and EV5.

The Kia EV3 (SUV) and EV4 (sedan) are concept models likely to be considered for future development while the Sportage-sized EV5 (SUV) is a production model headed for Australian showrooms sometime in 2024.

The Kia EV3 joins others in the EVX line-up in riding on Kia’s e-GMP platform and will be the smallest all-electric SUV to be offered by the South Korean manufacturer – similar in size to the current Seltos. It will rival the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV.

The model shares many of Kia’s Opposites Unite design cues, including detailed LED head- and tail-light arrays, squared-off body styling, angular wheel arch mouldings, and pronounced front and rear guards.

The styling of the vehicle is said to be influenced by what Kia calls its Joy for Reason design philosophy.

“Joy can be seen as the antithesis of reason,” explained Kia Global Design Centre executive vice president, Karim Habib.

“One is a positive, emotional response, and the other is derived from logic. When the two are combined, though, their contrasting qualities merge into a powerful and highly impactful design.

“With the Concept EV3, the Joy for Reason influence is evident in the contrasting qualities of a robust body combined with a dynamic silhouette.

“In addition, the unexpected treatment of volumes and graphics simultaneously interlock with each other, creating a logical yet emotional design.”

Inside, the minimalistic design of the EV3’s cabin follows a theme set by the earlier EV9, with lighter upholstery and trim décor, horizontal styling, dual-screen dashboard, and naturally-sourced materials.

Like many BEV models entering the market, the EV3 will feature V2G and V2L capabilities and utilises a front-wheel drive powertrain with a 400-volt battery, further details of which are expected closer to the model’s production reveal in 2024.

The Kia EV Day also saw the release of the Cerato-sized EV4, a sedan styled battery electric model likely to target the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 when it arrives in 2025.

With a sleeker body than the boxier EV3, EV5 and EV9, the EV4 will again ride on Kia’s e-GMP vehicle architecture, offer V2G and V2L capabilities, and utilise 400-volt battery technology.

The Power to Progress styling theme of the model is defined by Kia’s Star Map headlight motif, a low-set nose and dynamic long-tail silhouette.

Like the EV3, the interior of the EV4 features a sleek and spacious horizontal layout, incorporating stylish design elements that are said to prioritise the driver experience without obstructing their view.

To achieve this, Kia designers have placed an air-conditioning control panel that can be neatly stored in the centre console when not in use and applied pin-style air vents that offer the flexibility to change patterns, among other refinements to the interior design.

“Kia is keenly focused on providing solutions to the concerns that continue to cause hesitation when it comes to making an EV purchase,” detailed Kia president and CEO, Ho Sung Song.

“We will meet customer expectations by offering a full line-up of EVs at various price points and improve charging infrastructure availability.

“As a sustainable mobility solutions provider, Kia’s transition to electric vehicles is a must, not an option.

“By developing advanced EV technology, bold design, and intuitive services, and applying them to our entire EV line-up, our ultimate aim is to provide Kia’s unique value to as many people as possible.

“The acceleration towards electrification begins now.”

The third and final vehicle showcased at the Kia EV Day – and the next EVX model headed for Australian showrooms – is the EV5.

The EV5 also rides on Kia’s e-GMP platform and like others in the series draws on the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy.

Like the EV6 and larger EV9 seven-seat SUV, the five-seat model is said to offer an interior that “completely reimagines a vehicle’s interior space”, being closer to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin.

To be built in both China and South Korea, the Kia EV5 will be offered in three variations: standard-range, long-range and long-range all-wheel drive. GoAuto understands Australian-supplied Kia EV5 models will be produced in China.

The entry variant is equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and 160kW electric motor and is expected to offer a driving range of 530km (CLTC).

The mid-tier variant combines an 88kWh battery with the same 160kW motor to achieve a claimed range of 720km (CLTC), while the flagship features the same 88kWh battery pack with a combined system offering of 230kW and claimed 650km range (CLTC).

Chinese made EV5 variants utilised lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries which may be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in just 27 minutes when utilising a compatible DC fast charger.

“The EV market is expanding from one catering to the smaller early-adopter group to a more broader mass majority of customers,” said Kia’s head of global business planning sub-division, Spencer Cho.

“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 popularization of electric vehicles and provide consumers with more options from which to choose.

“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.”

Kia said it will also offer a GT version of the EV5 in due course, offering “further performance features and (an) engaged driving experience”.

More information on that model will be revealed soon.