Beijing show: Pininfarina outs K350 SUV, H500 sedan

ITALIAN design house Pininfarina has revealed its two latest concepts, dubbed K350 and H500, which were co-developed with Hong Kong-based electric car-maker Hybrid Kenetic Group (HKG).

Revealed at the Beijing motor show this week, the H500 is a mid-size sedan that slots beneath the H600 large sedan shown at the 2017 Geneva motor show, while the K350 is a four-seat small SUV that sits below the five-seat K550 and seven-seat K750 SUVs presented at the 2017 Shanghai motor show.

As such, these five show cars – particularly the K350 and H500 – share much of their design language, which prioritises simple lines and smooth surfaces.

Key front-end features include HKG’s signature trapezoidal front grille with vertical chrome bars, slim LED headlights and pronounced side air intakes with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

Looking at the K350 and H500’s rear ends tells a similar story, with their LED tail-lights linked by a thin horizontal strip, which accentuates the width of the designs.

However, the H500 ups the ante with side air intakes for its rear bumper, while the K350 features a chunkier bar that is clad in black plastic.

The differentiation between the two show cars is further evident when comparing their side profiles, with the H500 employing a sleeker, sportier shape, while the K350 is boxier and more rugged-looking, including a unique belt line that rises behind the C-pillars but stops short of the roof.

Nevertheless, both models have a bespoke take on the increasingly-popular fastback style, which would likely impact headroom for rear passengers. As has become concept tradition, cameras replace conventional side mirrors, while the doorhandles sit flush with the body.

Inside, the individual personalities of the K350 and H500 start to shine through, with the former characterised by its ‘floating’ front seats, while the latter is a tech-fest with its digital displays that define the cabin.

Despite this, the similarities between the two are still evident, particularly with the steering wheel design and the central touchscreen infotainment displays shared by the first and second rows.

The K350 and H500 are motivated by the same HKG-designed pure-electric powertrain, which produces more than 300kW of power. Peak torque is unknown.

While the number of electric motors and battery pack size is yet to be detailed, Pininfarina has confirmed that the H500 can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, while the K350 is 0.2s slower, at 4.7s. Both have a top speed of 250km/h.

Significantly, if a range-extender is fitted, the K350 and H500 can travel more than 1000 kilometres before having their battery packs charged or internal-combustion engine refuelled. Pure-electric driving range remains under wraps for now.

Following the K350 and H500’s reveal, Pininfarina chief executive officer Silvio Pietro Angori said: “Hybrid Kinetic Group is a sound, crucial partner for Pininfarina.

“We are creating a new range of electric vehicles together and preparing the way for their commercial debut with the presentation of the first Hybrid Kinetic-produced car for the international market.

“The three models (including the HK GT sportscar unveiled at the Geneva motor show last month) presented in Beijing are just another step forward in a long-term and fruitful relationship.” As previously reported, Pininfarina has been owned by Indian conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra – which operates its own automotive brand – since 2015, but continues to do contract work for third parties, such as HKG.