- New Kia EV5 revealed
- Electric SUV with 329-mile range
- Built for European roads
- Price still TBC
- Order books set to open later this year
The electric SUV market just got a new model - and it’s already generating some serious buzz.
The Kia EV5, a fully electric, medium-sized SUV, has been unveiled for the fist time this week and is positioning itself as a strong rival to popular models like the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, and Skoda Enyaq.
Built specifically for the European market, the EV5 combines a generous range, cutting-edge tech, and has some tricks up its sleeve when it comes to cabin comfort.
The EV5 is underpinned by the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform - the same modular 400V architecture used in the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 - offering impressive performance and charging capability.
At the heart of the EV5 is an 81.4 kWh battery pack, which delivers up to 329 miles of range between charges.
How does that compare to key rivals? Pretty good, but it’s not the best in class. The Tesla Model Y weighs-in with a 387-mile max EV range while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (the EV5’s electric sibling) is capable of journeying up to 354 miles on a single charge.
Speaking of which, the EV5 supports 150 kW DC rapid charging, allowing a 10-80% top-up in just 30 minutes, which is decent enough.
Performance-wise, the EV5 will offer enough poke to satisfy most lease customers. With 215 hp on tap, it can sprint from 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds, while power is delivered smoothly to the front wheels.
It’s not just about performance, though. Kia has focused heavily on comfort, with the cabin described as having ‘lounge-like’ quality. One standout feature is the completely flat-folding rear seats, creating a two-metre long space - perfect for adventurers who want to relax at a scenic viewpoint or perhaps even camp overnight.
A 566-litre boot is also larger than you get with either the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Volkswagen ID.4 (the Model Y has a larger capacity on paper but Tesla only quotes a boot volume that extends to the roof, not just the parcel shelf like other manufacturers, so it’s something of a grey area).
In terms of trim levels, customers have a choice of Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S specifications. A full fat performance ‘GT’ will also be announced shortly.
Precise grade level details are still to come, but you can expect a panoramic wide display that integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5.3-inch climate display, heated and ventilated seats, and eco-friendly seats and carpets.
There’s also a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) and KIa’s Smart Cruise Control 2 (SCC2) tech which can, in the event of an emergency, bring the vehicle to a full stop if the driver is unresponsive.
Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, said: “The EV5 is a cornerstone of Kia’s European growth strategy. We are entering Europe’s most competitive EV segment with a model that blends our iconic ‘Opposites United’ design, everyday practicality, and innovation rooted in electric mobility. This is us reaffirming our commitment to sustainable mobility, tailored to the way Europeans live, work, and drive.”
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