Kia is throwing down the gauntlet to others in terms of its EV expansion and with the production-spec EV9 just being unveiled, its smaller sibling has already appeared as a concept. The EV5 would arguably be the most important Kia in terms of tapping into the electric crossover space and would be slotted below the EV6. Unlike the swoopy EV6, the focus here would be on practicality and the EV5 concept is looking more like a shrunken EV9, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Here’s what we know so far.
RELATED: ‘Radical’ Peugeot Inception Concept is a Slick EV with a ‘Claw Design’.
Kia EV5 Concept | Image: Supplied
In terms of styling, the muscular haunches and chiselled lines merge with the boxy look of the concept and accentuate the size of the car. The front end doesn’t get a conventional grille as it adheres to the EV styling rulebook of a blanked-off grille albeit with radical-looking headlamps at the side. The concept wears huge 21-inch wheels which probably likely be available on the top-spec variants though it could also get smaller aero wheels to improve the range.
Speaking of which, Kia is tight-lipped about the details of the EV5 although we wouldn’t be surprised if both single and dual motor variants are offered, the latter with all-wheel drive.
Based on the E-GMP platform like the EV6, the cabin would be vast in space with a long wheelbase and a flat floor. The tall roofline also means a great deal of headroom and legroom for rear passengers. The concept features a lounge-like cabin design with futuristic elements. It’s largely button free with voice recognition and digital displays taking over the dashboard. Rear-hinged doors at the back with no central pillar along with swivelling chairs are concept elements that most probably won’t make it to production.
Just like its EV brethren, the EV5 will also have a leather-free cabin with sustainable materials sprinkled everywhere including recycled plastic to seaweed extract. Interestingly, the production EV5 has been pencilled for the Chinese market although other markets are very much in the offing considering the vast appeal of a mid-size electric crossover and if the production-spec model maintains this look, expect the EV5 to be one of the brand’s top sellers.
Kia EV5 Concept | Image: Supplied
You’ll also like:
Aston Martin’s First EV Will Reportedly Arrive in 2025
‘Electric Nugget’: 2023 Fiat 500e Price and Specs Revealed for Australia
This $300,000 1961 Bentley Continental is the ‘Rarest Vehicle’ Ever Electrified
Kia’s most expensive production vehicle ever, the All-Electric Kia EV9
