The shift to electric vehicles is now reaching buyers dreaming of adventure, and new concepts from automakers suggest they are ready to meet this demand. Kia China unveiled a striking new design at the Guangzhou Auto Show, the EV5 WKNDR. More than just a styling exercise, this vehicle is a detailed preview of a potential off-road configuration for the popular EV5.
Wider Body Kit and Interior Updates
Developed by the Kia China Style Design team, the EV5 WKNDR looks ready to go straight from the showroom and into a weekend camping trip. Designers have given the electric SUV good ground clearance, starting with a raised suspension. This change immediately gives the concept a more muscular stance and increased ground clearance, essential for overcoming obstacles in challenging terrain.
The concept’s exterior design changes aren’t limited to just a set of wheels. A completely redesigned body kit with wide wheel arch extensions gives the EV5 a muscular, broad-shouldered appearance. New skid plates protect the underside, while thicker side skirts provide additional protection against rocks and debris. A prominent hood scoop and a large roof rack enhance the vehicle’s equipment-carrying capabilities.
The WKNDR’s visual identity is reinforced by a distinctive color scheme accented with matte beige, lime green, and gray accents—a combination that has become a signature for Kia’s exterior-focused concepts. For owners carrying serious equipment, Kia has even added dedicated attachment points to the side of the vehicle, similar to the modular setup found on the iconic Land Rover Defender.
Step inside this extreme EV5 and you’ll encounter a strikingly redesigned interior for a concept based on a current production electric vehicle. The changes are far more profound than a simple color change. Designers have installed a large screen that extends forward of the passenger and a slim digital instrument cluster nestled behind a new steering wheel. The center console has been revised, and the air conditioning vents have a new design. The completely redesigned seats are covered in modern colors and new upholstery with a unique 3D texture, elevating the cabin’s ambiance.
For adventurous buyers, this concept truly stands out with its focus on practicality. The cabin is packed with practical elements that borrow a similar idea from Dacia’s simple YouClip system. This means easy access to features like cupholders and extra storage compartments mounted on the sides of the cargo area.
The headliner features additional rails specifically designed for securing equipment, preventing loose items from bouncing around when the terrain gets rough. While Kia has remained mum on the mechanical details of the EV5 WKNDR concept, the upgraded suspension remains the only confirmed change from the production EV5, and the remaining technical specifications remain a mystery for now.
We do know that the standard Kia EV5 rides on the E-GMP architecture, the flexible platform used in the brand’s other EVs. This architecture allows the production EV5 to be offered in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with different region-specific battery options.
A sporty GT variant of the production EV5 has already been confirmed, promising a powerful powertrain and sharper handling, but the WKNDR’s true appeal lies in the market’s increasingly desired blend of practicality and rugged appearance.
The EV5 WKNDR is the fourth model in Kia’s adventure lineup to carry this badge, following the EV9, PV5, and Tasman. None of the previous concepts have yet entered production, but strong consumer interest in lifestyle electric vehicles suggests the timing is right. Given Kia’s consistent track record of turning popular concepts into real-world production models, it’s highly likely that a toned-down version of this design will eventually join the EV5 lineup.
