Kia has officially announced the global version of its new all-electric SUV, the EV5. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the mid-size SUV serves as the electric alternative to the Sportage in the brand’s product line. The model will be available in Europe, South Korea, and other global markets.
The global version of the Kia EV5 has been unveiled.
The EV5 comes with two different battery options: 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. According to WLTP standards, the maximum range is stated as 530 kilometers. However, the range of the GT-Line version, with its larger battery and enhanced features, is limited to 505 kilometers. This difference is due to the 19-inch wheels and the vehicle’s increased weight. The standard version features 18-inch wheels.
The model offers fast DC charging support up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. Additionally, 11 kW AC charging support allows for use at home or at public charging points.
The EV5 was first launched in China in October 2023. While production continues for the Chinese market, global export versions are manufactured in South Korea. This choice is to avoid the high tariffs imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Models in China use LFP batteries, while versions in Europe and other markets use NMC batteries, which have a higher energy density.
The single-motor, front-wheel-drive EV5 produces 160 kW of power (approximately 215 horsepower) and 295 Nm of torque. Technological innovations include the next-generation i-Pedal 3.0 system, which allows drivers to adjust regenerative braking levels and make driving more comfortable with the use of a single pedal.
The vehicle features V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) for external energy transfer, and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capabilities, which will become available in the future. This allows the EV5 to be used as a mobile power source in scenarios such as camping, construction sites, and emergency situations.
The exterior design highlights Kia’s “Unity of Opposites” design philosophy. Inspired by the EV9, the EV5 exhibits a powerful SUV stance with its wide nose, three-dimensional LED daytime running lights, muscular bumpers, and prominent skid plate. The vertically extending taillights and simple trunk lid are striking at the rear. The vehicle is 4.6 meters long and has a 2.75-meter wheelbase.
The interior offers a blend of digital and physical comfort. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, and a 5-inch climate control panel create a panoramic digital space. Digital features and over-the-air software updates are available for later purchase through the Kia Connect Store. Features such as fingerprint recognition, Digital Key 2.0, the Kia Artificial Intelligence Assistant, and the Harman Kardon sound system elevate the user experience.
In terms of safety, the EV5 is equipped with seven airbags, a reinforced body structure, and advanced driver assistance systems. Highlights include Highway Driving Assist 2, which detects hands on the steering wheel, Remote Intelligent Parking Assist 2, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.
Global sales of the Kia EV5 will begin in Europe and Korea in the second half of 2025. While pricing has not been announced, the model is expected to be positioned between the EV3 and EV6, with a price tag of approximately €40,000. The EV5 is also planned to enter the Turkish market this year.
