Kia EV5 debuts at Chengdu Motor Show

The Kia EV5 was showcased earlier this year in near-production concept form that hinted at design inspiration from the larger EV9 SUV. Later, we also reported to you with leaked images of the production-spec EV5, and now, Kia has officially taken the wraps off the electric SUV at the Chengdu motor show in China. The EV5 is the third of Kia’s expanding family of electric cars, following the EV6 and EV9. 

1. EV5 to just go on sale in China initially
2. Exterior and interior elements take inspiration from EV9
3. Technical specifications yet to be revealed 

Kia EV5 exterior design, dimensions 

The SUV is astonishingly similar to the EV5 concept that was showcased earlier in March. However, there are a few changes in the production model as it will come with traditional wing mirrors and a smaller set of alloys than the one showcased in the concept. Similarly, the swivelling seats are gone, as are the reverse-opening rear doors.

The EV5’s upright, two-box silhouette, substantial lower body cladding, and unique, angular alloy wheel designs are inspired by the flagship seven-seat EV9. The EV5 also has its sibling’s sharp ‘tiger nose’ front-end design and kinked rear beltline, both of which are characteristics of the electric Kia lineup.

Standout features of the design, according to Kia, are the set-back D-pillars, which “highlight the EV5’s family-friendly practicality” by emphasising the space available in the rear seat and boot, while the rear wing is said to boost aerodynamic efficiency while “signifying the EV5’s status as a groundbreaking electric vehicle”. 

As far as dimensions are concerned, it will be 4,615mm long, 1,875mm wide, and 1,715mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm and a weight of 1,870kg.

Kia EV5 interior and features 

On the inside, the dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment suite appear to have been carried over from the EV9, with a wraparound digital panel holding the driver display and centre touchscreen and an array of tactile buttons and switches preserved for key tasks. The EV5, like previous new Kia vehicles, will be maintained up to date after launch via over-the-air system updates, and owners will be able to activate features as required.

It is said to be much roomier than a traditional car cabin, but Kia has yet to reveal its exact dimensions. Other highlights include 64-colour ambient lighting with a dimming function, easy-access infotainment and climate controls and the broad array of upholstery colours, patterns and materials.

The EV5 gets a bench-style front seat arrangement, with the passenger’s seat base extending out over the centre console in place of a traditional armrest, though there is no third seatbelt up front. The rear seats, meanwhile, fold completely flat to give a cavernous load bay, complete with hidden under-seat storage cubbies. 

Kia EV5 powertrain and battery

Kia has offered no technical details of the EV5 yet, but MIIT filings on the Chinese media have previously revealed that it will get a single rear-mounted electric motor that will produce 218hp and 310Nm of torque.

According to the MIIT files, the Chinese-spec EV5 will use BYD’s LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) Blade battery with an unspecified range, although sources say that the global model would use an 82kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery with a range of up to 600km.

The brand has promised every entrant into the ‘EV’ family of electric cars will ultimately be offered a hot GT range-topper, which means a suitably potent, 4WD version of the EV5 is on the cards for a debut soon after the standard car.

Kia EV5 launch timeline and rivals

The EV5 will be on sale initially for the Chinese market but will make its way to select global markets in an event where the brand will release further product details that are scheduled to take place in October. 

Upon launch, the EV5 will rival EVs like the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq iV, both of which are due to arrive in India. There is no word on when the Kia EV5 will be available in India, but the EV9 will be on sale in India next year. It will be Kia’s second electric vehicle in India, following the EV6 that was introduced in 2022.

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