All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV

2026 Kia EV5 Debuts as the Brand’s Most Family-Friendly Electric SUV Yet

Kia has officially pulled the wraps off the all-new EV5, its latest entry into the increasingly competitive electric C-SUV segment. Positioned between the compact EV3 and the larger EV6 and EV9, the EV5 brings bold SUV design, smart family-focused tech, and real-world electric performance—all while riding on the proven E-GMP platform.

But while the specs are promising, Kia’s real mission is more ambitious: to make EV ownership not just more accessible, but more natural. In other words, the EV5 isn’t about just keeping up with Tesla—it’s about fitting seamlessly into daily life.

A Crossover That Looks the Part

If you thought electric crossovers had to sacrifice personality for efficiency, the EV5 begs to differ. Echoing Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the EV5 exudes boldness. A wide nose, clean surfaces, and Kia’s reinterpreted “Digital Tiger Face” create a front end that’s high-tech without looking fragile.

Measuring 4,610 mm in length with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the EV5 has real road presence. The boxy silhouette isn’t just for aesthetics—it pays dividends in cargo capacity and interior space. Angular wheel arches, chunky 19-inch wheels, and an athletic rear profile drive home its SUV credentials. It’s clear Kia is courting young families and weekend adventurers with a vehicle that looks ready for both the school run and the ski trip.

Interior as a “Smart Sanctuary”

Inside, the EV5 continues Kia’s pursuit of blending utility with serenity. A panoramic wide display stretches across the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a separate 5-inch climate panel into a single, elegant unit.

But it’s the second row that truly sets the EV5 apart. The rear seats fold flat to create a continuous sleeping or cargo surface—ideal for road trippers or outdoor enthusiasts. Rear seat-back tables, sliding center storage, and ambient lighting reinforce the EV5’s role as a mobile living space. Kia even offers ergonomic relaxation seats with massage functions, further blurring the line between cabin and lounge.

And yes, there’s a three-zone climate control system—something rarely seen in this segment.

Built for the Real World, Not the Lab

Kia is offering two battery options: a 60.3 kWh pack and a larger 81.4 kWh unit, with the latter providing up to 530 km of WLTP range. Fast charging is brisk too, with 10–80% charge in around 30 minutes via DC fast charging. The EV5 features regenerative braking with Kia’s latest i-Pedal 3.0, allowing one-pedal driving with adjustable levels for added control.

But what makes the EV5 stand out isn’t just its range or recharge times—it’s the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and future-ready Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality. In simple terms, this SUV can power your campsite, charge your e-bike, or even help stabilize your home grid in the future.

Towing? Absolutely. The EV5 is rated to pull up to 1,200 kg in Europe and Korea (1,800 lbs in North America), and even includes a Trailer Mode to adjust range predictions when hitched.

Tech-Forward, Not Tech-Obsessed

Kia’s next-generation infotainment system—ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit)—powers a customizable UI that supports OTA updates and digital purchases through the Kia Connect Store. Other standout features include Digital Key 2.0, fingerprint recognition, and the Kia AI Assistant, all wrapped in a Harman Kardon audio experience.

Safety Without the Stress

Also debuting is Kia’s unique Bold Motion Symphony—a curated sound identity for the EV5 that adds an auditory dimension to its futuristic character. Whether you’re driving through city streets or camping in the wilderness, the EV5 wants to be more than transportation—it wants to be part of the experience.

The EV5 is packed with the latest ADAS tech, aiming for a Euro NCAP 5-Star and KNCAP Grade 1 safety rating. Highlights include:

  • Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) with hands-on detection
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA2)
  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  • Blind Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance

Seven airbags and a reinforced body structure give it the physical backbone to match its digital safety net.

The Bigger Picture

Kia isn’t shy about its ambitions. With the EV5, it’s not just expanding its EV portfolio—it’s doubling down on its vision of electric mobility as an everyday solution, not a luxury or a compromise.

“The EV5 represents a significant step in Kia’s shift toward electrified mobility,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “It makes EV ownership more practical and appealing to a broader range of drivers.”

Set to launch in Korea and Europe in late 2025, with North America following in early 2026, the EV5 will enter a fiercely competitive landscape. But with its mix of smart tech, practical design, and real-world usability, Kia might just have the formula to win over a new wave of EV buyers—those who want a car that just works.

TrimBase LineGT-Line
Overall length4,610mm
Overall Width1,875mm
Height
(incl. roof rack)		1,675mm
Wheelbase2,750mm
Ground clearance2WD167mm
4WD167mm
Head room1st row1,075mm
2nd row1,024mm
Leg room1st row1,117mm
2nd row1,041mm
Shoulder room1st row1,465mm
2nd row1,425mm
Maximum cargo capacity (liters)(VDA/SAE)Behind 2nd row566 / 965
w/ rear seats folded1,650 / 2,080
Frunk capacity (liters)44.4
Battery capacity (kWh)60.3 / 81.481.4
All-electric range(km, WLTP)530505
Charging time(min. DC 10-80%)30
Charging power (AC/DC kW)11/150
Power output (kW)160
Acceleration(0-100km/h, seconds)8.4
Towing capacity (kg)1,200
Transmission2WD
Wheel size (inches)1819

Source: KIA

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News

McLaren Unveils W1 Supercar and Honors 30 Years Since Le Mans Win

McLaren Automotive is set to light up the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed with a stunning showcase of innovation, performance, and motorsport heritage — all anchored by the global public debut of the all-new McLaren W1.

The striking W1 headlines McLaren’s presence at this year’s Festival, aligning perfectly with the event’s official theme, “Champions and Challengers.” Unveiled to the public for the first time at McLaren House, the W1 marks the third chapter in McLaren’s elite ‘1’ car lineage, following the trailblazing McLaren F1 and P1™.

With just 399 units allocated, the W1 is already fully spoken for. And it’s no wonder: it features an all-new 1,275PS V8 hybrid powertrain, rear-wheel drive, and advanced active aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1. It’s a brutal yet refined driving experience tailored for both road and track — a formula that defines McLaren’s engineering ethos across generations.

Honoring Le Mans Glory – 30 Years On

McLaren is also celebrating a major motorsport milestone at Goodwood: 30 years since its iconic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1995, McLaren stunned the motorsport world by winning on its debut, and this year, that legendary F1 GTR makes a rare return to dynamic action — piloted up the hill by none other than JJ Lehto, one of the original winning trio.

Accompanying this Le Mans tribute is the debut of the new 750S Le Mans, a special edition supercar built in homage to the legendary F1 LM. Limited to just 50 units, it features a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) High Downforce Kit designed to elevate track performance while visually echoing the drama of its Le Mans heritage.

Solus GT: A Vision Revisited

Back for a third consecutive appearance is McLaren’s most radical track machine: the Solus GT. This track-only hypercar — powered by a screaming 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 producing 840PS — has become a crowd favorite, famously winning the Timed Shootout Final in 2023. This year, a unique customer-owned Solus GT will once again climb the hill, highlighting MSO’s custom artistry and McLaren’s unfiltered pursuit of performance.

Celebration Editions and Community Spirit

Adding further flair to McLaren’s 2025 lineup are the 750S and Artura Celebration Edition models, each limited to just nine examples. These ultra-exclusive cars feature a bespoke Papaya Orange and Anthracite livery, commemorating McLaren’s 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship triumph. Their dynamic runs at Goodwood are set to be among the festival’s standout moments.

Additionally, McLaren is marking 10 years of its ‘Longtail’ (LT) series — a decade of lightweight, driver-focused evolution. The brand’s Celebrate LT initiative has brought together global LT owners throughout the year, culminating in a special Goodwood appearance. LT models from McLaren’s Heritage collection will feature in the Supercar Paddock and take part in dynamic demonstrations.

From groundbreaking debuts to tributes steeped in racing legend, McLaren’s 2025 Goodwood presence cements its dual identity as both innovator and icon. As the W1 takes center stage and the echoes of Le Mans glory reverberate through the hills of Sussex, McLaren proves once again that it doesn’t just chase performance — it defines it.

Source: McLaren

News

Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT Crowned Best U.S.-Built Sports Vehicle of the Year by ACAR

Hyundai is charging ahead—literally and figuratively—with its award-winning electric lineup. The latest feather in its cap: the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT has been named the Best U.S.-Built Sports Vehicle of the Year by American Cars and Racing (ACAR).

This prestigious award recognizes the best new or significantly updated vehicles for the 2025 model year assembled in the United States. ACAR’s editorial team evaluates nominees on criteria including innovation, appeal, value, and overall excellence. With categories spanning Car, Truck, SUV, Luxury Vehicle, and Sports Vehicle, the competition is fierce—and the IONIQ 5 XRT has clearly impressed.

“The IONIQ 5 XRT is designed to appeal to customers who want to play in the dirt and have all-electric adventures,” said Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America. “Built at our Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), the 2025 XRT delivers enhanced off-road capability and a more rugged appearance. We are pleased to receive this recognition.”

A Bold New Chapter for the IONIQ 5

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 has already made waves in the EV world for its retro-futuristic styling, spacious interior, and smooth driving dynamics. But the XRT variant takes that formula in a bolder direction, catering to EV buyers with a taste for the outdoors.

The IONIQ 5 XRT features aggressively restyled front and rear bumpers, rugged side skirts, and exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels designed for off-road prowess. Its increased ground clearance and suspension tuning give it the confidence to tackle trails, gravel, and everything in between—without losing the everyday refinement that made the IONIQ 5 a hit.

Inside, the XRT model is equally adventurous, with H-Tex™ seating surfaces, XRT-exclusive patterning and badging, and a black headliner that adds to the sporty, immersive feel.

Electrifying Fun Without Compromise

ACAR executive editor Gary Gastelu put it succinctly: “Hyundai took one of the best compact electric SUVs and broadened its horizons with the IONIQ 5 XRT, which is simply one of the most fun vehicles on sale today at any price. It opens up new roads without giving up any of the everyday comfort the IONIQ 5 is known for—and now loves to play in the dirt.”

With the addition of a NACS port, thoughtful design upgrades, and off-road enhancements, the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT signals Hyundai’s commitment to building versatile EVs that don’t just look good in a city—they thrive off the beaten path.

As the electric SUV segment continues to grow, the IONIQ 5 XRT stands as a reminder that fun and utility don’t need to come at the cost of sustainability. Hyundai isn’t just building electric vehicles—it’s building EVs that adventure.

Source: Hyundai