Tag Archives: KIA

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

July 8, 2025 Francis Mitterrand Leave a comment

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.

Trim		Base Line	GT-Line
Overall length		4,610mm
Overall Width		1,875mm
Height (incl. roof rack)		1,675mm
Wheelbase		2,750mm
Ground clearance	2WD	167mm
	4WD	167mm
Head room	1^st row	1,075mm
	2^nd row	1,024mm
Leg room	1^st row	1,117mm
	2^nd row	1,041mm
Shoulder room	1^st row	1,465mm
	2^nd row	1,425mm
Maximum cargo capacity (liters)(VDA/SAE)	Behind 2^nd row	566 / 965
	w/ rear seats folded	1,650 / 2,080
Frunk capacity (liters)		44.4
Battery capacity (kWh)		60.3 / 81.4	81.4
All-electric range(km, WLTP)		530	505
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
Transmission		2WD
Wheel size (inches)		18	19

Source: KIA

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Kia Targets Sub-€25K Electric City Car as EV Market Heats Up

July 7, 2025 Francis Mitterrand Leave a comment

As the auto industry accelerates toward electrification, Kia is not just keeping pace — it’s setting a course for an ambitious electric future. By the end of this decade, the South Korean automaker is poised to introduce a fresh generation of electric vehicles, software-defined architectures, and even a return to simplicity in design. The company’s roadmap blends affordability, intelligence, and versatility — and it’s aimed squarely at both developed EV markets and underserved global regions.

A New Electric Chapter: From Flagship to Entry-Level

Kia’s current electric lineup — the EV3, EV6, and EV9 — will soon be joined by the EV4 and EV5 this year, with the EV2 landing in 2026. But the real story lies just beyond the horizon. The brand is working on a new entry-level EV, priced below €25,000, aimed at consumers looking for affordable electric mobility. This sub-EV2 model could mark a pivotal moment for the EV market, offering a real alternative to internal combustion without sacrificing quality or style.

Interestingly, Kia’s CEO Ho Sung Song sees this model not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the company’s future. Although the venerable Picanto city car remains strong in sales — especially after its 2023 facelift — its eventual successor will almost certainly be electric. Whether the two will overlap in showrooms depends on evolving CO₂ regulations in Europe.

The inspiration behind this new breed of Kia? Simplicity. Design boss Karim Habib cites Japanese retailer Muji as a creative muse — a brand that values utility, minimalism, and adaptability. Kia is exploring how to build vehicles that are stripped to their essential form, but remain highly customizable. That mindset could be the key to delivering desirable, affordable EVs to a global market.

Software-Defined Vehicles: The EV Brain Revolution

But Kia’s ambitions stretch well beyond creating more EVs — the company is engineering smarter ones.

Kia is embracing software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, a systems-focused evolution that replaces fragmented electronic subsystems with centralized computing. This unified brain allows for streamlined updates, reduced development costs, and the flexibility to offer personalized digital experiences across the model range.

Development of the SDV platform has been underway for over three years, and the first tangible sign of progress may come as early as next year in the form of the SDV Pace Car concept — a glimpse at the brand’s digital future. The next-gen EV6 and EV9, due before 2030, will be among the first models to adopt the 800V SDV architecture.

“Because we are decoupling hardware and software, we can be more flexible making different kinds of vehicles based on the same platform,” said Song. It’s a move that signals not just smarter cars, but faster and cheaper development cycles — a win for both Kia and its customers.

Beyond the Car: Vans, Pick-Ups, and Range-Extenders

Kia’s electrification strategy isn’t confined to passenger vehicles. The brand is entering new territory with a dedicated PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) lineup — think electric vans and pickup trucks. The PV5 will lead the charge, followed by the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.

To support larger, heavier vehicles, Kia is also exploring extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), or range-extenders — a hybridized system that uses a combustion engine to recharge the battery when needed. These are particularly promising in markets where pure EVs remain impractical due to infrastructure limitations.

“The final destination in Europe is EVs,” said Song, “but if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EREVs.” This reflects Kia’s pragmatic approach — leading with EVs where possible, while offering flexibility where needed.

Design Renaissance: Simplicity Meets Innovation

Despite rapid innovation, Kia isn’t forgetting the emotional appeal of car design. Song acknowledged that while the current design philosophy has served the brand well for five years, it’s time to evolve. Habib confirmed that fresh concept cars are coming, and while details remain under wraps, the emphasis is clear: stay bold, stay fresh.

Kia is also investing in in-vehicle AI assistants — developed in partnership with tech giants like Samsung — to offer users more intuitive and connected experiences. Customers increasingly expect their vehicles to mirror the digital ecosystems they live in, and Kia intends to meet them there.

The Road Ahead

Kia’s vision is both grounded and forward-looking. It recognizes the real-world complexity of a global market while embracing a fully electric, software-integrated future. Whether it’s delivering an EV city car under €25,000, pioneering intelligent vehicle architecture, or expanding into commercial electrification, the brand is clearly not content with standing still.

As we look toward 2030, it’s clear that Kia doesn’t just want to be part of the EV era — it wants to define it.

Source: Kia

2026 Kia EV4: Stylish Electric Hatch and Saloon Set to Shake Up the Segment

July 3, 2025 Francis Mitterrand

Kia is gearing up to expand its electric ambitions with the arrival of the EV4, a striking new model that brings a fresh edge to the compact EV market. Closely resembling the concept that turned heads in 2023, the production EV4 remains faithful in design and shares its architecture with the recently unveiled EV3 hatchback.

Offered in both hatchback and saloon body styles, the EV4 covers a broad spectrum of buyers. The hatchback version is roughly the same size as the Hyundai Kona Electric, while the saloon stretches out to a length that surpasses the Tesla Model 3, thanks to its extended rear overhang.

In Europe, the EV4 will primarily be sold as a hatchback, where it is poised to take on rivals like the Citroën ë-C4, Volkswagen ID.3, and Volvo EX40. With sharp styling, solid range figures, and a tech-laden cabin, Kia is clearly aiming for a strong foothold in this competitive segment.

Both body styles come with a single front-mounted motor producing 201 hp, good for a 0–62mph sprint in the mid-7-second range, depending on battery and trim level. Performance enthusiasts won’t be left out, either—Kia has confirmed that all of its EVs are in line for hot GT variants, so expect a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT version of the EV4 with enough punch to rival the MG 4 EV XPower.

As for range, the entry-level EV4 is fitted with a 58.3kWh battery, which offers up to 273 miles on a single charge in hatchback form. Step up to the 81.4kWh battery, and the hatchback’s range extends to an impressive 388 miles. Charging is swift, too: a 10–80% top-up takes at least 29 minutes for the smaller pack and 31 minutes for the larger.

Inside, the EV4 shares its high-tech interior with the EV3, boasting a sleek 30-inch dashboard screen. This includes two 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster—split by a 5.3-inch climate control panel. Notably, the EV4 will be the first Kia to support in-car entertainment apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, hinting at a more leisure-oriented EV experience.

While full pricing details for the EV4 saloon are still under wraps, it’s expected to launch in the UK after the hatchback. That’s due to a difference in manufacturing: the hatch will be built in Slovakia, while the saloon will be produced in Korea, Kia’s home market.

With its combination of sleek design, generous range, and tech-rich interior, the Kia EV4 is shaping up to be a serious player in the electric C-segment. Watch this space.