During the recent Chengdu Motor Show in China, the South Korean manufacturer Kia unveiled its latest offering – the all-new Kia EV5 compact electric SUV. Just like their customary approach seen in Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis, detailed information about this second zero-emissions SUV is slated for release in October during the brand’s EV Day event.
For now, we’re presented with an official photo gallery (you can find it below) and scattered design insights from the press release. Notably, the EV5 boasts a mood lighting system with adjustable brightness. Buyers can pick from a palette of 64 hues, including 10 curated by Kia’s lighting experts. This mood lighting synchronizes with the vehicle’s driving modes, adjusts in low light conditions, and even alerts the driver if the car exceeds the speed limit.
Kia emphasises that customers can customize the EV5’s interior much like they would their own living space. There are four color options and five-seat patterns to select from, including two woven variants and an artificial leather version for the base model. On the exterior color front, the electric SUV will be available in nine glossy hues and a matte Ivory Silver. The colors include Snow White Pearl, Clear White, Starry Night Black, Magma Red, Ivory Silver, Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Tide Blue, and Shale Grey.
Karim Habib, the Managing VP and Head of Kia Global Design Centre, elucidates that the Kia EV5 redefines the compact SUV concept, influenced by Kia’s unique design philosophy, ‘Opposites United.’ He mentions the close collaboration between Kia’s designers and engineers to create a comprehensive solution for sustainable mobility. This synergy results in the EV5 setting new benchmarks for design, performance, and practicality, delivering elevated driver enjoyment and user experience.
Market positioning the EV5 as tailored to meet the requirements of millennial families, Kia highlights its seating for five, exceptional versatility, and outstanding comfort. Keeping true to the EV5 concept from March, the SUV’s front showcases a broad nose, a robust hood, and Kia’s distinctive three-dimensional “Signature Star Map Lighting” crafted with LED daytime running lights.
As of now, specific dimensions and technical specifications are yet to be officially disclosed. Nevertheless, based on information provided by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the EV5 measures 181.7 inches in length, 73.8 inches in width, and 67.5 inches in height, with a wheelbase spanning 108.2 inches. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y comes in at 187 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, 63.9 inches tall, and a wheelbase of 113.8 inches.
Moreover, sources like The Korean Car Blog reveal that the EV5’s power comes from an 82-kilowatt-hour battery, enabling an impressive driving range of up to 372 miles.
Anticipate the Kia EV5 to debut in the Chinese market towards the year-end, with other markets following suit in due course.
Source and Images: Motor1