Kia EV5 unveiled as innovative electric SUV for 2024

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】The Kia EV5 is a stylish and spacious five-seat electric SUV that will initially be sold in China but is likely to launch in Europe and the UK. It is the third electric car in Kia's lineup and shares similarities with the larger EV9. Rivals include the Skoda Enyaq iV, Mercedes EQB, Ford Explorer, and Fisker Ocean. The EV5's design features a two-box silhouette, chunky lower body cladding, and distinctive alloy wheels, showcasing Kia's electric design language.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 6:58 AM PT

Kia EV5 unveiled as innovative electric SUV for 2024

The new Kia EV5 has been unveiled as a practical and spacious five-seat electric SUV with a sleek design. Earlier this year, a near-production concept of the car was previewed, and leaked images of the final car provided hints about its design and positioning. However, Kia has now officially revealed details about the car's design at the Chengdu motor show in China. Full technical specifications will be announced closer to the launch.

Initially, the EV5 has been designed for the Chinese market and will be built there for sale. However, there are strong indications that it will also be launched in Europe, including the UK. Kia has promised to provide more details about the launch in "select global markets" at an event in October. This vehicle is the third in Kia's expanding range of bespoke electric cars, following the Kia EV6 and Kia EV9. It is most closely related to the larger EV9.

When it becomes available in dealerships, the EV5 will serve as an electric alternative to the Kia Sportage crossover, which is of a similar size. Just like the larger EV9, which coexists with the combustion-engined Kia Sorento, the EV5 will compete with rivals like the Skoda Enyaq iV, Mercedes EQB, Ford Explorer, and Fisker Ocean.

According to details published on the Chinese Ministry of Transport homologation platform, the EV5 has dimensions of 4615mm in length, 1875mm in width, and 1715mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2750mm and weighs 1870kg.

The influence of the flagship seven-seat EV9 is evident in the EV5's upright, two-box silhouette, chunky lower body cladding, and angular alloy wheel designs. The EV5 also shares its sibling's aggressive 'tiger nose' front end design and kinked rear beltline, which are distinctive features of the electric Kia lineup.

Kia stated that the EV5 combines transformative design, exceptional versatility, and outstanding comfort to create a well-balanced vehicle. The aim of the EV5 is to surpass the accepted aesthetics of the existing compact SUV sector.