Kia reveals technical insights for upcoming EV5 SUV
The South Korean brand also confirmed the Tesla Model Y rival will be arriving in UK showrooms in 2025
Kia has revealed new technical insights into the forthcoming EV5, which will also be released in the UK when it goes on sale in 2025.
Presented at Kia's EV Day event in Korea, the mid-sized electric SUV is the company's answer to the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3.
Similar to the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 is built on Kia's dedicated EV platform, known as E-GMP. Three variants have been announced: the 'standard,' 'long-range,' and 'long-range AWD.'
UK specifications have yet to be confirmed, but details released for the Chinese and Korean markets provide a good picture of what to expect.
The standard EV5 is equipped with a 64kWh battery and a 217bhp electric motor for the Chinese market. However, for the Korean market, Kia has opted for a 58kWh battery paired with a 217bhp electric motor. Kia claims a range of 329 miles for the standard model, tested under the CLTC regime in China. European WLTP figures remain unknown for now.
The long-range variant features an 88kWh battery (81kWh in Korea) and the same electric motor, providing a claimed maximum range of 447 miles (CLTC). The long-range AWD model retains the same battery pack but adds a dual-motor setup with a combined output of 312bhp. Here, the range decreases to 403 miles under the CLTC regime.
In addition to the above, Kia also announced its intention to introduce a sporty 'GT' range-topping version of the EV5. It’s expected this sporty version will adopt a similar setup to the EV6 GT, which features 577bhp and a 3.5-second 0-62mph time.
When it comes to recharging, the EV5 can reach a 30 to 80 percent top-up in just 27 minutes.
The EV5, characterised by its distinctive styling, will join Kia's growing lineup of electric SUVs, which already includes the EV6 and EV9. The anticipated arrival of the EV5 in the UK will coincide with the introduction of the smaller EV3 SUV and the EV4 saloon, both previewed as concepts at the EV Day event.