Kia’s answer to outperforming the Tesla Model Y is finally here: the EV5
A few months after the concept, Kia is taking advantage of the Chengdu show in China to publish photos of the production version of its EV5. Located between the Niro and the EV6, the electric SUV will first be sold in China before arriving here in Europe.
After the success of its EV6, Kia does not intend to rest on its laurels and wishes to continue its offensive on the electric market. After having formalized its EV9, the Korean firm presented last March the concept announcing its future EV5.
An assertive style
A few months later, it was at the Chengdu show, where BYD had just unveiled its new Song L, that the manufacturer presented the production version of its SUV. In a press release, the latter publishes a series of photos showing what it will look like in its final form. And this one is not very far from the concept, although we note the arrival ofa redesigned shield and new rims.
For the moment, Kia has not yet given any indications concerning the dimensions of its EV5, but the site Car News China seems well informed. He informs us that the SUV will display a length of 4.62 meters for 1.88 meters wide and 1.72 meters high. In profile, the silhouette is almost unchanged, while we note the arrival of new lights at the rear. Note that the handles are still integrated into the bodywork.
This is to improve the Cx (drag coefficient), which has not been disclosed. The manufacturer announces that nine metallic colors and nine matte shades will be offered in the catalog. On the other hand, it will be necessary to wait a little longer to discover the different styles of rims available, while the SUV seems to be fitted with a more aerodynamic model to optimize autonomy.
A modern interior
Good news, the firm also reveals some photos of the driving position of its new EV5. The opportunity to discover what its presentation will look like, which remains very close to that of the EV9 and which differs from the EV6, in particular at the level of the central console. We find a large touch screen whose diagonal has not been announced. This is attached to a digital handset, creating a large slab that reminds us of what Mercedes offers.
If this has not been specified, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should be included. It could also be possible to buy options like on the EV9 and with certain brands like BMW or Mercedes. The SUV should also be compatible with remote OTA updates, but this has yet to be confirmed by Kia, which does not say more at this time.
Displaying a wheelbase of 2.75 meters, the electric SUV should be able to accommodate up to five people quite comfortably. The brand’s press release states that passengers can adjust the lighting to ten levels and choose from 64 mood colors. Note that these can also change depending on the driving mode activated and alert the driver if he exceeds the authorized speed. Finally, the rear seat folds down to create a completely flat trunk.
A quick charge
For the moment, Kia does not give any information on the technical sheet of its new EV5. But here again, the Chinese media enlighten us and confirm that the SUV is based on the already well-known E-GMP platform. This one equips in particular the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. This newcomer would embark a 160 kW electric motoror 217 horsepower, but it is not excluded that other versions will arrive later.
If the 0 to 100 km / h is not known, the top speed is itself limited to 185 km / h while the total weight is displayed at 1,870 kilos. The new EV5 would carry an LFP (lithium – iron – phosphate) battery supplied by a subsidiary of BYD. This would have a capacity of 82 kWh and should offer a range of 600 kilometers.
A figure which most likely means according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, which would give around 510 kilometers in WLTP. If that may seem fair, we remember that a great autonomy is not necessarily useful if the charge is fast. This will be the case with the EV5, which will most likely have an 800-volt architecture like the brand’s other electric models.
We could then expect charging power turning around 239 kW as on the EV6, while less than twenty minutes would be needed to go from 10 to 80%. But we will have to wait for the confirmation of the brand to find out more since the local media Autohome talks about a 30-80% recharge in 27 minutes and a maximum range of 700 km with the larger battery.
Price and release date
A direct rival of the Tesla Model Y, this Kia EV5 will be officially launched in China by the end of the year. THE Electric SUV will then be sold in Europe, but the date has not yet been announced. We will find out more during the Kia EV Day, which will take place during the month of October. The price is not known but it should probably turn around 50,000 euroswhich could deprive it of an ecological bonus.
