The eagerly anticipated Kia EV5, the brand’s third electric vehicle based on the E-GMP architecture, has been leaked in China through images published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). While the images pertain specifically to the Chinese market version, it’s expected that the global variant of the Kia EV5 will bear a close resemblance.
Strikingly, the production model stays remarkably faithful to the Concept EV5 that was unveiled earlier in March. While there are subtle changes, such as the inclusion of conventional side mirrors, flush door handles (unlike the handle-less concept), slightly smaller wheels (18- or 19-inch compared to the concept’s 21-inch), and minor tweaks to the headlights and taillights, the overall design remains consistent.
Design-wise, the Kia EV5 leans towards the design aesthetics of the Kia EV9 more than the EV6. This translates to an upright SUV body style, distinct from the raised hatchback appearance of the EV6. In essence, the EV5 appears to be a downsized iteration of the EV9, sharing several design elements.
Both the EV5 and EV9 utilize the E-GMP platform tailored for electric vehicles. However, the EV5 is more compact, featuring a two-row seating layout for five passengers, as opposed to the EV9’s three-row, seven-passenger configuration. According to details from MIIT, the Kia EV5 measures 4,615 millimeters (181.7 inches) in length, 1,875 mm (73.8 in) in width, and 1,715 mm (67.5 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.2 in).
Interestingly, while it shares a similar length and width with the Kia EV6, the EV5 boasts greater height and a 405 mm (16-inch) shorter wheelbase. Unfortunately, the leaked images do not provide a glimpse of the interior. However, it’s anticipated that the production model’s cabin will display a more practical design compared to the concept’s futuristic ambiance.
Under the hood, the Kia EV5 is reported to feature an LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) Blade battery sourced from Xiangyang Fudi Battery Co (FinDreams), a subsidiary of BYD. This battery powers a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 215 bhp (160 kilowatts) and 229 pound-feet of torque. While details regarding a potential dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant are currently unavailable, it’s reasonable to assume that Kia might introduce this option later.
It’s worth noting that the international version of the Kia EV5 might feature a different battery setup. Reports suggest that the EV5 will be equipped with an 82-kilowatt-hour NMC battery pack outside of China, potentially providing a range of up to 373 miles.
Production of the Kia EV5 will take place in China under the Kia-Yueda joint venture, with manufacturing occurring at the Yancheng plant. The vehicles produced there will cater to both the Chinese market and select international markets, as Kia-Yueda aims to establish the EV5 as its first globally available EV manufactured in China.
The official debut of the Kia EV5 is scheduled for August 25th at the Chengdu Motor Show, followed by pre-sales that are set to commence in November. As the automotive industry continues its electrification journey, the Kia EV5 emerges as a promising contender in the electric SUV segment, embodying both innovation and practicality.
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