Recently, a few images of Kia's upcoming EV5 electric SUV were leaked online, ahead of its global debut on August 25 at the Chengdu Motor Show in China. The EV5 was revealed in its concept form in March 2023 at Kia Chinese EV Day. The new EV5 is positioned below the EV6 in terms of size and price, plus it is similarly styled as its EV9 sibling. Aside from this, we now have got our hands on some more details of the upcoming Kia EV5, the exterior and specifications of which were revealed due to compulsory homologation by the Chinese regulator under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Design-wise, the production-spec EV5 does not stray away from the concept car; however, it seems to have undergone a few design changes. Up front, the SUV is defined by an upright bonnet, vertical LED headlamps on the extreme outer edges, and Star Map LED DRLs (daytime running lights). Apart from that, it gets a Digital Tiger Face and a sporty front bumper.
Furthermore, there are flush door handles, a panoramic sunroof, bracket-shaped tail lights, and aero-designed 21-inch alloy wheels. The EV5 comes with two rows of seats, unlike the three-row EV9 SUV. Besides, we also see a redesigned rear bumper that houses a number plate. Following in the footsteps of the EV9, the upcoming EV5 adopts a new design philosophy called Opposites United, which emphasises a modern futuristic design.
Kia EV5 Electric: Powertrain, Underpinnings
The EV5, just like the EV6 and the EV9, is based on the modular E-GMP skateboard platform. As for the powertrain, the Chinese-spec EV5 will get a BYD-sourced LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) Blade battery, which is manufactured by Xiangyang Fudi Battery Company Limited. The range figure has not been revealed by the company yet. However, the overseas version of the EV5 is said to be equipped with an 82kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery with a 600km range on a full charge.
The 800V E-GMP platform features a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multilink suspension at the rear. A 160kW electric motor is capable of producing 310Nm of peak torque and 215bhp. The electric motor is type EM16 from Vitesco Automotive Electronics Company Limited. The SUV tops out at 185km/h, while the car's kerb weight is 1870kgs.
Kia EV5 Electric: Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, the EV5 measures 4,615mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and 1,715mm in height. The compact version of the EV9 features a 2,750mm long wheelbase.
Also Read: Kia EV5 Electric SUV to Make Global Debut on August 25: Here's Everything You Need to Know
Kia EV5 Electric: Will it Arrive in India?
The EV5 is the brand's first Made-in-China global EV and will be manufactured at the company's Yancheng plant in China. In terms of market rivalry, the EV5 will lock horns with the Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID.4, and others. The car will be launched in the Chinese market first, followed by other international markets. As far as the Indian market is concerned, there is no information regarding its arrival in India. As of now, only the Kia EV6 is available for purchase in India, while the EV9 is expected to make its market entry sometime in 2024.
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