The Kia EV5’s key specifications and images have been leaked ahead of its global debut at Chengdu Motor Show in China on August 25. The details of the upcoming Kia EV were uncovered from a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing.
- Kia EV5 looks very similar to the concept
- It will get a single motor set-up producing 217hp
- Dual-motor, all-wheel drive version expected to come later
Kia EV5 design and dimensions
The SUV's design is very similar to the EV5 concept that was showcased back in March. There are only few subtle design changes over the concept as the production model will have traditional wing mirrors, flush-fitting door handles, enlarged charging port along with slightly redesigned headlights and tail lights. Despite the alloy wheels being smaller, they have the same design as the ones on the EV5 concept. The front and rear bumpers have also been slightly redesigned to accommodate a number plate. The EV5 can also be seen with a panoramic sunroof.
The EV5 looks like a downsized version of the India-bound Kia EV9. The EV5 will measure 4,615mm in length, 1,875mm in width and 1,715mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,750mm and weighs 1,870kg. In comparison, the EV9 measures 5,010mm in length, 1,979mm in width and 1,780mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,100mm.
Kia EV5 powertrain, battery
Built on the E-GMP platform, the EV5 will get a McPherson strut suspension at the front and a multilink rear suspension. The single electric motor will produce 218hp and 310Nm of torque and it will have an electronically limited top speed of 185kph. Kia is expected to launch a dual-motor, all-wheel drive version later on.
The MIIT filings also reveal that the Chinese-spec EV5 will get BYD’s LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) Blade battery with as yet undefined range but reports suggest that the global model might get a 82kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery with a range of up to 600km.
Kia EV5 rivals
Based on its dimensions, the Kia EV5 will rival the Volkswagen ID.4, Toyota bZ4X and Nissan Ariya. All four EV SUVs are currently not available in India, however, the ID.4 is due to be launched in India sometime soon. The EV5 will be produced in China by a joint venture between Kia and Yueda and will first go on sale in China, followed by other global markets.
At the moment, there is no news of the Kia EV5 coming to India, but the EV9 will launch in India next year. It will be Kia’s second EV in India, following the EV6 that was launched in 2022.
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