Kia EV5 electric SUV unmasked in China
Kia’s Sportage-sized electric SUV – the EV5 – has been prematurely revealed in China, offering a first look at the battery-powered model which could come to Australia.
The Kia EV5 has leaked via Chinese government documents less than a fortnight before the South Korean car-maker was due to reveal its Kia Sportage-sized electric SUV.
Car News China reports the images were uploaded to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for homologation purposes – providing a first look at Kia’s production version of the Concept EV5.
As with the Kia EV9 large electric SUV – which was preceded by the EV9 concept – the EV5’s design is largely unchanged from the prototype revealed in March, with an EV6-esque front and rear end coupled with a more traditional Sportage-style side profile.
According to the Chinese publication, the Kia EV5 will be powered by a 160kW/310Nm electric motor, delivering drive to the rear wheels with a top speed capped at 185km/h.
Chinese car-maker BYD will supply the Kia EV5’s lithium iron phosphate (LFE) battery pack – previously reported to be 82kWh for overseas markets – which could result in the electric SUV achieving up to 600km of driving range on a charge.
Contrary to prior reports which suggested the Kia EV5 would be based on a 400-volt electric-car platform, Car News China claims it will adopt the 800-volt ‘E-GMP’ architecture found in the EV6, EV9 and a majority of Hyundai’s battery-powered vehicles.
The publication also reports the Kia EV5 will measure 4615mm long, 1875mm wide and 1715 tall – approximately 45mm shorter, 10mm wider and 55mm higher than the Sportage – while riding on a 2750mm wheelbase.
According to Car News China, the Kia EV5 has a homologated kerb weight of 1870kg, about 100kg more than the turbo-diesel, all-wheel-drive Sportage but almost 150kg lighter than an entry-level EV6.
As previously reported, Kia is expected to officially reveal the EV5 at the Chengdu Motor Show on 25 August, ahead of deliveries starting in China – where the electric SUV will be built – from November 2023.
While Kia is prioritising China for the roll-out of the EV5, the Korean Car Blog claims the electric SUV will be available in “South Korea and overseas” – which could include Australia.
In June 2023, Kia Australia’s general manager of product planning, Roland Rivero, told Australian media the EV5 is on the company’s wishlist for local showrooms – though its plans have not yet been confirmed.
Earlier this month, Korean Car Blog reported the Kia EV5 will be priced between 50 million won ($AU58,500) and 57 million won ($AU66,700) in South Korea – on par with Drive’s estimated figures of a $65,000 to $75,000 starting price in Australia.
Those prices would allow it to come within striking distance of the Tesla Model Y – the best-selling electric car in Australia and the world – which is priced from $65,400 plus on-road costs in rear-wheel-drive guise, and from $78,400 plus on-road costs for the Long Range all-wheel-drive.