European-spec Kia EV5 revealed for the first time
Kia has shared the first images and details of the European version of the EV5 electric SUV.
The Kia EV5 is due to go on sale towards the end of 2025 and sit as an all-electric equivalent to the brand’s successful Sportage family SUV, destined to compete with the Ford Explorer, Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.
A version of the EV5 has been on sale in China, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand since 2023, but the European version will differ significantly, in everything from interior design to batteries and where it is made.
The EV5 is based on the same E-GMP platform as the rest of Kia’s all-electric models and shares much of its technical components with the smaller EV3 and the incoming EV4 hatchback.
A 214bhp front-mounted motor will drive all versions of the EV5, powered by an 81.4kWh battery. Unlike its Chinese/Australian counterpart, the European model uses a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack and doesn’t come with the option of the smaller 64.2kWh LFP unit offered in those markets.
From launch, there’s also no sign of the 308bhp all-wheel-drive variant offered in other regions, although it is possible this could become an option at a later date.
The most efficient version of the EV5 will offer up to 329 miles of range. Like other 400V Kia models, it will charge at up to 120kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes.
Externally, the European version of the EV5 looks just like that on sale elsewhere. As its name suggests, the EV5 sits between the EV3 and EV9 in Kia’s line-up and shares a familiar design approach to the existing models. The boxy body, upright front end with ‘starmap’ LED lights, and slight boattail shape are common across Kia’s electric SUVs. Entry-level Air cars will come with 18-inch alloy wheels while higher-spec GT-Line and GT-Line S will get the option of 19- or 20-inch designs as well as more aggressive body trim.
Inside, the European car ditches the front bench seat sold in other markets and replaces it with a large centre console like that in the EV9. This houses a wireless phone charger, fingerprint sensor, cupholders and two levels of storage offering a total 16.5 litres of capacity. On the subject of storage, the EV5 features a 566-litre boot and 44-litre ‘frunk’, and the rear seats will fold down to create a completely flat two-metre-long load area.
As with other EV models, the EV5’s dashboard features physical controls for basic heating functions and a three-screen setup with 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and driving dials, and a 5.3-inch touchscreen for climate controls. Also shared with other Kia models, the EV5’s interior makes plentiful use of sustainable materials, from the recycled PET plastic in the seats to the BTX-free paint on the doors.
The recently introduced entertainment package that allows streaming from services such as Disney+ and Netflix also finds its way into the EV5, along with vehicle-to-load technology. New for the EV5 is Pet Mode that will maintain climate control settings and lock internal buttons while the owner is away, allowing pets to be safely left in the car.
Unlike the version on sale elsewhere, the car destined for the UK and Europe will be built at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong factory in South Korea, alongside the EV3, EV6 and EV9.
A launch date hasn’t been confirmed but Kia says the EV5 will go on sale in the UK in the final of 2025. There’s no word on price, but we’d expect a starting price in the region of £40,000-£45,000 to maintain competitiveness with its main rivals.
