Kia EV4 revealed with 391-mile range and ‘theatre mode’
The Kia EV4 has been revealed in full for the first time, with the South Korean brand confirming powertrain and specification details for its saloon and hatchback twins.
The rival to the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech will offer a class-leading range of up to 391 miles and share many of the high-tech features of Kia’s larger EVs as well as introducing new entertainment systems.
As expected, the Kia EV4 shares its running gear with the EV3 SUV. That means just one motor – a front-mounted 201bhp unit – and a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh batteries.
In the sleeker saloon, the small battery offers up to 267 miles of range, while the larger one provides that class-leading 391 miles. The boxier hatchback manages between 255 and 367 miles respectively.
For reference, the rival VW ID.3 manages between 240 and 345 miles depending on which battery is specified, while the Megane manages 285 miles from its 60kWh unit.
Like the EV3, the EV4 uses 400V architecture rather than the 800V featured in the EV6 and EV9. That means charging is limited to 107kW for the smaller battery and 127kW for the larger one. Kia says that’s still sufficient to take either version from 10-80% in 31 minutes.
The EV4 features the same vehicle-to-load functionality as other electric Kias, but also includes vehicle-to-grid, to allow the car to send power back to the home or electricity grid.
Kia EV4 interior
After revealing the two body styles ahead of the Kia EV Day, the brand has now shared images of the EV4’s interior. The overall layout is familiar to anyone who has seen an EV3. A three-screen 30-inch digital display sits proud of the dashboard, and there’s a low, open centre console and sliding tray beneath the driver’s armrest. New for the EV4 is an asymmetrical steering wheel centre and new colour and upholstery options.
Kia says the EV4 places a strong emphasis on passenger space and if the EV3 is anything to go by, leg and headroom should be generous. It also features class-leading luggage space in saloon form, with a 490-litre boot (435 for the hatchback).
As with the EV3, the EV4 brings technology first shown in Kia’s more expensive models, including a digital ‘key’ that allows you to open the car with a phone or smartwatch, and highway driving assist 2.0. The EV4 also features Vehicle Smart TV that offers built-in access to YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games and karaoke to keep passengers entertained while charging. There’s even a Theatre Mode which optimises the screens, seats and lighting for a more immersive viewing experience. If you’d rather relax, there’s a Rest Mode that uses the front-row relaxation seats and a mood lamp to create a comforting atmosphere.
Kia EV4 price and launch date
Kia describes the EV4 as a ‘core model’, meaning it’s designed to appeal to a wider audience than the larger EV6. Kia hasn’t given any indication of pricing for the EV4 but, given that the EV6 starts at around £45,000 and the EV3 at £32,000,we’d expect the EV4 to start somewhere in the £35,000-£37,000 region. That would also place it firmly in the ballpark of the Megane and ID.3.
Production of the saloon is set to begin in South Korea in the coming weeks, while the hatchback will be built at Kia’s Slovakian plant, with work starting in mid-2025. Both variants are expected to go on sale in Europe in the second half of the year. Full UK specs and pricing will be announced closer to the car’s launch.
