European premiere
Kia EV5: SUV comes to us with cool features
The Kia EV5 celebrated its European premiere in an exclusive setting - and impressed us with its cool features. A particularly variable trunk, sofa-like front seats and high-quality materials make us want to get our hands on the electric SUV.
Even if it doesn't look like it: The Kia EV5 was originally only supposed to be launched in China, where it is also built. And then? "Then the Group management liked the design so much that they decided to market the model globally," says Kia's Future Design boss Won-Kyu Kang at the unofficial European premiere at the "Car Design Event" in Munich's Drivers & Business Club.
The Kia EV5 is based on the Group's E-GMP platform. The format is similar to that of the Kia Sportage or Kia EV6, the wheelbase is slightly shorter at 2.75 meters. The look is reminiscent of the larger EV9, the World Car of the Year. However, the front is somewhat more discreet, with the light strips running through the sheet metal in a fairly clean design. The charging port is located at the front right, the flap is partially integrated into the wheel arch trim and is electrically operated.
An eye-catching feature are the plastic strips all around, which look and almost feel like brushed aluminum.
At the rear, the LED lights run across the tailgate to the middle, emphasizing the width (1.88 meters) of the vehicle.
Creative interior and trunk
Kia has implemented creative ideas in the trunk. For example, the double floor can be folded up and secured in a new way. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, an extra flap can also be used to create a seamlessly flat load floor.
The eye-catcher at the front is the seating system. When the center armrest is folded away, the upholstery connection between the driver and front passenger seats is revealed. This creates a familiar atmosphere, almost like sitting on a sofa.
Otherwise, it is noticeable how high-quality the materials are. It feels like luxury class and more valuable than we know from the Kia EV9. The surfaces look good and are extremely pleasant to the touch.
Touch surfaces are partially embedded in the surface of the dashboard. On the steering wheel and on the center console, on the other hand, there are real buttons that are easy to operate. The display seamlessly combines two individual displays into one large one, as is now standard in the Group.
Other good ideas can be found in the second row. A drawer can be pulled out of the middle, which can be cooled and warmed at the touch of a button. A very sturdy fold-out table is integrated into the backrest of the front passenger's seat, with a recess that serves as a tablet or cell phone holder. There is a USB-C port in the other seat backrest.
800 volts on board
Nothing is yet known about the drive of the European version. In China, there is a choice of a 64 or 88 kilowatt-hour 800-volt battery from BYD or a subsidiary in the floor. The car is powered by a 160 kW electric motor on the front axle. An all-wheel drive version with a 70 kW motor on the rear axle will probably also be available for export. A sportier GT version is also planned for later.
Information on prices and market launch is not yet available.
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