Kia has officially teased its upcoming EV5, marking the brand’s third electric vehicle in its rapidly expanding EV lineup. The much-anticipated model was showcased to local audiences at Kia’s year-end product event at the Glendower Golf Estate in Edenvale on Monday, December 2. Set to debut in South Africa by 2025, the EV5 will be introduced alongside the Tasman bakkie, facelifted Sorento, and updated Carnival, although pricing will only be revealed in the new year.

With the EV5, Kia is cementing its position as a key player in the growing electric vehicle market. The EV5 will join the EV6 and EV9 in the brand’s all-electric lineup, signaling Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and offering a stylish, modern SUV designed for millennial families and individuals seeking a versatile electric vehicle.

Key Features of the Kia EV5

Feature	Details
Platform	Adapted EV version of Kia’s N platform
Seating Capacity	5 passengers
Dimensions	Length: 4,615 mm, Wheelbase: 2,750 mm, Width: 1,875 mm, Height: 1,715 mm
Battery Options	Standard Range: 64.2 kWh (LFP battery), Long Range: 88.1 kWh
Motor Configurations	Single motor (Standard/Long Range) and dual motor (Long Range AWD)
Performance	– 160 kW/310 Nm (Standard/Long Range Single Motor)
	– 230 kW/480 Nm (Long Range Dual Motor)
	– 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (Dual Motor), 8.5 seconds (Standard Range)
Range	Up to 555 km (Long Range Single Motor), 400 km (Standard Range), 470-500 km (Dual Motor)
Charging Time	DC Fast Charging (350 kW): 0-80% in 36-38 minutes; Household socket: 8-10 hours
Interior Features	Dual 12.3-inch displays (instrument cluster & infotainment), wireless charging, 4 USB ports
Driver Assistance	Surround-view camera, Park Assist, Hill Descent Control, Auto Hold
Cargo Space	513 liters (boot), 67 liters (under the bonnet)
Unique Features	Dual folding boot floor, electric tailgate

What is the Kia EV5?

The EV5 was first unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in China in April 2023. It is built on an adapted electric version of Kia’s N platform, a foundation that combines the benefits of both performance and efficiency. With a five-passenger seating capacity, the EV5 offers ample space, making it a great option for families and long-distance drives.

In terms of size, the EV5 measures 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. These dimensions make it a mid-sized SUV, falling between the entry-level EV3 and flagship EV9 in Kia’s electric range. The EV5 is expected to offer a balance between the compact dimensions of the EV3 and the premium space of the larger EV9, catering to a broad range of customers looking for a practical yet stylish electric vehicle.

The vehicle’s design draws heavily from Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. This includes a larger, more prominent Tiger Face grille that replaces the traditional Tiger Nose grille, giving the EV5 a bold and futuristic look. Its sharp, angular rear end further distinguishes it from the designs of the EV3 and EV9, making the EV5 stand out on the road.

Powertrain and Performance

The EV5 offers a variety of powertrain options, catering to different needs and driving preferences. The entry-level Standard Range variant features a 64.2 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a range of up to 400 km on a single charge. This variant is powered by a single electric motor that generates 160 kW and 310 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 8.5 seconds.

For those who require more range and power, the Long Range variant features a larger 88.1 kWh battery, allowing it to cover up to 555 km on a single charge. It maintains the same power output as the Standard Range model, but its acceleration time improves slightly, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds. The Long Range variant also supports DC fast charging, which can recharge the battery to 80% in just 38 minutes, making it an ideal choice for longer trips.

Interior and Features

Inside the EV5, Kia has embraced a minimalist yet functional design, with a dual 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment display that provides all the information drivers need in a clear and easily accessible format. The interior also boasts a wireless smartphone charger, four USB ports for convenience, and a host of driver assistance features, including a surround-view camera system, Park Assist, and Hill Descent Control.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the South African market remains unconfirmed, but Australian pricing provides a useful benchmark. The EV5 starts at AUD 56,770 (approximately R660,838) for the Standard Range, while the more powerful Dual-Motor Long Range model can cost up to AUD 71,770 (around R835,447).

Although Kia has not disclosed an official launch date for South Africa, the EV5 is expected to hit local dealerships in 2025. With the growing demand for electric vehicles in South Africa, the EV5’s arrival will add much-needed variety and choice to the local electric vehicle market.

Conclusion

The Kia EV5 is shaping up to be a highly anticipated addition to the electric vehicle landscape. With its bold design, advanced technology, and versatile performance options, it promises to appeal to a wide range of customers looking for a practical, eco-friendly SUV. Whether you’re after a family car, a long-distance cruiser, or a high-performance electric vehicle, the Kia EV5 offers something for everyone, and its arrival in South Africa in 2025 is sure to generate considerable excitement.