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Kia’s enthusiastic lineup of electric crossovers is expanding rapidly. Shortly after revealing the 2024 Kia EV9, the company unveiled the EV5 Concept crossover in China. The name itself indicates that the EV5 is positioned as a smaller electric SUV compared to the EV9, although specific dimensions were not provided.
Similar to the EV9 Concept, the EV5 Concept features swiveling seats—a feature that was actually incorporated into the production EV9. The specific details of the all-electric powertrain were not disclosed, but Kia announced that the EV5 Concept will precede a model set to go on sale in China later this year. This implies that more information on the production version will be revealed shortly, at least for the Chinese market. For the U.S., it is anticipated that the vehicle will be built on the E-GMP platform shared with other Kia models such as the EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60. This platform offers both single- and dual-motor configurations with power outputs ranging from 168 horsepower to 577 horsepower. Battery sizes on this platform range from 58 kWh to 77.4 kWh, with the estimated range potentially being more challenging to anticipate.
The EV5 Concept incorporates typical “concept car” features like oversized wheels, sleek side mirrors, rear-hinged doors, and a futuristic cabin that may not be entirely practical. However, essential design elements of the EV5 Concept such as its interpretation of the corporate “Digital Tiger Nose” grille, expansive central touchscreen, and panoramic moonroof are expected to carry over to the production version. The swivel seats, seen in the EV9 Concept and production model, could also be retained in the final product. On the other hand, the rear jump seat and table will likely not make it to production.
Kia introduced the EV5 Concept in China and hinted at an upcoming model for the Chinese market, with possibilities for a similar release in the United States. We reached out to Kia for confirmation but have yet to receive a response.
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