Kia is rapidly expanding its global electric vehicle offering.
3 August, 2023
Kia EV5
Kia also recently unveiled the Concept EV5 which provides a preview of a production all-electric SUV model that will be launched, starting in China, later this year. This model heralds a new design era for Kia and gives an intriguing glimpse into the aesthetic direction of the brand’s future fully electric models.
The Concept EV5 exudes a progressive look from all angles while it is also clearly a member of the Kia family. Upfront is a new take on the Digital Tiger Face which also incorporates Kia’s Star Map signature lighting technology. The serene sense of strength exuding from the SUV’s sculpted lines, square fenders and powerful stance is amplified by special paintwork finishes.
The interior of the Concept EV5 provides the perfect environment for occupants to relax with an interior colour palette that enforces calmness and purity. The centre fascia emphasizes the philosophy of Bold for Nature through the application of contrasting materials, while the large wide panoramic display provides greater levels of content for occupants to enjoy. Innovative swivel seats enable occupants to enjoy the scenery around them and when darkness falls, the full-length panoramic sunroof, which also acts as a solar panel, gives an unobstructed view of the night sky. As part of Kia’s sustainable development strategy, sustainable materials such as seaweed extract, upcycled PET bottles set new standards of sustainability without the use of animal leather.
The production ready Kia EV5 will be launched in the Chinese market later this year and details regarding plans for other global markets are yet to be revealed.
Kia’s latest design philosophy is underlined by technology and innovation that promote positive, intuitive interactions between humans and machines and have played a pivotal role in the design of the interior by enabling designers to prioritise space, comfort and technology for all passengers.
Kia have also unveiled a GT-line model which features unique front and rear bumpers, wheels and roof rack as well as a distinctive black colour palette and an exclusive Digital Pattern Lighting Grille.
A long wheelbase, low beltline and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for occupants to relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats. Available in six and seven seat variants the EV9 delivers quality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants. For example, occupants in the first and second row of seats can recline their seats while the EV9 is charging. The seats in the second row can be swivelled 180 degrees so that occupants can interact with those in the third row.
Throughout the interior the EV9 embodies an elegantly simple, premium quality, user friendly design. The floating panoramic dashboard extends from the steering wheel to the vehicles centre and two 12,3-inch touchscreens integrate with a five-inch segment display to improve the digital experience and ensure effortless control of vehicle functions while physical buttons are kept to a minimum. The extended display high-definition audio visual, navigation and telematics screen creates a rich and immersive experience and enhances occupants’ ability to engage and interact with the digital world seamlessly.
Based on the game-changing Electric Global Modular Platform, the EV9 offers athletic performance, complimented by a targeted range of over 540km. Ultra-fast 800 volt charging capability enables the EV9 battery pack to be replenished with enough power to travel 240km in 15 minutes.
The EV9 is available with a broad choice of electric powertrain configurations and Kia’s fourth generation battery technology. A 76.1-kWh battery is offered with the rear-wheel-drive standard model while a 99.8-kWh battery is fitted to the rear wheel drive long range and all-wheel drive variants.
The rear wheel drive long range model utilises a 150kW/350Nm electric motor, endowing the SUV with the ability to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds. The 160kW/350Nm variant can accelerate from 0 -100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The all-wheel drive variant is equipped with two electric motors that offer a total of 283kW and 600Nm allowing for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.0 seconds.
Technological breakthroughs include Highway Driving Pilot which enables Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets and introduces the Kia Connect Store, which enables customers to purchase digital features and services on demand and upgrade the capability of the EV9 with Over the Air updates.
KIA EV6 crowned 2023 World Performance Car of the Year
Kia achieved an outstanding result in this year’s World Car Awards, with the EV6 GT being crowned the 2023 World Performance Car. This award is judged by a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists representing 32 countries.
With a combined power output of 430kW which allows for a 3,5 second 0-100km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 260km/h, the fully electric EV6 GT’s long-range capability, spacious interior and sophisticated design saw it excel amongst stiff competition from traditional petrol-powered sports cars.
Kia has unveiled further details and new models as part of its rapidly expanding, award winning, electric vehicle offering which now includes the EV9, EV6 and EV5.
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