Kia EV5 Electric SUV – Launched in Pakistan
Kia’s new EV5 brings sharp looks and big interior space to a medium SUV footprint. It rides on the same E-GMP EV architecture as the slinkier EV6 and larger EV9.
The front seat feels very comfortable, with a good forward view and supple perforated enviro-upholstery. The EV5’s rear seat is very roomy too.
Design
Designed to meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers, the Kia EV5 combines advanced technology and impressive performance with eye-catching design. The new model will join the company’s popular Sportage and Sorento SUVs to offer a comprehensive range of vehicles that appeal to a wide audience.
Powered by a 64- to 88-kWh battery pack, the EV5 will be offered in two variants: Air and Earth. Both will be capable of traveling up to 249 km on a single charge. The EV5 features a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, as well as dual 12.3-inch screens that serve as driving information and infotainment displays.
Inspired by the manufacturer’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV5 seamlessly blends transformative style with exceptional versatility and outstanding comfort. The vehicle’s sculptural form is augmented by the front fascia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ and sleek vertical light clusters in a wraparound arrangement at the rear. Meanwhile, set-back D-pillars highlight the EV5’s family-friendly practicality and boost aerodynamic efficiency. Its interior is defined by the EV5’s ‘Bold for Nature’ design principle and boasts an extensive interior space that’s closer in concept and execution to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin.
Technology
Featuring innovative technology and bold design, the EV5 Electric SUV delivers the perfect blend of practicality and sustainability. With a range of features designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of drivers, the EV5 is a true game changer in an industry that is rapidly changing.
Kia has taken the formula that worked on their larger EV9 SUV and put it into a smaller package with the EV5. While this vehicle doesn’t offer 7-seats, there is enough space to comfortably seat five adults and plenty of storage solutions.
Its sleek exterior is accentuated by its wide body and rounded profile. Its front is dominated by a brushed aluminum grille and modern LED DRLs. The rear is accented by a smooth curved silhouette and tasteful details like hidden door handles. Inside, the EV5 mixes high-tech content and a digitized dashboard with practical elements like a floating center console that contains clever storage solutions. The EV5 is also capable of smart parking with its RSPA 2 system. This allows the driver to operate the accelerator, brakes and gear shifter remotely, guiding the vehicle into tight spaces.
Performance
The Kia EV5’s thoughtful cabin is brimming with style, practicality and the kind of cutting-edge tech new car buyers expect. The interior design eschews the minimalist zeitgeist and instead focuses on delivering a functional, comfortable space with plenty of storage.
Depending on the variant, the EV5 can be equipped with a single rear electric motor that produces 225 horsepower or dual front and rear electric motors for a total of 313 horsepower. Both models can get from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds.
Kia is also offering a long-range version with an 88.1 kWh battery pack for up to 620 km of range. The long-range EV5 will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in around 38 minutes with the DC fast charger.
Inside, the EV5 offers a largely digital dashboard with two 12.3-inch screens that can be tailored to show a variety of data for the driver. A separate 5.0-inch display houses the climate controls. Behind the wheel, the EV5’s steering wheel feels comfortable in the hand and features traditional switches and toggles that are easily accessible for quick control.
Eco-Friendliness
Kia’s EV5 is a family-friendly electric SUV that aims to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Its exterior design is inspired by the company’s ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar that combines powerful and solid forms with soft and emotionally resonant surfaces.
Kia’s designers have also worked to create a spacious cabin that is intended to be a retreat on wheels. The front seats are designed to be supportive and comfortable, while the backrests fold flat to transform two-thirds of the cabin into a large cargo area. The cabin is clad in hardy perforated enviro-upholstery that feels more like vinyl than leather, but is still pleasant to the touch.
The instrument cluster is digital, and can be customized to show a variety of information including energy consumption, range, and trip data. A dedicated 5.0-inch screen houses the climate controls and is located within easy reach of the driver, along with traditional switches and dials. It’s an approach that works well, though the climate control system can be a little chatty over rough roads. Thankfully, this is an easily-correctable issue.
Safety
Kia continues to follow the trend of minimising hard buttons in the cabin, with most functions controlled via the infotainment touchscreen or voice command. The EV5 also gets a new four-spoke steering wheel that feels good in the hand and offers easy access to the drive mode selection switch.
The EV5’s safety suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist that warns drivers of pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining a safe distance. Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are also present, while the rear-view camera enables safer reversing on busy roads.
The long-range EV5 is powered by an 88kWh battery pack and a front-wheel 160kW motor. According to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, it can travel up to 530km on a single charge. The rear cargo area is surprisingly roomy too, with 513-litres of space capable of accommodating passengers or luggage. The second-row seats fold flat to reveal a spacious flat surface, allowing for longer trips with more gear. The suite of seven airbags, including front-centre that mitigates head clashes between occupants, is standard across the range.
