The European-spec Kia EV5 will initially get a 215bhp, 295Nm single-motor FWD setup, enabling 0 to 100km/h acceleration in 8.4 seconds.
By Reetika Bhatt

Kia has revealed the EV5 electric SUV for the European market, adding a new model to its growing electric vehicle lineup. The EV5 sits below the EV6 in Kia’s range and features a practical, upright design with a focus on space and functionality. It offers a maximum claimed driving range of up to 530km (WLTP) and supports bi-directional charging, which means it can supply power to external devices or the grid. The EV5 is based on Kia’s E-GMP architecture and is designed for buyers seeking a family-friendly electric SUV with practical features and a competitive range. While details on pricing and availability are yet to be shared, the EV5 is expected to strengthen Kia’s EV presence in Europe soon.

In terms of design, the Kia car scales up the appearance of the EV3 while echoing the upright, squared-off stance of the larger EV9. It features a boxy silhouette with sharp body lines. The front fascia houses low-set LED headlights accompanied by angular daytime running lights, whereas top-tier variants get adaptive beam lighting. Some versions come with a connecting LED strip, and all models feature a rising black trim element that stretches from the wheel arches across the front bumper.
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From the side, the EV5 includes rugged cladding on the wheel arches, discreet door handles, and angular mirrors. The C-pillar treatment mimics the smaller EV3. Its charging socket is positioned on the front right fender. At the rear, a roof-mounted wiper, squared C-shaped LED tail lamps that nearly touch at the centre, and a tailgate spoiler round off the design.
Initially, the European model will come in a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup producing 215bhp and 295Nm of torque, which is enough for a 0 to 100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds. The dual-motor, 302bhp all-wheel-drive variant sold in China will not be offered at launch. However, Kia may introduce a sportier GT version later, featuring greater power and simulated gearshifts for added driving engagement.
Charging is handled via 120kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10 to 80 percent top-up in roughly 30 minutes. The EV5 also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functions, allowing the car to supply power externally or feed it back to the grid.
Inside, the cabin is equipped with a trio of displays, including a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a digital instrument panel of the same size, and a separate 5-inch climate control screen. The system allows for over-the-air updates and supports paid software features via the Kia Connect Store. Key cabin highlights include a Harman Kardon audio setup, fingerprint-based driver verification, Kia’s AI voice assistant, and Digital Key 2.0.

The EV5 also comes with a strong focus on safety and driver assistance. It includes seven airbags and a reinforced safety structure, along with a full suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. These include Highway Driving Assist 2 with hands-on detection, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, and the latest version of Remote Smart Parking Assist.
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Kia has confirmed that the updated EV5, intended for the European market, will be assembled in South Korea. While pricing has yet to be announced, the EV5 will be positioned between the smaller EV3 and the more premium EV6 in the brand's portfolio. The model is expected to launch under £40,000 (around Rs 46.63 lakh) in the UK.