The new and upcoming Kia EV5 has been "previewed" ahead of its official world debut in China next week. But is it coming to New Zealand?
2024 Kia EV5: design and specs
The photos and specs come from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which has had a history of releasing information like this for many other models from different manufacturers.
In terms of design, the EV5 stays mostly true to its concept form. The all-electric compact SUV retains its boxy, angular design that evokes its larger, family-sized sibling, EV9.
Measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, EV5 has proportions similar to the ICE-powered Kia Sportage.
The updates over the concept version include conventional side mirrors, flush door handles, slightly tweaked LED headlights, and a revised charging port. The wheel size also gets smaller, down to 18 or 19 inches from 21 inches from the design study.
Built on the E-GMP platform also underpinning the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the Kia EV5 rides on McPherson front struts and a multi-link rear suspension.
It will reportedly get power from a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor courtesy of Vitesco Automotive Electronics. This unit delivers 160 kW and 310 Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels. The EV5 will have an electronically limited top speed of 185 km/h. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant may also be on the horizon.
Kia has tapped BYD for its Blade lithium iron phospate battery technology, giving the EV5 a cutting-edge battery pack, although exact range estimates are yet unavailable.
The 2024 Kia EV5 will make its global debut on 25 August at this year's Chengdu Motor Show in China. Kia will also produce the electric SUV in China through the Dongfeng Yueda Kia joint venture.
Kia EV5 New Zealand release
While the Kia EV5 is launching first in China, it will likely be a global model set for export in other markets.
Kia New Zealand has kept mum on a possible local release, having no official comment as yet when we approached them. Still, we believe the EV5 could launch in New Zealand down the line, seeing as the EV6 is already available and the EV9 is launching here later this year.