The all-new Kia EV5 is poised to make a significant impact in the C-SUV segment, Europe’s largest and fastest-growing automotive market. Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP platform with 400V technology, the EV5 combines striking SUV design, practical usability, and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Kia says the EV5 is designed to meet the needs and expectations of European drivers.
New Kia EV5: the new step in the electrification plan
As part of Kia’s global Plan S electrification strategy, the EV5 plays a key role in strengthening the brand’s leadership in sustainable mobility across Europe.
In line with Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV5 offers a style that merges ruggedness and elegance, inspired by European tastes. Key design highlights include a bold, angular silhouette, a distinctive D-pillar, and Kia’s signature ‘Star Map’ light pattern at the front and rear.
The EV5 will be available with three wheel options:
- 18” or 19” on the standard model;
- 19” on the EV5 GT-Line;
- 20” on the upcoming sporty EV5 GT
The cabin has been thoughtfully crafted to match European lifestyles, making it ideal for both city driving and outdoor adventures. The rear seats can fold completely flat, creating a storage space up to two meters long, while a drawer-style center console offers versatile storage solutions.
The interior delivers a lounge-like atmosphere, with comfort-focused seats featuring massage function, 4-way lumbar support, heating, and ventilation. Sustainability is central to the materials used, like the recycled PET for seats and floor mats, Bio-foam in seats, center console, and headrests and BTX-free paint on doors, dashboard, and console
Built for European roads
Equipped with a substantial 81.4 kWh battery and an estimated WLTP range of up to 530 km, the EV5 offers the flexibility and driving range European motorists demand.Unfortunately, the e-GMP version on which the car is build doesn’t support 800-Volt architecture, and that means fast charging from 10 to 80% takes approximately 30 minutes on both the standard and GT-Line versions.
The EV5 features Kia’s i-Pedal system for comfortable one-pedal driving and Smart Regeneration Plus, which automatically adjusts braking and speed based on navigation data, intersections, and speed limits.
A next-generation battery heating and cooling system optimizes range in cold weather—from Nordic winters to Mediterranean summers—while enhancing cabin heating efficiency.
The EV5 also supports bi-directional charging, including Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) with up to 3.6 kW, allowing users to power external devices via onboard outlets or an external adapter. The vehicle is also future-proofed for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability, pending regulatory approval in European markets.
The Kia EV5 is packed with the brand’s latest ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit), featuring a Panoramic Wide Display consisting of 12.3” digital instrument cluster, 12.3” infotainment display and the 5.3” climate control screen seen on EV3, EV4 and EV9. The system supports Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and the Kia Upgrades platform, allowing the vehicle to receive new features and services throughout its lifecycle. Enhanced Online Navigation ensures real-time map updates.
A tri-zone climate control option ensures comfort for all passengers, while the streamlined physical controls feature only the essential buttons for a cleaner look. Additional tech highlights include Digital Key 2.0, fingerprint recognition, and Harman Kardon Premium Audio, aligning with European consumers’ expectations for intuitive and premium technology.
The new Kia EV5 has been engineered to meet Europe’s stringent safety standards, featuring seven airbags, a reinforced structure, and Kia’s latest ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Notably, it introduces the newest version of Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) with improved audio alerts based on customer feedback. The Smart Cruise Control 2 (SCC2) can bring the car to a complete stop in emergencies if the driver does not respond.
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-F/S/R) now covers the front, sides, and rear, using cameras and sensors to prevent collisions while parking. On highways, Highway Driving Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection (HDA 2 with HOD) helps maintain lane position, manage lane changes, and navigate safely in traffic. Additionally, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.0 (RSPA 2.0) allows the vehicle to park itself even when controlled from outside the car.
