Kia announces its new compact SUV, the Kia EV5

During its Kia EV day in Seoul, South Korea, the automaker announced a couple of concepts and actual production models along with future plans for boosting EV adoption worldwide. Among the new models is the Kia EV5 - a compact SUV tailored toward millennial families.

The EV5 is based on the company's E-GMP platform and adopts the same design language as its bigger sibling, the EV9. Kia kept the same "Opposites United" philosophy in making the EV5.

For now, Kia is planning three trims for China and four for South Korea, although the latter may get more options by the time the EV5 is released. The three configurations destined for the Chinese market are standard, long-range and long-range AWD. The base variant will be equipped with a 64 kWh battery and 160 kW motor and going by the CLTC standards, the vehicle can go up to 329 miles on a single charge.

The long-range config promises 447 miles autonomy using an 88 kWh battery and the same 160 kW motor. And the long-range AWD variant packs the same 88 kWh battery, while bringing a dual-motor setup with 230 kW combined output (160 kW on the front and 70 kW at the back). The targeted driving range for this one is 404 miles. Interestingly, Kia mentions fast charging capabilities only for the AWD variant with 30-80% top up achieved in 27 minutes.

The Korean trims have the same names, but the powertrains are actually different. The standard option runs on a smaller 58 kWh battery, but with the same 160 kW motor, whereas the long-range EV5 gets an 81 kWh battery pack. The long-range AWD gets the same 81 kWh battery, but with 225 kW maximum output. Unfortunately, ranges for the Korean trims are yet unknown.

In addition to the said trims, Korean customers can get a GT-Line as well, just like the EV9 GT-Line, with a boost in performance and other exclusive features.

When it comes to the interior, the EV5 draws inspiration from the EV9 and even includes the same ambient light options and connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) that consists of a Panoramic Wide Display (12.3-inch cluster + 12.3-inch infotainment screen) along with a 5-inch HVAC panel.

Kia is particularly proud of bringing down hardware controls to a minimum, so basic stuff such as the AC is controlled via touch buttons on the screen. However, it's hard to imagine that most users will like that, as physical buttons and knobs are still the most convenient approach for users.

As far as safety and convenience features go, the EV5 can be configured with the company's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that goes with newly designed seatbelts for extra safety and an array of seven airbags. The Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) is also on board.

The EV5 can also be ordered with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) system that allows the vehicle to park itself with just a push of a button using Kia's Digital Key 2. The car can also exit from the tight parking space on its own.

Kia is offering the EV5 with a selection of seat options, including eco-friendly recycled PET fabric and Bio-PU leather. The front row can be configured with a bench-type seat, but that's only available for the Chinese market. The rear of the seats are foldable and can transform two-thirds of the vehicle into a bedroom. Perfect for camping.

The EV5 will be produced in South Korea and China, but the company didn't disclose any release date or when production will kick off.

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