Kia is testing coupe variant of the small EV2 electric SUV

In a surprising twist, Kia is doubling down on its upcoming entry-level EV2. Before the standard model has even hit the streets, a new, more stylish coupe version has been spotted, suggesting the Korean automaker has ambitious plans for the affordable EV segment in Europe.

Images of a car carrier in Korea revealed the Kia EV2 Coupe, a sleeker version of the brand's smallest electric SUV. While sharing the same front and rear design cues as its more upright sibling, the Coupe silhouette changes dramatically at the C-pillar. The roofline slopes down in a sportier fashion, creating a profile that some people have likened to the Genesis GV60, the premium electric crossover from Hyundai's luxury division.

The standard EV2, first shown as a concept at Kia's EV Day, is already a departure from the norm. Expected to be slightly smaller than the EV3, the EV2 uses a design that plays tricks on the eye. With a higher-than-expected ride height and wide, pronounced wheel arches, it projects a more substantial presence than its compact dimensions would suggest. This design language, which Kia calls "Opposites United," aims to blend natural forms with modern, technical details.

This philosophy extends to the Coupe variant, which introduces a few unique design flourishes. The spy shots reveal pixelated turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, a modern touch that leans into its electric identity. Interestingly, the prototype coupe sported horizontal taillights, a break from the vertical design seen on most new Kia EVs, including the standard EV2 concept. It's not certain if this distinction makes it to the final production model, but it points to a deliberate effort to differentiate the two EV2 styles.

Inside, both EV2 models are set to feature Kia's new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). This system is built around a panoramic curved display that combines two 12.3-inch screens - one for the driver's instruments and one for the central touchscreen - into a single, high-tech unit. Despite its classification as an entry-level vehicle, the interior promises a feeling of spaciousness, a feat Kia claims to achieve through clever interior design on its dedicated electric vehicle platform.

Kia is targeting a very aggressive price point for the EV2, aiming to make electric cars accessible to a wider audience. CEO Ho-Sung Song has stated the company wants to launch the EV2 in the United Kingdom for around $33,000, placing it squarely in competition with other compact European EVs. It will sit below the recently launched EV3, which starts at $43,525 in the UK. The EV2 is scheduled to launch in Europe and other global markets in 2026.

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