Kia’s new EV4 GT caught testing in the US
A high-performance version of Kia's new electric sedan, the EV4 GT, has been spotted for the first time on American roads. The camouflaged sedan, captured on video, hints at a powerful contender aiming squarely at rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, but with a potentially more attractive price point.
The Kia EV4 is already on sale in its home market of Korea, where it quickly became the best-selling domestic electric sedan in May, its second month after launching. The standard model's success is largely attributed to its sharp, fastback design and accessible pricing, starting around 41.92 million won (approximately $30,000). When it arrives in the United States and Europe, the base EV4 is expected to be priced between $35,000 and $40,000.
The standard EV4 offers a sleek, sporty look, but the newly spotted GT variant should deliver the power to match its aggressive styling. A short video from KindelAuto shows the camouflaged EV4 GT undergoing testing in the US. Despite the heavy covering, key design features are visible. The front of the vehicle has Kia's distinctive vertical LED headlights.
The EV4 is built on Hyundai Motor Group's versatile Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The final specifications for the GT model haven't been released yet, but it will likely feature a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain. The standard front-wheel-drive EV4 comes with battery options of 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh in its home market. The Long Range model with the larger battery delivers a respectable 204 horsepower. The GT version, however, will be in a different league.
Kia's larger EV6 GT produces 576 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. While the EV4 GT will be positioned below its larger stablemate, recent advancements in electric motor and battery technology could see it post some very impressive performance figures. It will need to be quick to compete with the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which has a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds.
The standard Kia EV4 will launch in the US and Europe later this year, with an anticipated EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles for the long-range version. A key feature for the American market will be the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, granting owners direct access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
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