Kia unveils the EV5 concept, a smaller counterpart to the EV9

Kia is following up on the hype that came with the Kia EV9 SUV which they recently showcased at the Auto Expo 2023 with images of the EV5. Unveiled as a concept model, this compact electric crossover features a sleek, contemporary design that is similar to the EV9. It offers a peek at an upcoming production model that will be available for purchase in China later this year.

Although Kia has not yet disclosed the dimensions for the EV5, it does not appear to be smaller than the EV9 based on the images. However, the EV5 does have a shorter wheelbase and features two rows of seats, as opposed to the EV9's three-row configuration. Additionally, the naming convention implies that the EV5 will be positioned below the mid-size EV6, which has a more streamlined profile and lower ground clearance. What that means for the price, however, we don’t know.

While Kia has not revealed the specifications for the vehicle, it is likely that the EV5 will ride on the E-GMP platform that Kia's other recent EV models are built on. As a result, we can expect it to offer the same rapid charging capabilities that the EV6 has due to its 800-volt electrical system. On top of that, there may be various battery pack choices, as well as both single- and dual-motor setups available.

The Kia EV5 features an extravagant interior design that is the trend with modern electric vehicles like wide-opening rear-hinged rear doors, an ultra-modern dashboard design, and front and rear seats that look like they came from the future. There is a possibility though that Kia will modify some of these features once the EV5 starts rolling off the production line. The cargo area is equipped with a practical platform that doubles as a table, and the seats have multiple swiveling options. The swiveling rear seats are included in the EV9 production model so we might see a comparable feature in the final iteration of the EV5.

More details of the EV5 will be available in the future as Kia works its way to a production model of the EV5 for the Chinese market. What do you think? Are you hyped for the next generation of SUVs from Kia?