Kia EV5 SUV – All you need to know

Kia EV5 SUV – Kia has brought a pre production Kia EV5 SUV to Australia for display. EV5 SUV made its first debut at the 2023 Kia EV Day. It will be sold here is a mix of models and drivetrains. 

Kia EV5 Prototype front 1

  • A full electric medium SUV designed to meet the needs of families, individuals and fleet customers
  • First Kia Australia product to be sourced from China eliminating competition with Europe for supply
  • All Kia EV5 variants have received Kia Australia’s local R&H suspension and steering tune

Kia EV5 Prototype front quarter 1

April 4, 2024 – After making its global debut at the 2023 Kia EV Day. The pre-production EV5 display vehicle has arrived down under. Offering Kia Australia the opportunity to provide a first local look of its soon to be launched, full electric medium SUV.

The Kia EV5 will be sold in Australia in a mixture of variants. Meeting the needs of a diverse range of customers and budgets. Launching locally in June, the range will initially be available in Air and Earth trims only. With the top GT-Line model arriving in the fourth quarter.

Both standard and long-range batteries. Along with Front Wheel Drive (Single Motor) and All Wheel Drive (Dual Motor) drivetrains will be offered. Application by variant will be announced closer to launch.

Kia EV5 Prototype front interior 1

Kia EV5 will be the first right hand drive product supplied by the Kia factory in China

The Kia EV5 will be the first right hand drive product supplied by the Kia factory in China (Yancheng city, Jiangsu province). Other firsts provided by the Chinese sourced EV5 includes a dedicated EV platform called N3 eK. This is a modularised front and rear chassis (different to the EV6 & EV9 E-GMP). It also utilises a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery for high-efficiency.

“Kia Australia is confident the EV5 will suit the needs of many new car buyers. Who now more than ever, are considering the move into a full battery electric vehicle,” said Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Office, Damien Meredith.

Kia EV5 Prototype front interior 2

“Sourcing Australia’s stock from the China factory allows us to launch earlier and secure supply of up to 850 per month which is needed to target mainstream appeal.

“The EV5 continues our commitment to growing Kia’s electric vehicle offering with a package that will appeal to both private and fleet buyers.”

The Kia EV5 will come with advanced active and passive safety features. Targeting a 5 Star ANCAP rating along with the latest technology you would expect to see in a new Kia model.

Kia EV5 Prototype boot 1

Kia R&D Centres

The Kia R&D Centres in both China and Korea have left no stone unturned. Ensuring the EV5 is developed just right for Australia with numerous engineering teams visiting and contributing to:

Kia Australia’s long established local Ride & Handling Program which has resulted in the EV5 offering excellent ride quality. On both urban and rough country roads, confident handling and cornering balance. Especially the AWD as to be expected.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tuning ensures the EV5 is calibrated for Australian roads, traffic conditions, lane markings, speed signs, parking spaces and other configurations.

Kia EV5 Prototype charging point 1

Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) testing and development of all features to ensure quality and reliability of Over the Air updates available across all EV5 variants.

Charging:  Testing and developing for Australia’s public charging infrastructure across Greater Sydney and the ACT to ensure compatibility with EV5.

Full specifications, features and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

 EV5 Prototype rear 1

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Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.