Kia has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated EV5 compact electric SUV, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come when the vehicle officially launches in October. Unveiled at the prestigious Chengdu Motor Show in China, the EV5 showcases an intriguing blend of innovative design elements and hints at a future where electric vehicles take center stage.
The exterior of the Kia EV5, although not a direct copy of its sibling, the EV9, exhibits a similar design philosophy. The front fascia is characterized by angular LED strips, inspired by star constellations, in lieu of a conventional grille. The hood boasts striking sculpting, enhancing its road presence. Moving to the side profile, the D-pillar kicks upward, mirroring the styling found on the EV9, lending these compact SUVs a cohesive side view. The wheels, too, bear a resemblance to those on the larger EV9. At the rear, Kia emphasizes the importance of the spoiler as an aerodynamic element for improved efficiency. Notably, the tailgate features an angled design, departing from the squared-off norm.
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Stepping into the EV5, you are welcomed into what Kia describes as a “home lounge” rather than a traditional car interior. The most striking feature is the unconventional center console area, which appears to accommodate a sixth seat. However, upon closer inspection, it’s evident that this is a design choice rather than a functional seat, as there is no backrest or seatbelt. This unique design element sets the EV5 apart in the family crossover segment.
The dashboard takes a futuristic approach, with two large screens dominating the cabin – one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. Complementing these screens are touch haptic buttons on the center stack and physical climate control switches beneath. Essential elements like ports, cupholders, and miscellaneous buttons are neatly arranged further down, sharing a plane with the distinctive center console area.
While Kia has been tight-lipped about specific details, it has hinted at some exciting features. The cabin will offer variable mood lighting with an impressive palette of 64 ambient colors. This lighting system is designed to sync with your chosen drive mode and can even change colors to alert you, for example, when you’ve exceeded the speed limit. Although seat color options for the U.S. market remain undisclosed, Kia has promised a global selection of four colors and five seat patterns to cater to diverse preferences.
As for the critical aspects like powertrain specifications and range, we’ll have to wait until Kia’s EV Day in October for the full scoop. Initially, the vehicle is set to launch in China in late 2023, with plans to introduce it to other markets at a later date. The Kia EV5’s debut is an exciting moment in the electric vehicle landscape, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of sustainable and innovative automotive design.
