Peter Lyon
March 30, 2024
At its annual EV Day in Korea last year, Kia presented three new electric models—the EV3, EV4, and EV5. Of these three, the EV5 is the only one to launch in the ASEAN region, having been officially introduced by Kia Thailand at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show. Four different specs are on offer—the Light, Air, Earth, and Long Range. Prices range from THB 1.249 million (RM 162k) to THB 1.749 million (RM 227k).
And given the Thai launch, we can expect to see the Kia in Malaysia very soon as well. Kia Malaysia is remaining silent on this topic, but the writing is on the wall. Watch out for it in local showrooms by early next year. We expect the same spec to land in our local showrooms before too long.
As we can see from the above image, the Kia EV5 is a small compact electric SUV designed to meet the demands and preferences of millennial families. It presents a new age of electric mobility and unique SUV design, and it serves as the foundation for the brand’s specialised EV platform, E-GMP.
An electric motor with a maximum power output of 217 ps and torque of 310 Nm powers the entry level models. With this powertrain, the EV5 can jump, or should we say ‘hop enthusiastically’ from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. In contrast, the flagship model has a dual-motor arrangement that is optimised to generate 308 ps and 480 Nm, boasting a healthy acceleration time of 6.1 seconds from 0 to 100 kmph. With either setup, however, the maximum speed is electronically capped at 185 km/h.
A 64.2 kWh lithium-ion battery with a 490 km (WLTP) range—that translates to a conservatively estimated real-world range of 420km— powers the front-wheel-drive motor. With an 88.1 kWh battery, the Long-range and Earth models can travel an amazing 665 km (we think more like 570km) and 620 km, respectively.
In these models, the charging pace varies according on battery size. The 7 kW AC charging available on the 64.2 kWh versions takes about 10 hours. It takes more than eight hours to fully charge the larger battery, which can handle 11 kW AC charging. The smaller battery charges at 102 kW and the larger battery charges at 141 kW for DC fast charging. Both batteries jouce up from 10% to 80% in 36 minutes.
The stylish body design of the EV5 combines sustainability with a dramatic aesthetic, epitomising the expressive for Nature philosophy. Among the most notable characteristics is the recognisable Tiger Face front grille, which gives the elegant overall design a little attitude. In addition to improving visibility, the Star Map DRL headlights and Star-Map LED tail lights give the EV5 a unique, futuristic appearance that makes it stand out on the road.
The interior features include a large 29.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and instrument cluster display, Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-spot View Monitor, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCAA) with Junction Assist.
Kia Thailand provides a 7-year manufacturing warranty, an 8-year battery warranty, free maintenance for 7 years, and roadside assistance for free when you buy an EV5.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Kia really does have some of the best exterior design in the market right now—and the EV5 is no exception. Those sharp, futuristic lines really make this Korean SUV stand out amongst the ever-growing number of SUVs on our roads. And its range and price look mighty competitive too.
