Concept EV5 previews Kia’s new all-electric SUV to debut this year 

Kia is determined to expand its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio even further as it introduced the Concept EV5.

The Kia Concept EV5

The Concept EV5 was revealed by Kia during Chinese EV day. The said concept is said to be the basis of Kia’s new all-electric SUV, which will debut initially in China later this year. 

Just like the Kia EV9 that was revealed earlier this month, the Concept EV5 follows the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy.  

Thanks to the said design direction, the concept’s exterior look features smooth lines combined with hard, sharp angles. According to Kia, most of the design details were also inspired by nature, and by man-made architecture. 

Starting with its front end, it features the “Digital Tiger Grille.” Just like the one on the EV9, this section is a sleeker, more modern, minimalist take on the brand’s signature “Tiger Grille.” This grille likewise comes with the Star Map signature lighting, which comprises multiple LEDs that are hidden underneath the surface of the said grille.  

The Concept EV5 from the side

The side portion of the Concept EV5 then exhibits smooth, straight character lines found on the front quarter and rear quarter sections. A deep kink accentuates the lower bits of its doors giving the concept more character. 

Further enhancing the look of the Concept EV5 are black plastic claddings on its wheel arches and side skirts. The ones on the rear wheel arch, are then seamlessly linked to the rear of the vehicle, where it wraps around to form an angular rear diffuser.  

There are other exciting shapes found on the rear. Namely, these are the thin “J-shaped” taillights, and the tailgate which forms a triangular shape together with the license plate holder. 

Step inside the vehicle and you’ll find a space that looks minimalist but is actually full of features. Chief among these is a full-length panoramic sunroof which also functions as solar panels, a panoramic touchscreen formed by the digital driver’s display and central touchscreen, as well as an advanced interior ambient lighting system.  

It gets plenty of interesting design cues on its rear 

The seats of the Concept EV5 also come with the swivel function that was first highlighted on the Kia EV9. This makes the Concept EV5 great for entertaining guests and family members. These seats are wrapped in a plant-based material made out of seaweed extract and upcycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. 

Other surfaces on the Concept EV5’s interior which use recycled materials include the door panels, the dashboard, and its headliners.  

Kia says that the use of recycled materials is in line with its strategy for sustainability. For that matter, no animal-based products like leather will be used in the production version of the Kia Concept EV5.  

Not much is known about the Kia Concept EV5’s powertrain. It is likely possible, however, that it will be based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This is the same platform that underpins the 2023 Kia EV6 GT-Line, which recently debuted in the Philippine market.  

Inside the Concept EV5

With regards to the release of the production version of the Kia Concept EV5, the car brand stated that it will be released first for the Chinese market later this year. As of yet, no exact dates were provided.  

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