by Kia EV5 for the European Market: What is Known
Kia has revealed details about the European version of the EV5 electric SUV, which will go on sale by the end of this year. Unlike the Australian market, where both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions are available, European buyers will initially only be able to order a single-motor model with 215 hp. All-wheel drive modifications, including a more powerful GT version, will only appear in 2026.
The base EV5 trim is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 530 km. However, the GT-Line loses about 25 km of range due to larger wheels and additional equipment. Charging time from 10% to 80% is about 30 minutes, as the model did not receive the 800-volt architecture found in the EV6 or EV9.
Technology and Competitors
The EV5’s interior is equipped with two 12.3-inch screens and a voice assistant based on ChatGPT. The car offers a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, which allows powering electronics during trips or camping. In terms of dimensions, the EV5 is 70 mm larger than the Kia Sportage, but its main competitor remains the Tesla Model Y, which wins in dynamics (5.9 seconds to 100 km/h vs. 8.4 for the Kia).
Interestingly, despite its lower power, the EV5 could become popular due to its convenience and practicality. The final choice between it and the Tesla will likely depend on the priorities of buyers: performance or comfort and functionality.
