The eagerly awaited production version of the Kia EV5 design was unveiled today at the prestigious Chengdu Motor Show in China. This marks a significant milestone for Kia, following the concept vehicle’s debut in March at the Kia Chinese EV Day and its subsequent appearance at Auto Shanghai a month later.
The Kia EV5 is set to revolutionize the compact SUV segment, catering to the evolving needs of millennial families. Embodying the essence of Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the EV5 boasts striking and robust lines, reflecting a modern interpretation of the iconic Kia tiger mask. This design philosophy encapsulates passion, precision, and a commitment to innovation.
Inspired by the “Bold for Nature” principle—one of the five pillars of the “Opposites United” design philosophy—the EV5 features a robust and commanding body complemented by a soft and emotionally resonant surface. This harmonious blend is aimed at stimulating creativity and addressing the requirements of eco-conscious families and individuals seeking innovation.
The EV5’s distinctive design elements, including its broad nose and solid bonnet, combine to create a sleek digital “Tiger Face.” This innovative front design replaces the traditional grille, delivering a clean and commanding presence. Enhancing the front exterior further, the EV5 incorporates three-dimensional “Signature Star Map Lighting” through its daytime running lights (DRL). Inspired by celestial constellations, this dynamic lighting feature introduces captivating shapes along the lamp line, emphasizing the EV5’s unique Tiger Face design.
At the rear, an extended and lowered spoiler not only enhances the SUV’s distinctive appearance but also improves its aerodynamic efficiency. This design element symbolizes the EV5’s role as a pioneering electric vehicle, committed to ushering in a new era of safe and sustainable family transportation. Additionally, the robust lower skid plate underscores the EV5’s rugged and protective attributes. The tailgate’s clean parting line adds a final touch of crispness to the overall design.
The exterior color palette for the Kia EV5 offers a choice of nine glossy colors and one matte finish. Among the glossy options are Snow White Pearl, Clear White, Starry Night Black, Magma Red, Ivory Silver, Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Tide Blue, and Shale Grey, while the matte color option is Ivory Silver.
Inside the Kia EV5, you’ll find an expansive interior space that more closely resembles a contemporary home lounge than a traditional car cabin. The “Bold for Nature” design principle takes center stage, guiding the interior’s creation to blend innovative spatial concepts and unique shapes. The cabin’s design details have been meticulously curated, resulting in a finished product that exudes an atmosphere of relaxation, personal inspiration, and wholesome family enjoyment.
This ambiance is especially pronounced in low-light conditions, thanks to adjustable mood lighting throughout the front section of the cabin, extending to the crash pad and the front and rear door trims. The mood lighting offers a brightness range from 0 to 10, allowing customers to tailor the illumination to their preferences. They can also select from a palette of ten shades meticulously curated by Kia’s lighting experts, offering a total of 64 color options. When activated, the mood lighting seamlessly synchronizes with the vehicle’s drive modes, dims in low-light scenarios, and discreetly signals if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, thereby enhancing driver engagement and awareness.
Thanks to the expertise of Kia’s interior design team, EV5 customers have the opportunity to customize their SUV’s interior with the same level of refinement and personal taste they might apply to their homes. A selection of four key colors and five seat pattern options is available, including two woven choices and one artificial leather option for the base model.
Kia is planning to introduce the EV5 in the latter half of 2023, with its initial launch in China. Further product details will be unveiled at the Kia EV Day, a dedicated event focused on the brand’s EV lineup and vision, scheduled for October. During this event, Kia will expound upon its global electrification strategy.