Kia EV4 Will Inherit Some Of Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s Coolest Features

The arrival of the brilliant Hyundai Ioniq 5 N also introduced the world to the N e-Shift system - practically known as fake gear shifts - making EVs more engaging and fun to drive. While the system was eventually introduced to the Genesis GV60 and the refreshed Kia EV6 GT, it has been reserved for the high-performance EVs of the Hyundai Group. However, that's reportedly about to change with the EV4.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Front Angle
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Base MSRP $66,100
Engine Electric
Horsepower 601 hp (641 hp N Grin Boost)
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2024 Kia EV6 GT
Base MSRP $61,600
Engine Electric
Horsepower 576 hp

According to CarScoops, citing unnamed sources privy to the matter, the Kia EV4 will have a simulated manual gearshift. The Korean automaker previewed the EV4's design a few days ago, confirming that the new EV will be available in both sedan and hatchback forms. It will be fully revealed in detail next week, but this recent information should give us an idea about what to expect.

Kia EV4 GT-Line Sedan - front

Fake Gear Shifts And Rev Limiter

The simulated manual gearshifts work through paddle shifters, allowing the driver to manually select "gears" and mimicking the power delivery of combustion engine-powered cars. According to the report, it will be available across the entire EV4 range, meaning you don't need to go for the top-spec version to experience this cool feature - so cool that other automakers are expected to follow suit.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N logo

Here's How All Of The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's Coolest Features Work

The all-electric Ioniq 5 N has some of the coolest features - here's how they work.

However, the high-performance EV4 GT, which Kia has yet to confirm at this point, will have another Ioniq 5 N feature that the other variants won't have. The supposed top-spec GT will reportedly get a fake rev limiter, which mimics the way combustion engines hit the rpm red line, prompting the driver to change gears.

2025 Kia EV6 GT Line Exterior Front Quarter

Likely Not Coming To The EV5

It isn't clear whether the Kia EV4 will get the same exact simulated manual gearshifts and rev limiter, but we expect a similar execution to coincide with its aim to promote EVs that are engaging to drive. The Kia EV5, which should arrive before the EV4, is not likely to get the same tech, though we can assume its future mid-cycle refresh will host its introduction.

Needless to say, the addition of fake gear shifting and rev limiter to the EV4 range is still unofficial and unconfirmed at this point. We'll know more about this in a few days as Kia unveils a detailed look at its newest EV on February 27. The automaker will also introduce other new developments at the 2025 Kia EV Day on February 24 in Tarragona, Spain.