Kia surprise-unveiled a new Concept EV5 at the brand’s Chinese EV Day late March, showing off a little brother to the EV9 electric SUV it just showed this past week. The prototype wears the bigger sport-utility’s styling language, and seems poised to help it usher in a new design era for the automaker, which will release a production version of the EV5 in China later this year.
“It is my great privilege to proudly announce that Kia is entering the EV market in China,” Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia Corporation, said in a statement. “The Kia Concept EV5 marks yet another definitive step on our mission to become a leader in sustainable mobility solutions to provide a better future for all.”
2023 Kia Concept EV5 Photo by Kia
2023 Kia Concept EV5 Photo by Kia
2023 Kia Concept EV5 Photo by Kia
2023 Kia Concept EV5 Photo by Kia
2023 Kia Concept EV5 Photo by Kia
2023 Kia Concept EV5 Photo by Kia
The all-electric Kia EV5 SUV previews a new design era for the automaker, which will release the model in China later this year Photo by Kia
The car features a flat floor space with swivel seats that occupants can used either while parked; or, for rear occupants, while on the road, so they can enjoy scenic views on trips and other excursions. With the seats comes a foldable table and other accessories you can purchase with the car, according to a statement, but we wouldn’t bet on all or most of these making it to production.
Based on Kia’s sustainable development strategy, the design will include plant-based materials like non-animal leather — a first for the brand. The EV5 is inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, and while the automaker says it will eventually reveal “future plans for the other global markets” besides China, there is already speculation the EV5 could portend an electrified Sportage replacement.
Keyword: Kia's Concept EV5 could hint at an upcoming electric Sportage