Kia has revealed the production version of its upcoming compact electric SUV, the 2024 Kia EV5, at the Chengdu Motor Show in China. The SUV boasts a clean, geometrical and futuristic design on the outside. It has a minimalistic and comfortable cabin with five seats, a large horizontal screen and a four-spoked steering wheel with button controls. Kia says that the compact EV will meet the needs of millennial families.

Earlier this year, Kia officially revealed the EV5 compact SUV concept and the larger Kia EV9 SUV. The electric SUVs are built on a similar design philosophy with clean and boxy looks. Kia has officially revealed the technical specs of the EV9 but the brand has yet to reveal any technical details on the EV5.

Exterior details of the new Kia EV5 electric SUV

The Kia EV5 production model is based on the South Korean automaker's "Opposites United" design concept, which embraces the creative tension created when opposing visual elements of nature and modernity are combined. The stance and silhouette of EV5 have been significantly influenced by the "Bold for Nature" part of the design concept.

The new EV5 has a unique bold stance and geometrical design, it features strong bodylines all around. At the front, the EV5 gets a modern interpretation of the Digital Tiger Face design, which is complemented by three-dimensional signature Star Map lighting formed by the DRLs, that exhibits a constellation-inspired light pattern.

While, the sleek and modern head and taillights of the car, which run on the edges of the body enhance the vehicle's appeal and justify the future electric car tag.

The EV5 has strong fenders and broad shoulder lines that complement its muscular look. The pushed-back D-pillars enhance the EV5's in-cabin space making it more practical and family-friendly.

The rear-end design features an extended spoiler that enhances the sporty look as well as the aerodynamics of the SUV. The distinctive tailgate design and taillamps provide a clean yet attractive rear design, while the lower skid plate gives a rugged look. Kia didn't reveal the wheel size of the production form but the EV5 concept car featured 21-inch alloy wheels.

The electric Kia EV5 will be available in nine glossy and one matte colour options. The glossy colours include Snow White Pearl, Clear White, Starry Night Black, Magma Red, Ivory Silver, Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Tide Blue and Shale Grey, while the matte colour is Ivory Silver.

Interior details of the all-electric Kia EV5 compact SUV

The cabin of the EV5 electric vehicle has been designed practically keeping the millennial families in mind and additional inspiration from the recently launched larger EV9 SUV. The cabin is a little different from what we saw in the EV5 concept but has the same philosophy of offering a home lounge instead of a traditional car cabin.

The production version of the EV5 features a carefully thought-out interior design that provides a sense of calmness, creativity, and family fun. It has spacious and comfortable seats and large boot space, which can be further increased if you fold the rear seats.

On the front part of the crash pad and door trims, variable mood lighting allows for customization from 0 to 10 brightness levels with ten pre-set colours or 64 colour options. This lighting adjusts to different driving modes, dims in poor light, and discreetly warns drivers when they are exceeding the posted speed limit.

The EV5 offers a large horizontal panoramic infotainment display with a wide range of content for occupants to enjoy. It gets cutting-edge technology like the next-generation connected car Navigation and cockpit (ccNC) and heater controls for occupants to select their preferred settings.

Customers can choose from the available four main colours for the interior of the EV SUV, and five different seat patterns, including two woven alternatives and one faux leather option for the base model.

Kia used a variety of sustainable materials for the interior, such as plant-based materials like seaweed extract and upcycled PET bottles on the seats, doors, dashboard, and headliner. This eco-friendly approach sets a new standard for sustainability, as animal leather is not used.

Launch of the Kia EV5 electric SUV

The 2024 Kia EV5 compact electric SUV will be launched in the second half of 2023. Expect the EV5 to go on sale in China first and then in the other markets. Kia will reveal more details of the EV5 at the Kia EV Day event, which is to be held later this year in October. The event will be dedicated to the South Korean brand's EV line-up and future plans.

A word from Kia Officials

Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center said, "The Kia EV5 was created to redefine the electric compact SUV genre with a form shaped by Kia’s unique design philosophy ‘Opposites United. At every stage, Kia’s designers have worked closely with their engineering colleagues to create a holistic solution for sustainable mobility. As a result, the EV5 sets a new standard for design, performance and practicality while providing new levels of driver enjoyment and user experience.”