- What’s New in the European Version of the Kia EV5?
- Performance and Driving Range
- Exterior and Interior Design
- Technology and Features
- Competition in the European Market
- Future Expectations
Kia, the South Korean automaker, has announced details of the European version of its new electric vehicle, the EV5, which is set to launch in European markets in the last quarter of 2025. Although the car has already been tested in Australia, the European-spec model will feature specific technical differences and specifications, most notably the absence of the powerful all-wheel-drive option at launch, which may influence some buyers’ decisions.
What’s New in the European Version of the Kia EV5?
The European Kia EV5 comes with a single front electric motor producing 215 horsepower (218 PS / 160 kW), powering the front wheels only. This is the only option available during the initial months of the EV5’s European market release. This means buyers in the European Union and the United Kingdom will not be able to order the all-wheel-drive versions equipped with two electric motors producing 308 horsepower (312 PS / 230 kW) or the high-performance GT variant until 2026.
Performance and Driving Range
The front-wheel-drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.4 seconds, which is average compared to competitors in the electric SUV segment. However, it is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery using nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry instead of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries used in some other markets. This battery provides a driving range of up to 530 kilometers (329 miles) according to European testing standards.
Exterior and Interior Design
The European EV5 retains the familiar boxy design characterized by a vertical front end, LED lights with a “star map” design, and a boat-tail shaped rear. The base model comes with 18-inch wheels, while the GT-Line and GT-Line S trims offer 19- or 20-inch wheels with bolder design details.
Inside, the European version replaces the connected front bench seat found in some other markets with a large center console similar to the one in the larger EV9 model. It includes wireless phone charging, a fingerprint sensor, cup holders, and multiple storage compartments totaling 16.5 liters. The car offers a rear cargo space of 566 liters plus a 44-liter front trunk (frunk), with fold-flat rear seats providing a flat loading floor over two meters long.
Technology and Features
The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, along with a separate control screen for rear passengers to adjust the tri-zone climate control system. The vehicle also utilizes an intelligent assistant powered by ChatGPT technology to facilitate control of the car’s systems.
Charging capability includes fast charging up to 120 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Although this is slower than some other Kia electric vehicles that use 800-volt charging technology, the EV5 supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, enabling users to power electric devices such as e-bikes or laptops while camping or working outdoors.
Competition in the European Market
The Kia EV5 targets competition from vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Electric Explorer, Skoda Enyaq, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, offering a practical electric option in the compact electric SUV segment. While the front-wheel-drive version may seem less powerful than some rivals, its expected price and advanced features could attract a large segment of buyers seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
Future Expectations
Kia is expected to launch the powerful all-wheel-drive and high-performance GT versions of the EV5 in Europe by 2026, which will enhance the car’s appeal and broaden its customer base. Kia’s plans to develop more electric vehicles on the shared E-GMP platform, used by other models in the brand, ensure ongoing updates and technological improvements.
The Kia EV5 arrives in the European market as a new electric option in the compact SUV category, initially offering a single front motor and a large battery that delivers a good driving range. Despite the absence of the powerful all-wheel-drive option at launch, the vehicle offers a modern design, advanced technologies, and spacious interiors suitable for families and young buyers alike. With the introduction of higher-performance variants in the future, the EV5 is expected to become a strong competitor in Europe’s electric vehicle market.
