Rather than wait for the Chengdu Motor Show in China, Kia has revealed the final production version of its compact electric SUV known as the EV5. China will be the primary target market, but an international release is in the plans.
In terms of appearance, the EV5 somewhat resembles the large EV9 and looks almost indistinguishable from its own concept version shown this spring. The interior, on the other hand, looks much simpler and production-friendlier than before.
Kia says the idea was to stylize the passenger space to look and feel like the living room. To this end, the design department carefully selected suitable trimming materials and implemented immersive ambient lighting. The armrest between the front seats was removed and a mini-seat squeezed in in the freed space.
According to unconfirmed sources, the electric SUV will go on sale in China with only one powertrain rated at 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. A more powerful AWD version could join the lineup later.