Kia Unveils Australian Details for 2024 EV5: Midsize Electric SUV

By Jeff Gibbs

Kia is set to launch its highly anticipated EV5 medium-sized electric SUV in Australia this June, offering striking design and surprising affordability. The introduction of the EV5 may pose a signifcant sales challenge to Tesla’s popular Model Y, given its competitive pricing and impressive features.

According to Damien Meredith, Kia Australia boss, the EV5 will be the brand’s most affordable EV yet, with prices expected to start “in the 50s.” This price positioning places the base EV5 model in a favourable position compared to its entry-level rivals, including the Tesla Model Y, Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra AWD, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The EV5 will be available in three variants - Air, Earth, and GT-Line - offered in both standard and long-range forms. The entry-level EV5 Air will feature a single electric motor, front-wheel drive, and a 64.2kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, sourced from China’s BYD for enhanced fast-charge capability and long-term battery durability.

Equipped with a 160kW/310Nm electric motor, the EV5 Air is expected to deliver a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a claimed NEDC range of 490km. The long-range variant will feature the same electric motor but with a larger 88.1kWh

LFP battery, offering 36% more range and a slightly slower acceleration time of 8.9 seconds. For those seeking additional power and performance, the dualmotor EV5 AWD variant, available in GT-Line form, will feature combined outputs of 230kW and

480Nm. With a brisk 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds and a range of 620km, the AWD variant offers a compelling blend of performance and effciency.

With its comfortable and pragmatic design, the EV5 aims to provide a more comfort-oriented alternative to Kia’s sportier EV6 lift back.

Positioned as a true SUV, the EV5 offers spacious interiors and a versatile driving experience, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

Designed to set its own identity within Kia’s electric vehicle line-up, the EV5 showcases a distinctive SUV-frst look, setting the stage for future electric models from the brand. With its competitive pricing, impressive features, and striking design, the Kia EV5 is poised to make a signifcant impact in the Australian electric vehicle market.

The 2024 Kia EV5 electric SUV is estimated to be priced from less than $70,000 drive-away – cheaper than a Tesla Model Y, Australia’s topselling electric car – when showroom arrivals begin in June.