Kia has officially launched the EV5 in the UK, adding a mid-size crossover to its expanding range of electric cars. Prices start at €46,077, with first deliveries promised just before Christmas.
To simplify the buying process, Kia offers the EV5 with a single battery and motor setup. This approach aims to prevent “analysis paralysis” as buyers face more choices in the growing EV market. As a result, the EV5 will compete directly with the Ford Explorer and Skoda Elroq, appealing to drivers looking to move from petrol to electric power while retaining practicality.
Performance and Range
All UK models use an 81.4 kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted single motor producing 214 horsepower and 296 Nm of torque. This setup allows the SUV to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. Kia claims a range of 529 km per charge, while 150 kW DC fast-charging support ensures shorter stops on long journeys.
Future Variants
For now, only the single-motor front-wheel-drive version is available in the UK. However, Kia has hinted that a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version with 306 hp could arrive later. In addition, the company intends to offer a high-performance “GT” version of each dedicated EV in the future.
Trim Levels and Features
The UK Kia EV5 comes in three trims:
- Air (€46,077): 18-inch alloys, black cloth seats, chrome accents.
- GT-Line (€49,947): 19-inch wheels, sporty body kit, artificial leather, heated rear seats, V2L capability.
- GT-Line S (€55,224): Sunroof, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, head-up display, fingerprint recognition.
Interior and Build
Inside, the EV5 features dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment. Unlike the Chinese model, the UK version uses two individual front seats separated by a wide center console, adding storage and convenience.
Kia will build European EV5 models in South Korea, allowing the company to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese imports and keep pricing competitive across the UK and Europe.
The Kia EV5 UK launch marks another bold step for the automaker as it strengthens its position in the fast-growing electric SUV segment.
