By Edward A. Sanchez — March 21, 2023
Much ado was made about the Kia EV9 concept’s second-row swivel seats. The smaller, two-row EV5, which will initially be targeted to the China market, also employs swivel seats, but not quite in the same configuration as its three-row big brother. The EV5 concept also features a rear-hinged (colloquially referred to as “suicide”) rear door, and B-pillarless side opening, making for wide-open ingress and egress when both the front and rear passenger-side doors are opened.
We’re somewhat skeptical that this configuration will make it to production, but never say never.
Photos of the concept also show a rear-facing seat complete with a table, presumably for leisurely lounging around wherever. Kia describes the EV5 concept as having a “borderless life” theme. If you haven’t had your quota of flowery adjectives for the day, it also shares its “Opposites United” theme with the EV9, and a “Groundbreaking” interior, reflecting the “Bold for Nature” pillar of the design philosophy. Whew…
Tech specs on the concept are scarce, other than a lot of renewable and eco-friendly materials being used in the interior, including plant-based materials such as seaweed extract and upcycled PET bottles on the seats, doors, dashboard, and headliner.
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Most likely, the production version will ride on a version of the E-GMP platform, meaning rear- or all-wheel drive, and from between 226 and 320 horsepower, and 258 and 446 lb-ft of torque. A 77.4 kWh battery pack will likely be standard, with a larger pack optional.
Although clearly targeting the China market initially, the release infers that the EV5 will eventually be offered in other global markets. Following the Hyundai Group’s tradition of quickly bringing vehicles to market after showing the concept, Kia promises the production version of the EV5 will go on sale in China “later this year.”
Even without the suicide doors and side swivel seats, the EV5 is a handsome, distinctive entry into the midsize crossover market, a segment that has largely been characterized by anonymous, lookalike vehicles. Although the EV5 has an unmistakable similarity to its big brother EV9, its chiseled profile certainly stands out in its class.
We’re curious to see how many of the concept’s unique and clever features carry over to the production model.
(Images courtesy Kia)
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