New Kia Concept EV5 Debuts In China

Korean marque Kia took the wraps of its latest Concept EV5 electric crossover model earlier this week during the brand's Chinese EV Day event This new electric crossover is set to go on sale in China later this year, whereas details about its availability elsewhere will come later.

The Concept EV5 stands as a pure design showcase, perhaps explaining why Kia didn't provide any details surrounding the concept’s powertrain or platform.

Similar to the production ready EV9 that debuted recently, the Concept EV5 features an upright, chiselled shape, sharing a blunt nose and vertically oriented headlights on the extreme outer edges. Both also have similar profiles with heavily creased lines extending horizontally from the fenders and a minimalist aesthetic. The rear gets distinct bracket-shaped taillights spanning across the entire width of the tailgate.

According to Kia, the Concept EV5 wears a custom shade called Iceberg Matte Green, which appears to be a silver base with some subtle blue undertones. The wheels, on the other hand, appear to be 21-inches in diameter and sports an asymmetrical design.

On board, the cabin has a softer aesthetic than the exterior. The dash is primed with a single screen spanning roughly half its width. Greeting drivers is a rather odd octagonal steering wheel design primed with several capacitive buttons next to it. Though a traditional centre console between the seats is absent, it does offer a storage area ahead of the seats.

Like the EV9, the Concept EV5 features swivelling seats that can be set up into a ‘lounge’ outside the vehicle. There’s also a full-length panoramic sunroof that doubles up as a solar panel. However, Kia offers no details about whether the latter is meant for charging the EV battery or providing power for other vehicle functions.

Apart from that, Kia notes that the Concept EV5's cabin is made using a variety of sustainable materials such as recycled plastic bottles for the seats, doors, dashboard, and headliner. It has also opted not to use any animal leather within the vehicle.

“The Kia Concept EV5 takes influence from the contrast and complementarity of natural landscapes and man-made architecture,” said Karim Habib, head of Kia‘s Global Design Centre. “Created for those who seek inventive new ideas, the SUV brings together emotional form language with innovative, user-focused interior architecture,” adds Karim further.