Baby EV9! Kia Concept EV5 crossover unveiled, sales start late-2023

With the production version of the seven-seater Kia EV9 finally out, the Korean carmaker is planning a second act.

Kia unveiled a concept version of the EV5 on March 2023. This is a five-seat, fully electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV) that carries on the styling language of its larger EV9 sibling.

The Korean carmaker used what it calls the “Opposites United” design philosophy. This approach supposedly “celebrates the creative tension formed from the fusion of often seemingly contrasting visual influences of nature and modernity.”

Up front, Kia’s “Digital Tiger Face” uses a prominent painted panel that is intricately flanked by LED headlights. The chunky lower bumper implies ruggedness and would likely survive some unpaved paths.

Down the side, it’s a case of “Honey, I Shrunk the EV9.” The Concept EV5 carries over the 21-inch alloy wheels and the upward kink on the window line, along with the black trim around the wheel arches and the lower side skirt.

At the rear, the EV5 goes into its own with huge, wraparound LED taillights that mirror the shapes of the front end. A subtle tailgate spoiler completes the exterior look.

Swiveling seats!

Step inside the Concept EV5 and you’ll find the flights of fancy that carmakers normally make in concept cars.

The cabin is what Kia calls a “space for coexistence” that supposedly provides a place for occupants to relax. Much like the EV9, prominent features include the integrated screen for the digital gauges and infotainment system.

There’s also an octagonal steering wheel, along with a panoramic moonroof (that doubles as a solar panel) and light interior colors to give an airy feel.

Something that isn’t so out-of-this-world is the swiveling seats, which are already a standard feature on the production EV9 SUV. 

Kia also said it used various sustainable materials for the Concept EV5’s cabin, including plant-based materials like seaweed extract and upcycled PET bottles on the seats, doors, dashboard and headliner.

The company said the production version of the EV5 is expected to debut in China by late 2023. And given how closely the concept and production versions of the bigger EV9 look, we may expect yet another striking electric SUV from Kia.

What do you think of the Kia Concept EV5?

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