Kia reveals new EV5 electric SUV concept

One of the fastest growing car brands in the country is looking to build on recent momentum by revealing its second head-turning new model in a week.

Kia EV5 electric SUV concept.

Kia has followed up the reveal of its EV9 large electric SUV in the past week with another eye-catching zero-emissions SUV.

Dubbed the EV5, the mid-size SUV borrows its head turning looks from the larger seven-seat EV9 that is likely to land in Australia towards the end of this year.

Kia has revealed a new electric SUV concept.

It features chunky styling with broad shoulders and a boxy silhouette. As with other electric vehicles, it has no front grille and maintains Kia’s signature design elements, including the vertical headlights and “Tiger Nose” front end.

There are giant 21-inch alloy wheels and a roof spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.

It is likely to be built on the brand’s modular electric car platform that provides substantial benefits over traditional layouts.

It is likely to look very similar to the concept when it goes into production.

The batteries are stored all under the floor, which gives the EV5 a completely flat floor and opens up the interior space.

Because there is no engine and few mechanical elements up front Kia can push the wheels to corners further opening up interior space and making the vehicle feel much bigger inside than similar sized petrol or diesel vehicles.

Kia EV5 electric SUV concept.

The concept also has some more out-there features such as a rear-hinged back door and no central pillar that allows for a complete open space when both font and rear doors are open. This is paired with swivelling chairs that can turn outwards.

The swivelling seats and rear hinged back door are unlikely make it into production.

These are unlikely to make it into production versions.

Karim Habib, head of Kia’s global design centre, says the EV5 is designed to showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

“It is designed to inspire our customers on every journey, while providing sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions,” says Habib.

It is initially slated for the Chinese market but is likely to be sold globally.

Kia plans to replace leather surfaces with materials such as seaweed extract and recycled plastic bottles in the seats, doors, dashboard and headliner.

Initially slated for the Chinese market the KV5 is a near certainty to be pushed out to global markets as part of the company’s plan to introduce 14 new electric cars by 2027.