Kia launches electric SUV cheaper than Tesla Model Y

Kia Australia launches electric mid-size SUV at an unbelievable price.

Kia’s electric charge has been bolstered by a new model that undercuts the Tesla Model Y.

The new Kia EV5, a sleek and futuristic SUV, starts from $56,770 drive-away for the entry-level Air Standard Range front-wheel-drive variant.

All-wheel-drive GT-Line models cost $75,990 drive-away. Those prices apply to Eastern States - Western Australia customers pay an extra $1000 for the standard car and $2000 for the high-grade model.

With those price tags, the EV5 is cheaper than the Tesla Model Y and will likely be a top contender for those looking for an affordable electric mid-size SUV.

The Kia EV5 long-range SUV offers up to 555km of range. Picture: Supplied

Kia Australia chief executive officer Damian Meredith said the EV5 represents a major step for the brand.

“As we affirm our commitment to becoming a leading sustainable mobility provider, we’re pleased to announce pricing and key features that give EV5 a competitive edge in the local electric vehicle market,” he said.

At its base, the Air variant either a standard range, is powered by a 64.2kWh battery or long-range 88.1kWh battery, and has a range of 400 km or 555 km.

While the Earth and GT-Line variants are offered solely with the long-range battery.

The Kia EV5 interior is sophisticated and sleek with a 12.3 inch display connected to a 5-inch bridging segment to create a panoramic display. Picture: Supplied

From the exterior, the EV5’s design embodies a futuristic style with bold features like a wide nose, ‘Star Map’ lighting and sharp aerodynamic lines.

Clearly the silhouette is an SUV but the EV5 has a refined look which sets itself apart in a market dominated by bulky competitors.

Inside, the cabin looks advanced with a 12.3 inch display connected by a 5-inch bridging segment which creates a panoramic display.

The EV5 will also feature over-the-air updates and Kia’s Connect system.

The top tier GT-Line comes with features including heated and cooled storage compartments, a fingerprint module and augmented reality heads-up display.

New Kia mid-size electric SUV EV5 offers a generous boot. Picture: Supplied

Plus it’ll come standard with remote self-parking which will make tight parking spots a breeze.

As for safety, all trims come with advanced driver assistance systems, a centre side airbag and in the GT-Line, a camera-based blind spot monitor that plays a video feed in the dashboard.

Kia is also offering a variety of sophisticated colours, including two-tone options exclusive to the GT-Line and three distinct alloy wheel sizes (18 inch for Air, 19 inch for Earth and 20 inch for GT-Line).

Originally published as Kia launches electric SUV cheaper than Tesla Model Y