The locally made Kia EV5 aims to entice buyers in an increasingly competitive SUV market

Singapore – Following its premiere at this year’s Singapore Motor Show, the long-awaited Kia EV5 mid-size SUV is now available for purchase in our local market in three different variants. The Air and Earth variants offer bang-for-your-buck value by fitting into the Category A COE, while the enthusiast-oriented Category B GT-Line variant adds horsepower, torque and speed.

With a distinctive front end inspired by a tiger’s face and smooth-flowing lines throughout the car, Kia has ensured that you won’t lose it in a carpark. This is reinforced by the marque’s Star Map LED lighting featured in both the daytime running lights and the tailights. Additionally, auto-flush door handles and a lowered rear spoiler improve both aesthetics and aerodynamics.

It’s family-oriented, too. The Kia EV5’s 513-litre boot makes it perfect for school runs, shopping sprees and road trips alike. Fold the rear seats flat, and 1,714 available litres can accommodate even the bulkiest of items, made convenient by Kia’s Smart Opening Tailgate that gives users hands-free boot access. Adjustable luggage hooks are also included to keep items in place while the car is in motion. If that wasn’t enough, a 67-litre frunk provides extra storage for smaller items.

Both the Air and Earth variants come with a 100kW (134hp) motor that feeds 310Nm of torque to the front wheels. However, where the Air’s 64.2kWh battery allows it to travel up to 400km on a single charge, the Earth’s larger 88.1kWh battery achieves a segment-leading 540km. The Air and Earth variants’ batteries can charge from 10-80% in around 36 minutes using a 102kW and 141kW DC charger, respectively.

However, for those looking for more performance, the GT-Line’s dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup produces a punchy 230kW (308hp) and 480Nm of torque. Thus, its century sprint takes just 6.3 seconds while still offering an impressive 470km of WLTP range from an 88.1kWh battery. Fast charging from 10-80% still takes only 38 minutes.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by an advanced Panoramic Wide Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 5.3-inch climate control panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen into a single display. This results in a neat interface with easily accessible functions, making the EV5’s interior high-tech while not compromising on a convenient driving experience.

The enhanced driving experience doesn’t stop there either, as the Earth and GT-Line variants feature Kia’s premium driver’s Relaxation Seat, where the individual at the wheel can utilise a retractable leg rest and four-way lumbar support. An integrated massage function with four massage modes and three intensity levels can also allow them to recharge at the wheel, reducing their fatigue.

Included as standard in the Earth and GT-Line variants is a heated and cooling compartment that can be set from 5°C to 55°C, making it perfect for storing chilled drinks in our sunny weather or keeping food hot when needed.

Moreover, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) are just some of the numerous driver assistance and safety features of the EV5. These are supplemented by a strong chassis designed to absorb and disperse energy during a collision, thus protecting both occupants and the underfloor battery upon impact.

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“The playing field for electric vehicles is getting increasingly crowded, but the Kia EV5 stands out by embodying Kia’s distinct design language, exceptional quality and purposeful innovation,” said Dawn Pan, Chief Operating Officer of Multi-Franchise Operations at Cycle & Carriage. “From distinctive styling to technologies that genuinely enhance everyday driving, every aspect of the EV5 reflects Kia’s commitment to delivering what truly matters to our customers.”

The Air, Earth and GT-Line variants cost S$194,000, S$210,600 and S$260,000 respectively with COE included, and are sustainable and stylish additions to the midsize SUV segment.

Text: Tan Kai Wyn
Photos: KIA & Clifford Chow