Kia unveiled the Concept EV5, a compact electrified SUV, for the first time at the “Kia EV Day” held at the E-Sports Cultural Center in Shanghai, China on the 20th.
The Concept EV5 is a model that presents a vision of innovative mobility life through bold futuristic styling and a boundary-breaking interior space.
Kia plans to launch a production vehicle based on the Concept EV5 in the Chinese market this year, providing an unparalleled mobility experience for Chinese customers.
The Concept EV5 features a robust and bold appearance that incorporates “Bold for Nature,” one of the five directional principles of Kia’s design philosophy “Opposites United,” emphasizing a modern and original interior space themed around the coexistence of nature and people.
The front of the Concept EV5 adopts a star map signature lamp design inspired by constellations and a new digital tiger face that highlights cleanliness and sturdiness, enhanced by a strong hood and a technical bumper for a more assertive image.
The side view showcases a dynamic boxy silhouette with solid fenders and technical wheel arches, creating an original ambiance. Sensational side digital lamps, diamond-cut 21-inch wheels, and an aero spoiler reflect Kia’s design identity for electrified SUVs.
The rear features a boldly positioned D-pillar that creates a boxy silhouette, complemented by star map rear lamps and a wide tailgate design that harmonizes with the front.
The interior of the Concept EV5 is themed around healing, caring, and recharging, creating a space where nature and people coexist with high spatial usability.
The crash pad emphasizes the design concept “Bold for Nature” using contrasting materials that symbolize the contrasts between nature and people. A panoramic display with three screens allows passengers to enjoy various content.
The Concept EV5 connects the first-row seats and console like a bench seat, enhancing space usability, and features a sliding console with a docking concept accessible to both first and second-row passengers for added convenience.
The trunk space, equipped with swivel seats as well as tables and decks, breaks down the boundaries between the inside and outside of the vehicle, providing a new automotive experience.
Additionally, the wrap-around design mood lamp, which gently embraces passengers, enhances the luxurious and comfortable atmosphere of the interior.
The Concept EV5 also offers a glimpse into Kia’s brand vision for sustainable mobility solutions.
Biodegradable polyurethane derived from seaweed is used in the seats and door armrests, and recycled plastic is utilized in the textile seats, incorporating a total of ten eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, the interior reflects a leather-free design, eliminating the use of animal leather altogether.
Kia’s Global Design Center head, Karim Habib, stated, “The Concept EV5 is a user-centric innovative interior combined with emotional design, a new concept of SUV electric vehicle. Inspired by the contrast and harmony between natural landscapes and artificial architectures, it proposes a vision of sustainable mobility while inspiring customers on every journey.”
Meanwhile, at the EV Day, the first event targeting Chinese media, Kia showcased the Concept EV5 along with the EV6 GT and featured a video presentation on the EV9, unveiling their future electrification plans and strategies for sustainable management.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr