Kia EV5 unveiled as a compact version of the EV9

Kia officially pulled the covers off its EV5 over the weekend, revealing what is essentially a compact version of the fully electric EV9.

The new model is said to usher in a “new era of electric mobility to the compact SUV sector to meet the needs of millennial families,” according to the Korean carmaker, and helping it do just that is its styling, which of course has been inspired by the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.

Up front is the aggressive-looking ‘Tiger Face’ which neatly disguises a set of headlights, shows off its star map-inspired daytime running lights, and boasts a sleek closed-off grille.

Other design highlights include silver skid plates front and back, muscular quarter panels, and a rather flat rear end.

As for the interior, Kia says the EV5’s has been designed with millennials in mind as a safe and comfortable place to sit when travelling from A to B, but also allowing them room to “live their life in”.

Similar to the EV9, there’s a panoramic display featuring a gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, 64 colours of mood lighting, and a rear seat that folds flat to allow for more of that life stuff. Unlike the EV9, there are only five seats.

We’re yet to be told what will power the EV5, but overseas reports suggest it’ll ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform.

Kia will launch the EV5 later this year, with China set to get it first, while more information for global markets is expected to be revealed at the brand’s EV Day in October.