The Kia EV5 is here, but you can’t have it yet

Kia New Zealand has announced that the first example of its fully electric EV5 SUV has landed on home soil for testing.

Unfortunately for us, that means we can’t get our hands on the new model until its local launch later this year.

Until then, over 20 Research and Development engineers will make their way to our shores to evaluate the EV5, thus ensuring it’s up to Kiwi’s standards.

We don’t think they’ll have too much trouble winning us over though as the new model’s larger sibling, the seven-seat EV9, which has already gone down a treat following its local launch in October last year.

“The EV9 has enjoyed a great response since launching in New Zealand late last year,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“The EV9 is laden with technology, offers impressive range and performance, plus a spacious interior thanks to the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which provides Kia designers the ability to produce a vehicle interior that is free from traditional restrictions.

“These same characteristics and features will be found in the EV5, albeit in a slightly smaller package, so we expect it to have particular appeal for families who want an innovative, fast charging and attractive fully electric vehicle.”

As McDonald suggested, when the new model arrives, it will slot in underneath the EV9 as its two-row five-seat equivalent, no doubt at a lower price point.

Local specifications for the EV5 have yet to be confirmed, but based on overseas reports, a maximum range of 720km is achievable in the Chinese market ‘long-range’ variant.

Kia New Zealand will open a new section of its website for the incoming model next week where pricing and availability will be outlined ahead of its local launch in the second half of 2024.