KIA EV5 arrives

KIA’s latest electric car, the EV5, will sit comfortably in two sale segments that 
account for 48% of all car sales in Ireland. There is little doubt this is exciting, 
daunting and confident all wrapped up in a Crossover, C-SUV that is 4,610mm in 
length, 1,875mm in width and 1,675mm in height - KIA Ireland is definitely looking 
forward to the fight. 
Just arrived at KIA dealerships nationwide, this latest electric KIA left many with 
smiles of satisfaction at its Irish launch, the all too short road drive and static 
presentation enough to whet the appetite for a longer association. Bigger than the 
Sportage in every aspect, the EV5 is not deficient when it comes to space. 
Last Word First 
Heretofore, you would have to invest in top-end premium cars to get the sheer 
refinement and serenity offered with this latest EV from KIA. Step in and the tactility 
of the steering wheel welcomes you to a well laid out cabin, the drivers console, 
centre console and general layout easy to familiarise yourself with, the build quality 
and overall finish hard to criticise. 
Like all the latest EV offerings, time spent getting to know and set all your main 
entertainment and safety functions are vital to prevent on-road distraction and sheer 
frustration. The EV5 layout in very friendly and once on the move, the GT Line 
variant I drove at the launch showing over 500km range on full charge, the 215 
civilised horses available more than capable of bringing the horizon into your lap, at 
the press of the Drive Mode button, conveniently located on the base of the steering 
wheel. 
A longer drive was not available, but there was certainly enough talent on show for 
me to highly recommend a test drive in the KIA EV5 should you be looking to fish in 
this particular pond. 
In early 2026, KIA will welcome their new commercial van, the PV5, plus the petrol 
and mild hybrid car models, the K4 and Stonic – adding more impressiveness to the 
already impressive line-up. 

EV5 Launch Offer 
3.9% Finance PCP & HP 
Free Home Charger 
€500 Supervalu Gift Card 
3 Free Services 
 
Ronan’s Word 
Ronan Flood, Managing Director at Kia Ireland, talking to beepbeep.ie at the launch, 
commented “The medium SUV category, or C- SUV, is the most popular vehicle 
segment in Ireland and accounts for 30% of all new car sales. Before today, Sportage 

was our only C-SUV and accounted for 35% of all new Kia sales this year. In addition, 
Kia EV sales are up 87% versus last year so there is no denying the opportunity that 
exists for an electric C-SUV. With its bold SUV design, comfort features and 
performance that Irish drivers expect, EV5 gives us an electric alternative to our 
best-selling vehicle category for the months and years ahead”.  
Some of the Competition 

 Skoda Enyaq 
 VW ID4 
 Tesla Model Y 
 Peugeot e3008 
 Toyota BZ4X 
 
Outside Story 
The EV5 is built on KIA’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) 
platform. It comes equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery and 160 kW motor, delivering 
a maximum WLTP range of up to 530 km. Key technologies such as regenerative 
braking, Kia’s advanced heat pump system and fast-charging capability (10–80% in 
just 30 minutes) further enhance efficiency and usability in real-world conditions.  
On the outside, Kia’s designers proclaim their ‘Opposites United’ philosophy with 
their ‘Star Map’ lighting signature at the front and rear. The EV5’s profile reflects a 
rugged, refined design and features a strong, boxy silhouette and a prominent D- 
pillar. Those with the need should note that this 2026 EV5 offers real SUV 
practicality with a towing capacity of up to 1,200kg. 
Inside Job 
Inside, the rear seats fold completely flat, maximising boot space to some 1650 litres 
from the standard 566 litres, the load area providing of up to two metres in length. 
Organisational features include a drawer-style centre console storage, make it 
ideal for both the city and outdoor activities. EV5 creates a lounge-like environment 
with comfort-focused seats which include a massage function for the driver, four-way 
lumbar support, heating and ventilation. Interior materials include recycled PET in 
the seats and carpets; bio foam in the seats, centre console, and headrests; and BTX- 
free paint on the doors, dashboard, and centre console. 
 
EV5 Tech 
In terms of technology, EV5 offers a solid i-Pedal 3.0 system for one-pedal driving. 
The Smart Regeneration System enhances energy efficiency and ride comfort, using 
navigation data to automatically adjust braking and speed to junctions, speed limit 
changes and more. 
Battery Heating and Cooling 

A next-generation battery heating and cooling function not only makes cabin heating 
more efficient, but the system also preserves the AER in cold conditions, 
guaranteeing reliable battery performance across varying climates. 
V2L 
Bi-directional charging, which includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) offers up to 3.6kW of 
power, the EV5 allows drivers to use the vehicle’s battery to power and charge 
external devices with an interior socket or an external adapter. EV5 is also equipped 
with hardware for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), ready for operation once infrastructure 
and regulations allow. 
 
OTA & FOD 
The EV5 is equipped with Kia’s latest ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) 
system, including a Panoramic Wide Display combining a 12.3-inch instrument 
cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5.3-inch climate control display. Over- 
the-air (OTA) updates and features-on-demand (FOD) keep EV5 future-ready with 
new features and services being released over time. 
Live Map Updates 
The EV5 is also equipped with Online Navigation, a feature that provides live map 
information which is updated every four weeks. The climate control system features 
three zones to ensure comfort for everyone onboard. Convenience and security are 
enhanced with features like Digital Key 2.0 and fingerprint recognition also.  
 
EV5 Safety 
The EV5 comes with seven airbags, structural reinforcements, and the latest suite of 
Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including the latest version of 
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA). 
Audio notifications have been improved for driver comfort. Smart Cruise Control 2 
intelligently adapts the speed of travel, can also, in the event of an emergency, bring 
the vehicle to a full stop if the driver is unresponsive. In addition, Highway Driving 
Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection helps the driver maintain a safe distance from the 
vehicle ahead, stay centred in the lane, change lanes and adjust lateral positioning.  
 
Trim Levels 
The KIA EV5 is available in three different trim levels: Earth 2, Earth 3 and GT-Line 
all with the long range 81.4-kW long range battery as standard. 
Specification with Earth 2 models features:  
 18” alloy wheels 
 Cloth and leather seats 
 Heated seats front and rear 
 Heated steering wheel 

 LED headlights 
 Smart power tailgate  
 Heat pump. 

Customers choosing the Earth 3 model add: 
 19” alloy wheels 
 Full leather seats with front ventilation function 
 Driver memory seat 
 Vehicle-2-Everything (V2X) 
 Interior ambient lighting 
 Dynamic welcome lights 
The range topping GT-Line gains: 

 GT-Line styling cues 
 Power adjustable sunroof 
 Driver head-up display 
 Driver seat massage function 
 Vehicle-2-Load (V2L) adaptor 
 Digital key with fingerprint recognition 

EV5 Pricing 
Earth 2 model starts from €47,625 
Earth 3 is priced at €49,800 
GT-Line at €54,000. 
All models are available with 3.9% PCP and HP finance with prices starting at €443 
per month. For more information see Kia.com