Kia EV5 Arrives in Europe, But Can You Manage Without Its One Absent Feature? | Carscoops

      The initial release of Euro-spec electric SUVs is featuring a single motor that powers the front wheels, with all-wheel drive (AWD) versions set to debut in 2026.

      Kia has announced information about the Euro-spec EV5, which is scheduled to launch later this year.

      For the first few months, European customers will only have access to a single 215 hp motor. The EV5 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds, and it is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery that provides a range of 329 miles.

      We have previously test-driven the Kia EV5 electric SUV in Australia, and now the automaker is preparing to introduce its competitor to the Tesla Model Y in Europe. As sales are anticipated to start in the fourth quarter, Kia has disclosed specifications for the Euro-market EVs, and it's clear that European customers won't find one specific option available at launch.

      While Australian consumers can select between single and dual-motor versions, European buyers won’t have the option of dual motor, AWD models at launch. The 308 hp (312 PS / 230 kW) AWD variant will be available later, along with a more powerful GT performance model, but neither of these options will be available until 2026.

      This means that customers in the UK or EU eager to be among the first to order an EV5 will need to settle for a single 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) motor driving the front wheels. The front-wheel-drive model takes a leisurely 8.4 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), although our Australian review noted it still exhibits a surprising amount of torque steer.

      Opting for a single motor does help keep the weight down, which is beneficial for electric range. Both the base model and the more upscale GT-Line come equipped with the same 81.4 kWh battery, utilizing NMC chemistry instead of the LFP type found in other markets, allowing for a range of up to 329 miles (530 km).

      We use the term "up to" because this figure pertains to the Base trim. The GT-Line features larger (19 inches instead of 18 inches) wheels and additional equipment, reducing its range by 15 miles (25 km), while the 20-inch wheels on the upcoming GT model will further impact range.

      Similar to the EV3, the EV5 lacks the advanced 800-volt electrics found in the EV6 and EV9, resulting in a 10-80 percent charge taking around 30 minutes instead of less than 20. However, it does offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for powering devices such as bikes, laptops, and refrigerators when camping or working away from home.

      The dashboard features a 5.3-inch climate screen positioned between two 12.3-inch displays: one for the gauge cluster and the other a touchscreen, which may see less frequent use due to the included Chat GPT-powered Kia AI assistant. Another touchscreen is located at the back of the console, allowing rear-seat passengers to customize the tri-zone climate system.

      Kia is marketing the EV5 as an electric alternative to its very popular Sportage, though the new model is notably 70 mm (27.6 inches) longer overall, with a correspondingly larger wheelbase. However, it seems more likely that prospective buyers will compare the EV5 to the updated Tesla Model Y.

      We can't make a thorough comparison of the two until Kia discloses its pricing later this year, but we already know that the base rear-wheel drive Tesla has a 0 to 62 mph time of 5.9 seconds, which would put the Kia at a disadvantage, although its 311-mile (500 km) range is quite comparable. Which one would you choose?