MANILA: Kia Philippines expressed its readiness to bring in four new vehicles for next year — one of which is the EV5.

Confirming the arrival of the new electric vehicle during the new Kia Seltos launch event were AC Motor Automobile Group President Antonio Zara III and Kia Philippines Chief Operating Officer Brian Buendia.

The aforementioned model, revealed last month at EV Day in its home country last October, will be joined by two other new energy vehicles that will be added in the Kia Philippines roster. Completing the targeted launches for next year would be an internal-combustion-engine-propelled model.

Aside from its arrival, the two company leaders did not disclose any details about the upcoming model. However, the Philippine-spec EV5 might have the specifications similar to those seen abroad.

A compact electric sport utility vehicle, Kia EV5 is designed to meet the needs of “millennial families.”

The third dedicated battery electric vehicle in the brand’s line-up, the brand built the Kia EV5 on its dedicated E-GMP platform and embodies the “Opposites United” design philosophy.

Inside, the Kia EV5 looks very similar to the EV9, offering a lounge-like interior.

Per Kia, EV5 production will be done in China and Korea. The Chinese market will have access to three options: standard, long–range, and long–range all-wheel-drive (AWD).

The standard model has a 64-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack and a 160-kilowatt (kW) motor that is eyed to provide a driving range of 530 kilometers (km) — based on the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards.

Meanwhile, the nameplate’s long-range version is fitted with an 88kWh battery pack and the same mill, allowing the fully-charged vehicle to cover 720 kilometers.

Lastly, the AWD option comes with a battery pack similar to the long-range version but is powered by two electric mills (a front–wheel 160kW motor and a rear–wheel 70kW motor). The said trim can do 650 km based on CLTC standards.

Kia claims that the EV5 batteries have been incorporated with an advanced heat pump system — a feature found on the EV6 — to ensure performance amid external conditions.

In addition, the vehicle features a regenerative braking system and an i–Pedal that allows drivers to both slow down and accelerate using a single pedal, which enhances the comfort of driving.

The EV5’s spacious, light, well–ventilated cabin is equipped with cutting–edge infotainment and connectivity technology that enhances efficiency and convenience on every journey while enabling occupants to remain safely engaged with the digital world as they travel.

Those who are waiting for its arrival will surely look forward to a Philippine-spec Kia EV5 that comes with a 12.3–inch cluster combined with a 12.3–inch infotainment system and a five–inch climate control display. It would also be a welcome development if it would have the connected car Navigation Cockpit infotainment system that has over–the–air software updates.

The Kia EV5 overseas has very minimal physical buttons: four hidden hard keys provide a start/stop function, audio-video, navigation, telematics, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control.

It also has a three-zone climate control system as well as an after–blow feature that cuts air-conditioner odors.

Seats of the arriving Kia EV5 might be covered with eco–friendly recycled PET fabric and Bio–PU leather.

All of these are still up in the air, so let’s all wait for Kia Philippines’ official announcement on the forthcoming model’s official specifications (and pricing).

Currently, the Kia EV6, available in sole GT-Line spec, is priced at P3.788 million. Following this, customers may expect a huge bump on the pricing of the arriving EV5.

Photos from Kia

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Kia introduces Concept EV5, a compact electric SUV

Incoming Kia PH leadership eyes to boost brand's EV ecosystem