NEWS  Electric Vehicles  April 22, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Kia has announced the pricing and trim levels for its latest electric crossover, the EV5, in New Zealand. The country is among the first outside of China to receive the highly anticipated model. Kia has also confirmed that only long-range versions with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants will be offered to customers. Currently, a prototype of the EV5 is touring showrooms in New Zealand during April and May, generating excitement ahead of its launch.

The base model, called the Light, is a front-wheel drive configuration with a 160 kW motor and 310 Nm of torque. It comes with standard features such as smart cruise control, Kia's Highway Driving Assist 2, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Light variant is priced at NZ$67,990, and it boasts a substantial 88.1 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 540 km (335 miles). Additionally, the battery supports a 141 kW DC charging rate, allowing for faster recharges.

Stepping up from the Light is the Light+, priced at NZ$70,450. This variant adds advanced features like a 360-degree camera, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart park assist. These features enhance safety and parking convenience, demonstrating Kia's commitment to providing value-added technology.

The Earth trim levels come in both FWD and AWD variants, with the AWD version offering a total output of 230 kW and 480 Nm of torque, thanks to an additional 70 kW motor at the rear.

The Earth FWD is priced at NZ$75,450, while the Earth AWD retails for NZ$80,450. Notable upgrades for these trims include heated front seats, a heads-up display, and a Vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, allowing owners to use their EV5 as a power source for other devices or even other electric vehicles.

At the top of the range is the EV5 GT, carrying a price tag of NZ$85,450.

This high-performance variant offers a combined 313 hp output from its dual motors, with an acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph (100 kph) of just 6.5 seconds. The GT also features additional premium touches and performance enhancements, solidifying its position as the flagship of the lineup.

Kia's introduction of the EV5 in New Zealand comes after the model's launch in China last year. The company has recently announced mass production of the global version, with further details expected to be released for other countries like Australia, Canada, and Mexico. The specifications for these regions are likely to align closely with those in New Zealand.

 IMAGES CREDITS: KIA