Kia reveals range figures for new EV3, EV4 and EV5 GT models
Kia has released further details of its upcoming EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT, including battey range stats and more information about the performance upgrades fitted across the range.
First unveiled at the Brussels motor show in January, the three new models expand Kia’s electric GT line-up below the existing EV6 GT and EV9 GT. All three use dual electric motors and four-wheel drive, accompanied by upgraded suspension and brakes and a selection of software features intended to make them more engaging to drive.
Kia says the models are now becoming available in Europe, although UK prices and on-sale dates have yet to be announced.
Kia EV3 GT
The EV3 GT produces 292hp, accelerating from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. That’s a substantial increase over the standard front-wheel-drive EV3, thanks to the addition of a second electric motor.
Kia has yet to confirm an official battery range for the EV3 GT, but has provided more detail about its standard equipment. This includes electronically controlled suspension, electronic torque vectoring, launch control and a dedicated GT driving mode.
It also gets Kia’s ‘Virtual Gear Shift’ system, which simulates the gear changes of a combustion-engined performance car, accompanied by artificial engine sounds through the car’s speakers.
Inside are semi-bucket sports seats with suede trim and neon green detailing, along with a Harman Kardon sound system and performance timer.
Kia EV4 GT
The EV4 GT uses the same 292hp dual-motor powertrain, shaving the 0-62mph time slightly to 5.6 seconds.
Both hatchback and Fastback versions will be available. Kia has now confirmed that the hatchback can cover up to 314 miles on the WLTP cycle, while the more aerodynamic fastback stretches that to 334 miles.
As with the EV3 GT, there are electronically controlled suspension and torque vectoring systems, along with ‘Virtual Gear Shift’, artificial engine sounds and a dedicated GT mode.
Kia EV5 GT
The larger EV5 GT is the most powerful of the three, producing 306hp. Despite that, its greater size and weight mean it’s the slowest, with a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds.
An 81kWh battery provides an official range of up to 296 miles. The EV5 also gets electronically controlled suspension that uses a forward-facing camera to monitor the road ahead and adjust the dampers for approaching bumps.
One more unusual addition is ‘Pet Mode’, which can maintain a safe cabin temperature when an animal is briefly left inside the vehicle. It locks the doors, disables selected interior controls and alarms, and displays a message on the infotainment screen explaining that the system is active.
More than just additional power
All three GT models have been given chassis changes rather than simply more powerful motors.
Kia says the suspension was developed on roads across Europe, including in the UK, with stiffer springs and revised anti-roll bars. Drivers can choose ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘GT’ settings, which progressively increase the firmness of the electronically controlled dampers.
The electronic stability control also has three settings, while torque vectoring can alter the power delivered to individual wheels to improve cornering behaviour.
‘Virtual Gear Shift’ simulates individual gears and their accompanying changes in acceleration, while the Active Sound Design system generates artificial performance-car sounds through the cabin speakers. Both can be used alongside Launch Control and the dedicated GT driving mode.
Kia has yet to announce UK pricing or a confirmed launch date for the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT, with that likely to follow in the coming weeks.
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