Kia Australia has launched the Kia EV4 electric sedan, now available in dealerships. The new model joins the Kia EV3, Kia EV5, Kia EV6, and Kia EV9 in Kia's electric vehicle line-up. Prices start at $49,990 for the Air Standard Range model.
The EV4 is available in three trim levels. The Air uses a 58.3kWh Standard Range battery. The Earth and GT-Line models feature an 81.4kWh Long Range battery. The Long Range variants deliver 612km of WLTP range, the longest range of any Kia model to date. The Standard Range Air offers 456km of range.
All models use a 150kW/283Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. The Air accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. The Earth and GT-Line take 7.8 seconds.
Pricing and Specifications
Model | Battery | Power/Torque | Range (WLTP) | Price |
Air Standard Range | 58.3kWh | 150kW/283Nm | 456km | $49,990 |
Earth Long Range | 81.4kWh | 150kW/283Nm | 612km | $59,190 |
GT-Line Long Range | 81.4kWh | 150kW/283Nm | 612km | $64,690 |
Design and Aerodynamics
The EV4 features a 0.23 drag coefficient, the lowest of any Kia model. This aerodynamic efficiency helps achieve the extended driving range. Active air flaps in the front bumper automatically adjust to balance cooling and aerodynamic performance.
The GT-Line features Kia Star Map lighting with projection LED headlights. These use 12 small cubes, with six for low beam and six for high beam. The Intelligent Front Lighting system can segment the high beam into 10 sections, masking vehicles ahead while maintaining visibility.
The EV4 measures 4730mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1480mm high. It rides on a 2820mm wheelbase. The GT-Line sits on 19-inch black and machined-finish alloy wheels. The Air uses 17-inch wheels, while the Earth gets 19-inch wheels in a different design.
Interior and Technology
The interior features an Integrated Panoramic Display with three screens. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits alongside a 5-inch climate control interface and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.
The Kia Connect phone app lets drivers control functions remotely. You can preset the climate control and monitor or schedule battery charging. Over the Air updates keep the car current without visiting a dealership.
All models include wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A column-type Shift-by-Wire gear selector and flat floor enable a floating centre console with multiple storage spaces and retractable cup holders.
The GT-Line adds full synthetic leather seats with ventilated front seats. The Integrated Memory System stores driver settings for seat adjustment and exterior mirrors. Both front seats get 10-way power adjustment. The Premium Relaxation function reclines each front seat to an optimal rest position at the touch of a button.
Other GT-Line features include a heated three-spoke steering wheel, ambient mood lighting, an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, wireless phone charger, Head-Up Display, Surround View monitor, Blind Spot monitor, Remote Smart Park Assist, and a wide sunroof.
Battery and Charging
The EV4 uses Kia's E-GMP platform with a 400V architecture. Both battery options use lithium-ion NCM technology. A Type 2 charging port sits on the driver's side front.
Charging Specifications
Model | Battery Size | DC Fast Charging (10-80%) | Max Charging Speed |
Air Standard Range | 58.3kWh | 29 minutes | 100kW |
Earth/GT-Line Long Range | 81.4kWh | 31 minutes | 130kW |
The Air's 58.3kWh battery charges from 10-80 percent in 29 minutes using a 350kW fast charger. The Long Range 81.4kWh battery takes 31 minutes.
All models include interior Vehicle to Load capability with a connection at the base of the rear seat. Earth and GT-Line models come with an external V2L adaptor. It's available as a Kia Genuine Accessory for the Air.
How the EV4 Compares
The EV4 enters a competitive electric sedan market. Here's how it stacks up against the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3.
EV Sedan Comparison
Specification | Kia EV4 Air | Kia EV4 Earth/GT-Line | BYD Seal Extended Range | BYD Seal AWD | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
Base Price | $49,990 | $59,190/$64,690 | $58,798 | $68,748 | $54,900 | $61,900 |
Battery Size | 58.3kWh | 81.4kWh | 82.5kWh | 82.5kWh | 60kWh | 75kWh |
Range WLTP (km) | 456 | 612 | 570 | 520 | 491 | 702 |
Power (kW) | 150 | 150 | 230 | 390 | 194 | 208 |
Torque (Nm) | 283 | 283 | 360 | 670 | 340 | 450 |
0-100km/h (sec) | 7.4 | 7.8 | 5.9 | 3.8 | 6.1 | 5.2 |
Drive Type | Front | Front | Rear | AWD | Rear | Rear |
Max DC Fast Charging (kW) | 100 | 130 | 150 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
DC Charging Time (10-80%) | 29 min | 31 min | 38 min | 38 min | 25 min | 27 min |
Vehicle to Load | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
V2L Max Power | 3.3kW | 3.3kW | 3.3kW | 3.3kW | N/A | N/A |
Length (mm) | 4730 | 4730 | 4800 | 4800 | 4690 | 4720 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2820 | 2820 | 2920 | 2920 | 2875 | 2875 |
Cargo Capacity (L) | 490 | 490 | 400 | 400 | 561 | 594 |
The EV4 Air undercuts the Tesla Model 3 RWD by $4,910 while offering similar range and practicality. The Long Range EV4 models deliver the second-best range in this comparison at 612km, trailing only the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD.
The EV4's front-wheel drive layout demonstrates Kia’s focus on efficiency over outright performance.
All Kia EV4 models include Vehicle to Load capability, matching the BYD Seal. Tesla Model 3 variants don't offer V2L.
The EV4’s fast charging speeds are acceptable but slower than both the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3.
The EV4 offers more cargo space than the BYD Seal at 490 litres versus 400 litres. Tesla Model 3 variants provide the most cargo capacity, with up to 594 litres plus an 88-litre frunk.
Pricing positions the EV4 competitively. The Air offers strong value at under $50,000. The Long Range models sit between the BYD Seal Extended Range and AWD variants, while undercutting the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD by $2,710.
Driving Technology
The EV4 features i-Pedal 3.0 adjustable regenerative braking. A long press of the left paddle shifter activates one-pedal driving with adjustable regenerative braking levels. The system remembers your settings after restarting and works in reverse.
Smart Regenerative Braking engages with a long press of the right paddle shifter. It automatically adjusts braking intensity based on traffic flows and your braking habits.
Performance and Handling
Kia Australia's Chief Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, led a localised tuning program. The team made countless adjustments to suspension, damping, and steering for Australian road conditions.
The result balances urban ride comfort with dynamic handling. The steering delivers good cornering response with natural weight and feel in both Comfort and Sport modes.
Safety Features
Safety features include Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, and Driver Attention Warning with Hands on Detection sensors in the steering wheel. Seven airbags include a centre side airbag.
Kia is working with ANCAP on independent crash testing. A safety rating will be announced in due course.
Practicality
The E-GMP platform optimises interior space within the aerodynamic exterior. All five seats benefit from good legroom and headroom. The cargo space measures 490 litres and can carry two golf bags plus hand luggage. A 60:40 split-folding rear seat expands capacity further.
Colours and Materials
Eight exterior colours are available: Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Ivory Silver, Shale Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Magma Red, Yacht Blue, and Honeydew. Premium paint costs $600 extra for all colours except Clear White.
Three interior colourways distinguish each trim. The Air features black and grey cloth. Earth combines black and light grey cloth with synthetic leather. GT-Line uses black and white full artificial leather.
The EV4 follows Kia's sustainability strategy, phasing out leather and increasing use of bio-based, recycled, and BTX-free materials.
Availability
The Kia EV4 is available in Kia dealerships now. It expands Kia's electric vehicle lineup alongside the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
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