Kia EV5 Australian Driveaway pricing revealed: 4 months later than expected

We were expecting to find out Kia EV5 Australian pricing four months ago in mid June but this was delayed at the last minute due to unforeseen need for software and wheel updates.

Finally now in mid October 2024 the Kia EV5, an all-electric mid-sized SUV, has been introduced to the Australian market with clear pricing.

It is available in three trim levels: Air, Earth, and GT-Line, with prices ranging from $56,770 for the base model to $75,990 driveaway for the top spec GT-Line. The vehicle offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, as well as standard and long-range battery capacities.

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Based on the N3-ek platform, the EV5 incorporates Kia's "Opposites United" design language and features a range of modern technologies. These include dual 12.3-inch displays, Kia Connect, and over-the-air updates.

The vehicle has undergone local ride and handling tuning to suit Australian road conditions so it should have better suspension than the cheaper BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda E5.

The EV5 comes with various powertrain options. The Air trim is available with either a 64.2 kWh or 88.1 kWh battery, while the Earth and GT-Line trims are offered exclusively with the 88.1 kWh battery.

The range varies from 400 km for the most affordable base model to 555 km for the long-range Air version, according to WLTP standards.

It's worth noting that the base model's driveaway price of $56,770 is several thousand dollars lower than industry expectations. However, its WLTP range of 400 km is approximately 10% shorter than that of a base Tesla Model Y, which is a key competitor in this segment.

The vehicle is equipped with advanced safety features across all spec levels, including Highway Driving Assist 2. The top-tier GT-Line trim offers additional premium features such as a heated and cooling storage compartment, fingerprint recognition, an augmented reality head-up display, and remote smart parking assist.

Kia Australia positions the EV5 as a significant step in their commitment to sustainable mobility, aiming to provide a competitive edge in the local electric vehicle market. The Air and Earth trims are available at launch, with the GT-Line set to arrive in December.

Earlier this year Damien Meredith, Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer commented that:

“Sourcing from China allows a faster launch and secures supply to meet mainstream demand. The EV5 expands our EV offering, appealing to both private and fleet buyers...allows us to launch earlier and secure supply of up to 850 per month which is needed to target mainstream appeal".

It will be interesting to see if the Air spec level in particular will have mass appeal for fleet buyers who don't want to purchase a Tesla Model Y and perhaps interest private buyers who are comparing against a Toyota RAV4.

I will be representing zecar at a Kia EV5 Australian drive day experience soon and will report back on my first impression likes and dislikes of the vehicle.