The electric buzz around Kia continues to grow, and the latest whispers come via AutoSpy, which has snagged the first images of the global-spec Kia EV5. This isn’t just a rebadge of its Chinese counterpart; it’s a distinct model fine-tuned for international drivers, with Korean production kicking off in Q3 2025.
Tailored for the World, Built in Korea
What sets this upcoming EV5 apart? Early spy shots reveal key interior and exterior tweaks. Gone is the Chinese model’s unique jump-seat style front, replaced by a more conventional and arguably more practical center armrest console – a nod to Western consumer preferences for comfort and storage. The global EV5 also rolls on new alloy wheels, echoing the sleeker designs seen on its EV6 and EV9 siblings, lending it a more premium aesthetic.
This international version, internally codenamed ‘OV1’, will call Kia’s Autoland Gwangju plant in South Korea its home. This marks a strategic move, establishing Gwangju as a dedicated EV manufacturing hub, complementing the Hwaseong plant’s output of models like the EV6 and EV9. It’s a clear signal of Kia’s dual-pronged approach: leveraging Chinese production for certain markets while dedicating Korean manufacturing prowess for Western and other global destinations.
The Sweet Spot: Performance and Market Appeal
Sized similarly to the popular Kia Sportage (4,615mm long, 2,750mm wheelbase), the EV5 is designed to hit a sweet spot in the semi-mid-sized electric SUV segment. While the Chinese EV5 uses cost-effective LFP batteries, the global model will benefit from a superior nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery. This 82kWh NCM pack is anticipated to deliver an impressive range of 600–700 km, making it a serious contender for families and commuters alike.
By slotting between the more compact EV3 and the stylish EV4, the EV5 is expected to be a high-volume seller for Kia. Its blend of practical SUV space, enhanced technology, refined interior, and robust long-range performance gives it broad appeal. As Kia rapidly expands its electric family, the Korean-built EV5 is shaping up to be a cornerstone of its global EV strategy, driving mainstream adoption of electric mobility.