Kia has been including to its battery-powered lineup of fashions, most just lately with the EV3 small electrical SUV. Now, the South Korean model is rolling out a mid-size electrical sedan to rival the likes of the Tesla Mannequin 3.Â
Its design is sort of a idea automotive that simply rolled off the motor present stand, and whereas there may be additionally a hatch made in Europe for Europe (pictured right here), solely the Korean-made sedan is slated to come back to Australia.
The low-slung bonnet and raked windscreen look futuristic, particularly with the upright daytime operating lights pushed to the extremities, however its form is as a lot about aerodynamics and boosting that all-important driving vary.Â
Particulars corresponding to flush-fitting door handles and sci-fi wheel designs are so the EV4 can lower via the air extra cleanly, together with the prolonged rear-end – which implies the EV4 is longer than a present BMW 3 Collection and Mannequin 3.Â
Forward of its arrival in Australia, we bought behind the wheel of the EV4 at its European launch in Spain.
How a lot does the Kia EV4 value?
It’s nonetheless too quickly for Australian costs to be set for the EV4, although it’s anticipated to value somewhat greater than the EV3, which has an preliminary drive-away value of $48,990 for the Commonplace Vary and $56,490 for the Lengthy Vary, whereas the GT-Line flagship prices $68,490 drive-away.Â
The latter would put it on par with the Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary. Kia may also roll out a dual-motor model in time, and a range-topping EV4 GT.
Efficiency apart, the GT-Line does include a excessive degree of ordinary gear, so that you’re unlikely to must spend extra by ticking further choices packing containers.
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
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What’s the Kia EV4 like on the within?
As putting as the outside could also be, the inside design is extra palatable, packing in all the trendy tech you’d like however doing so in a method that’s much less stark and minimalist than a few of its rivals.
First up, you’ll discover the big single-piece dashboard show. This unit is identical as Kia’s different fashions and is, actually, made up of three elements: a 12.3-inch digital instrument display screen, a 5.3-inch touchscreen for the local weather management within the center, and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
All of it works properly, although the local weather part does get barely obstructed by your hand when holding the wheel.
Moreover, it’s made partly redundant by means of the bodily management tabs for the temperature and fan settings fastened to the dashboard. Not that we’re complaining: bodily buttons trump touchscreen use for features corresponding to these.
The infotainment system is detailed and specified by a fairly logical method, so discovering sure features or settings isn’t that laborious a activity.
There are the anticipated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring features, and a wi-fi charging pad decrease down that has a useful rubberised coating, so your telephone received’t be sliding round as you drive. Moreover, there’s a strong 100W USB-C cost port, a 180W 12-volt socket, and the entrance seats have USB-C ports constructed into their sides to make it straightforward for passengers within the rear to succeed in.
The multifunction steering wheel has buttons which might be straightforward to navigate by thumb when driving, and the digital instrument show is obvious and simple to learn.
The steering wheel has affordable ranges of adjustment for attain and rake. Mixed with the electrically adjustable entrance seats, it’s straightforward to discover a comfy driving place within the EV4.
We additionally like that the window and mirror controls are correct switches and buttons on the driving force’s door. Optionally, consumers can add a 12.3-inch color head-up show that tasks onto the windscreen. It’s a pleasant factor to have, however not important.
Rear passengers could have little to complain about by way of area. A flat ground all the best way throughout and a reclinable rear seat make it comfy within the again, although the entrance seats are set low sufficient that it’s not that straightforward to get your toes in beneath them. Nonetheless, there’s ample legroom.
As with different automobiles on this phase, the center seat isn’t as beneficiant, however three folks will slot in with a squeeze. Each outboard rear seats are outfitted with ISOFIX little one seat mounting factors and, within the GT-Line specification, the seats are heated.
The EV4 sedan will get a deep boot that measures 490 litres, though the aperture might be higher in our opinion. Granted, the opening is broad, nevertheless it’s not particularly tall, and the chunky hinges for the boot lid take away extra entry. It’s a disgrace that Kia didn’t engineer this to be a liftback with a roof-hinged tailgate quite than a standard sedan with a trunk lid, which might have made it virtually as sensible because the hatch.
Extra cargo quantity could be achieved by folding down the rear seats, which have a handy pull tab on the boot opening, rising general quantity to 1415 litres.
| Dimensions | Kia EV4 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4730mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Peak | 1480mm |
| Wheelbase | 2820mm |
| Cargo capability | 490L |
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
There’s just one motor obtainable within the EV4 from launch, a 150kW unit driving the entrance wheels, which produces 283Nm. In time, Kia plans to increase the vary with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, and even a warmer GT flagship.
| Specs | Kia EV4 GT-Line |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 81.4kWh NMC lithium-ion |
| Energy | 150kW |
| Torque | 283Nm |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1900kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.7 seconds |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 14.4kWh/100km |
| Power consumption (as examined) | 15.4kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 633km |
| Max AC cost price | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | 128kW |
For the typical motorist, that 150kW output is adequate and there’s sufficient torque on demand to make it really feel brisk more often than not. At greater speeds, the punchiness of that torque supply drops off, so any overtakes at greater speeds require a bit extra consideration.Â
The 81.4kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery will assist to pique pursuits by means of the 633km WLTP mixed vary it may present (with as much as 797km in WLTP Metropolis mode). Kia has already revealed that there may also be a Commonplace Vary model with a 58.3kWh battery that has a driving vary of 430km and makes use of the identical 150kW motor.Â
The EV4 is constructed on the identical E-GMP platform that underpins the bigger EV6 and EV9 electrical SUVs, however on this occasion, it will get a 400-volt system structure quite than the 800-volt system the others use.
Meaning the EV4 will get a decrease most DC fast-charging price of 128kW versus 350kW, so a ten to 80 per cent recharge takes 31 minutes with the bigger battery and a barely shorter 29 minutes with the 58.3kWh battery. Deciding which battery to go for in the end simply comes down as to whether you want that prolonged driving vary.
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Kia EV4 drive?
For all of the tech and spectacular driving vary, the EV4 is remarkably regular to drive. The 150kW output is modest by some EV requirements, however in actual life it’s going to be enough for almost all of drivers.Â
Ship it from a inexperienced mild and seven.7 seconds will go earlier than 100km/h rolls up on the digital show. Its 283Nm means the automotive does really feel brisk if you want a brief enter of energy.
More often than not, the EV4 is about offering a relaxed and composed driving expertise. A lot of that’s right down to an honest quantity of sound insulation, together with laminated glass within the entrance doorways to assist eradicate extreme highway noise.Â
The suspension consists of a MacPherson strut entrance setup and a multi-link rear-end, and makes use of frequency-responsive valves in its dampers. These present the Kia with a snug and gentle experience when travelling on easy highways and agency up when the automotive is hitting the curves, leading to a sharper really feel by way of dealing with.Â
Additional refinement particulars embrace hydraulic bushings to scale back shimmy and vibrations on the transfer. Engineers have additionally made adjustments to the electrical motor and drivetrain to extend refinement and reduce any undesirable sounds and vibrations.Â
For probably the most half, it’s quiet when travelling at greater speeds, and even on the 19-inch wheels of the GT-Line, there’s minimal highway noise bleeding into the cabin.
The steering is mild however feeds sufficient data again to the driving force so you may at all times really feel what the entrance axle is doing, nevertheless it retains the distinctive front-wheel drive really feel of its make-up. Compared, a Mannequin 3 feels extra participating to drive, and sportier too; maybe the forthcoming AWD or GT variations of the EV4 will treatment that.Â
Drivers can regulate the diploma of vitality recuperation on the transfer by pulling on the steering wheel paddles. There are 4 settings, starting from a sail mode that enables the automotive to freewheel for a substantial distance, as much as a degree three that gives a one-pedal driving really feel, ideally suited for metropolis and concrete commuting.
Its uncommon form means the EV4 sedan cuts via the air fairly cleanly, lowering vitality consumption as you go. In case you have been questioning, its drag coefficient is 0.23Cd – much better than the European EV4 hatchback, which solely manages 0.27Cd.
We didn’t fairly handle to match the claimed consumption determine however did come shut sufficient to it. However even when you nonetheless have a little bit of vary nervousness, the onboard pc does a helpful factor of exhibiting you the estimated vary distance remaining, in addition to a minimal and most relying in your driving behaviour.
The EV4 Lengthy Vary can tow as much as 1000kg, although the smaller battery is simply rated to tug 500kg, so which may be one thing that you must think about when shopping for.
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
Kia Australia has confirmed the EV4 will be a part of the mannequin vary in Australia, though additional data relating to variants and options has not but been introduced.
2026 Kia EV4 GT-Line gear highlights:Â
- GT-Line bumpersÂ
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery
- Warmth pump
- Heated and ventilated entrance seatsÂ
- Premium leisure entrance seatsÂ
- 19-inch alloy wheelsÂ
- Digital Key 2.0Â
- Car-to-Load (V2L)
- Wi-fi Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Harmon/kardon Premium 8-speaker stereo
- Wi-fi telephone chargerÂ
- 360-degree digicam
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Kia EV4 secure?
The EV4 has not but been assessed by ANCAP. All just lately launched fashions from Kia have already scored five-star rankings when examined, together with the EV3 which shares the identical platform structure, so we might count on the EV4 to attain properly when it’s assessed.
Commonplace security gear consists of:Â
- Secure exit warningÂ
- Driver consideration digicamÂ
- Blind spot view monitorÂ
- Ahead collision avoidanceÂ
- 360-degree cameras
- Freeway driving help with hands-on detection
- Lane preserving help
- Good cruise management with emergency cease
- Distant begin parking help
- Trailer stability help
There’s a multitude of driver help programs within the EV4 that not solely make driving that bit simpler but additionally mitigate accidents and collisions. These embrace autonomous emergency braking that may additionally detect pedestrians and cyclists, parking collision avoidance to forestall any sudden dings and a 360-degree digicam setup that conveniently shows the car’s blind spot on the digital dashboard when indicating.Â
An clever cruise management function aids freeway driving, and it’s able to following the lane markings when lively. The steering wheel is capacitive and detects when your fingers are involved with it. Ought to the driving force change into unresponsive, it may activate an emergency cease operate by turning on the hazard lights and bringing the automotive to a managed cease within the centre of its lane. The parking brake is then utilized, and the doorways unlocked to permit simpler entry for assist.Â
The cabin is kitted out with seven airbags, together with a centre airbag between the entrance seats, whereas rear passengers get aspect curtain airbags.
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Kia EV4 value to run?
Essentially the most inexpensive option to run the EV4 is to utilise a house charging setup, ideally one which is attached to photo voltaic or affords a extra aggressive vitality price at evening. You can too arrange scheduled charging by way of the Kia smartphone app.
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| Servicing and Guarantee | Kia EV4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years or 150,000km |
| Roadside help | 12 months, then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | TBC |
| Whole capped-price service value | TBC |
A full cost of the Kia’s 81.4kWh battery with a mean evening price value of 20c per kWh will value you somewhat over $16, which is affordable when you think about the claimed 633km driving vary it affords.Â
Kia Australia’s aftersales assist isn’t dangerous both, with all automobiles receiving a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and 12 months of roadside help that may be prolonged as much as eight years when you persist with the producer’s scheduled service plan at an authorised seller.
To see how the Kia EV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia EV4
Look previous Kia’s polarising design language and the EV4 delivers a strong, sensible EV for households and firm automotive drivers alike.
From its Tesla-rivalling vary to its fashionable inside that’s full of tech, the EV4 has many of the proper belongings you’d count on in an electrical automotive at present.Â
The boot aperture might be extra beneficiant, and its DC fast-charging price lags behind some others.
However whereas it’s not particularly fast on this launch guise both, it stays a pleasing automotive to drive.
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