Kia Unveils EV3: A Feature-Packed Electric SUV with Impressive Range

KIA has unveiled its fourth electric model, the EV3 compact electric SUV (ESUV). This is the company’s fourth electric vehicle after the EV9, EV6 and EV5. It is available in two versions: a standard model with a 58.3 kWh battery and a long-range model (range of up to 600 km according to the WLTP standard) with an 81.4 kWh battery.

After its launch in Korea, it will also be available in the global market. It is planned to be launched in India in 2025. It is based on the e-GMP modular platform. The design preserves KIA’s family identity while integrating cutting-edge interior technology and features inherited from its premium models.

Interior:

The interior of the Kia EV3 mirrors the design of the EV9. The dashboard features a familiar layout with two 12.3-inch floating infotainment screens. Below these screens, a strip of haptic buttons fits neatly into the air conditioning vents. Navigation and multimedia controls, as well as additional buttons on the two-spoke steering wheel, are easily accessible. Importantly, the EV3 incorporates the 30-inch widescreen setup straight from the EV9, which includes a dedicated 5-inch screen for climate control.

The EV3 has the characteristics of a large electric vehicle with a flat floor that maximizes interior space. Its design includes a spacious floating center console with cup holders, while a practical extendable table is hidden in the front center armrest. Additionally, there is a “Relax Mode” in the driver’s seat that allows passengers to enjoy their favorite streaming platform or video games through the infotainment unit while the vehicle is fully towed and loaded.

Kia is committed to using sustainable materials throughout the EV3’s interior, including seats and headliner made from recycled PET bottles, organic waste incorporated into the paint and dashboard, as well as exterior trim made from recycled plastic from previous Kia models.

Exterior:

At the front, the Kia EV3 gets sporty headlights. Kia’s reinterpretation of the TigerFace design features the company’s latest Star Map signature lighting concept. The daytime running lights (DRL) are positioned vertically.

Kia emphasizes the benefits of a gently sloping roofline and a distinctive rear spoiler to increase aerodynamic efficiency. It also features aerodynamically optimized wheels that feature a distinctive block-shaped design. The rear design is similar to the EV9, with a solid two-tone bumper and a smooth tailgate surface. Additionally, GT Line variants of the EV3 offer sportier bumpers. The dimensions of the EV3 are 4,300 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,560 mm high and 2,680 mm wheelbase, similar to that of the Hyundai Creta. The Kia EV3 is available in nine body colors, two of which have been developed specifically for the new model: Adventurous Green and Terracotta.

Features:

Features of the EV3 include a 12-inch head-up display, customizable ambient lighting and an advanced digital display, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and an ADAS package for added safety. In particular, the EV3 features Kia’s revolutionary personal assistant, which will gradually be rolled out to other electric vehicle models. With a spacious 460-litre boot and an additional 25 liters of boot space for extra storage, the EV3 promises practicality.

Battery and autonomy:

The Kia EV3 is based on the E-GMP platform and offers two battery options. The standard version is equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery, while the long-range version is equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery. The electric motor mounted on the front axle produces 201 hp and 283 Nm of torque in both models, resulting in a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 7.5 seconds. The EV3 reaches a maximum speed of 170 km/h.

Kia has announced that the long-range version will be able to travel up to 600 km in the WLTP cycle. Sourced from LG Chem and powered by a 400V architecture, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. Meanwhile, the flagship EV9 model features an 800V EV architecture, as well as paddle shifters for vehicle-to-charge (V2L) capabilities and regenerative braking.