Kia today unveiled its EV4 model at the brand’s 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, strengthening Kia’s lineup to enhance the adoption and appeal of electric mobility.
Versatile and practical, the EV4 is an athletic all-rounder that represents Kia’s first electrified saloon (four-door) and hatchback (five-door), designed to navigate cities and cross continents. Launched to redefine the C-segment and shown in both saloon and hatchback body styles, the Kia EV4 represents a fresh approach to the traditional aesthetics of the sector.
As indicated by the campaign slogan ‘Your Edge in Motion’, the Kia EV4 introduces a new typology for saloons and hatchbacks. In doing so, Kia is expanding choice in an EV market traditionally focused on CUVs and SUVs.
As a core model, the EV4 also expands Kia’s award-winning EV lineup and appeals to the ‘Early Majority’ customer segment. It promotes EV adoption through a blend of practical and innovative design, technological reliability, and a flexible electric vehicle experience that meets a diverse range of customer needs.
The Concept EV2, meanwhile, is an agile B-segment electric SUV that previews an upcoming production model that will enable users to experience urban spaces in new and more immersive ways. Both vehicles cater to lifestyle-driven buyers who are eager to embrace new technology, ultimately improving productivity and opening new possibilities while focusing on smart consumption.
Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, said: “Kia EV Day shows our vision for a sustainable future where electric mobility is accessible to all. The EV4 embodies that vision perfectly as a statement of our commitment to innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and a connected driving experience that excites and inspires. The EV4 marks a significant step forward in our electrification journey, offering advanced technology and a choice of body styles for drivers seeking a seamless transition to electric mobility.”
What battery options power the Kia EV4 and how far can it go on a single charge?
- 3kWh standard and 81.4kWh long-range battery options
- Class-leading All-Electric Range (AER) of 630km (391 miles) (long-range model), according to WLTP standards
- Ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.23Cd; full underbody covers for optimised aerodynamic performance
- 150kW motor for best 0-100km/h performance of 7.4 seconds
- 10-80% charging in just 31 minutes (long-range model) from 400V EV-dedicated platform
- V2L and V2G capability
- Advanced chassis technology for top-tier ride comfort, refinement and dynamic ability
Built on Kia’s dedicated 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), both Kia EV4 variants benefit from a choice of standard (58.3kWh) or long-range (81.4kWh) battery configurations. These supply a front-mounted 150kW motor delivering 0-100km/h performance of 7.4 and 7.7 seconds respectively, and a top speed of 170km/h for both variants.
As in all Kia EVs, this performance is carefully balanced with efficiency to ensure maximum range. A series of aerodynamic enhancements, including a full undercover, help to smooth airflow underneath the vehicle and result in an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.
This enables the EV4 saloon to deliver a class-leading target range of 430km in the case of the standard model, and 630km in the long-range. The EV4 hatchback offers a long-range projection of 590km when fully charged, according to WLTP standards. A 10-80% charge can be accomplished in as little as 31 minutes, while EV4 features an 11kW on-board charger that accepts both single-phase and three-phase inputs.
The EV4’s exceptional EV capability can also be utilised beyond the vehicle thanks to 3.6kVA Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for indoor and outdoor use, as well as 10kVA Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality. Whether being used to power electronic devices on a camping trip or maintaining power to important domestic appliances during a power outage, the EV4’s practicality and flexibility can assist users both inside and outside the car.
The charging door is located on the front fender, improving accessibility and charging flexibility, while a newly designed visible charging status indicator aids convenience.
In keeping with the EV4’s broad remit, the car’s ride and handling have been tuned to ensure comfort and compliance, as well as control and agility.
The front suspension assembly includes an EV-specialised MacPherson strut design, with a multi-link set-up and coil-over units at the rear. Combined with first-in-class application of third generation ‘SFD3’ frequency-responsive valves in the EV4’s suspension dampers, and hydro G suspension bushing, the EV4’s chassis technology results in reduced noise and vibration, and improved ride comfort.
Enhanced FWD geometry and advanced body strengthening in key locations further improve cornering stability and dynamic response, with steering deflection from bumps reduced by up to 50% for a more direct, engaging driving experience.
What convenience and connectivity features does the Kia EV4 offer?
- Digital Key 2.0 provides easy access, including via Apple WatchTM
- i-Pedal 3.0 variable regenerative braking for maximum comfort, efficiency and safety
- Remote OTA update allows software updates via user’s mobile
- 30-inch combined wide-screen display connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) enhances in-car entertainment experience
- Cutting-edge in-car content streaming and connectivity services, including YouTube and Netflix
- Innovative interior storage and flexibility solutions
The Kia EV4 utilises a combination of physical design and technological elements to provide market-leading convenience and connectivity in an all-electric saloon and hatchback.
When approaching the car, Kia’s smartphone-based Digital Key 2.0 provides simple access, engine start and remote-control functions. Access can be shared with up to 15 devices, including an Apple WatchTM, via the app.
On the move, Kia’s customisable i-Pedal 3.0 system works across all levels of regenerative braking to help further improve passenger comfort and the ease of driving, alongside the EV4’s adaptive Smart Regenerative Braking function. The i-Pedal 3.0 system also works in reverse for smooth, easy manoeuvring, while the EV4’s i-Pedal Memory function means the car will revert to the last-used i-Pedal setting on restarting.
Incorporating 12.3-inch, 5.3-inch and 12.3-inch screens, the EV4’s 30-inch combined wide-screen display connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) sets class-leading standards for in-car entertainment. Newly introduced by Kia, the remote OTA update allows customers to carry out updates remotely via their mobile phones and connect seamlessly with their vehicles. Additionally, the innovative connectivity function also enables customers to take advantage of new display themes, such as NBA and Disney-related content, to customise the vehicle.
In addition, the cutting-edge Vehicle Smart TV solution takes infotainment to the next level, offering a rich array of entertainment options, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games and karaoke. With support for a wide range of content formats (such as 21:9 aspect ratio) for YouTube and Netflix, the system’s display can be fully utilised for an immersive experience throughout the interior and will be continuously enhanced through the addition of more categorised content, such as streaming services, games, and news through an app store.
The EV4 offers one of the most comprehensive automotive entertainment experiences ever developed for a production vehicle. Rest Mode utilises the front-row relaxation seats and the mood lamp to create a comforting atmosphere. Theatre Mode optimises settings for the 30-inch combined wide screen display, interior mood lighting and eight-speaker sound system (an optional eight-speaker Harmon/Kardon system is also available) to deliver an exceptional viewing experience.
Kia’s AI Assistant leverages machine learning to continuously improve voice recognition response accuracy, strengthening connections between the EV4 and external information systems to deliver a more convenient user experience.
What key safety features does the Kia EV4 offer?
- Latest ADAS functionality focuses on seamless integration with driving experience
- Transformative application of Kia’s advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) tech
- Driving Package F+ (Drive Wise) delivers advanced detection capabilities
- Optimised and strengthened body structure for top-tier safety protection
- Targeting five-star Euro NCAP safety rating (optional safety functions including ADAS F+ package); five-star US NCAP safety rating; IIHS Top Safety Pick
In line with the rest of the Kia range, the EV4 offers exceptional safety standards, with the application of Kia’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2) technology to transform the driving experience.
This includes enhanced ADAS functionality with Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Remote Parking Assist Entry to improve safety and convenience. A 12-inch windshield Head-up Display is also offered to enable drivers to keep their eyes on the road while monitoring information such as vehicle speed and navigation guidance.
Seamlessly integrating ADAS services, Kia’s Direct Grip Detection System (HOD – Hands On Detection) senses contact between the steering wheel and the driver’s hand area (fingers, one hand, both hands) to determine if they have control of the vehicle, allowing for easy deactivation of ADAS warnings with a simple touch on the steering wheel.
What’s more, the Driving Package F+ (‘Drive Wise’) advanced driver-assistance system detects hazardous situations through a combination of cameras and radars, assisting the driver in safe driving and manoeuvring.
In the event of a collision, the EV4’s structure is optimised with advanced passenger and battery safety designs, including a multi-load path applied to the front section of the battery area and safeguards to ensure protection during a rear-end collision.
The EV4’s roof is capable of withstanding more than five times the vehicle’s total weight. Furthermore, the use of a multi-rib structure in the rocker panel, which runs along the side of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels below the doors, provides enhanced side protection for occupants.
The Kia EV4 aims to achieve a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with optional safety functions such as ADAS F+, five-star US NCAP and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.
What is the Kia EV4’s design philosophy?
- Design philosophy blends contrasts from nature and humanity for a modern, expressive appearance
- Exterior features a low nose, long-tail silhouette, wide stance, vertical headlamps, and EV Tiger Face for a sporty, innovative look
- Interior offers a minimalist, high-tech design with a free-floating interface and asymmetric steering wheel for improved functionality
The EV4 marks a new typology of saloon and hatchback, combining a low nose and long-tail silhouette in an expressive, modern form. Born out of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity, the progressive profiles of both the EV4 saloon and EV4 hatchback models exude a strong, confident character of innovation.
The EV4’s wide stance creates a solid, sporty presence that emphasises modernity and refinement. Vertically oriented headlamps and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting denote the model’s position in the Kia EV family. Its bold front end, deploying Kia’s new EV Tiger Face, underlines the EV4’s unique technical character.
At the rear, the two-piece spoiler and clean bumper design of the EV4 saloon relay the variant’s innovative spirit, while the taillights accentuate its width. The sloping rear windows and elongated proportions of its hatchback sibling highlight its progressive, sporty identity.
The EV4’s high-tech interior deploys unexpected contrasts in form, colour and material. The minimalistic yet engaging design creates a precise and functional space and the modern character fuses soft, human-centric design with industrial themes.
Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy is evident throughout the EV4’s spacious interior, most notably in the free-floating user interface and asymmetric steering wheel, which combine inspiring design with enhanced functionality.
The EV4 places a strong focus on occupant comfort, space and convenience through features such as a rotating armrest, a sliding table console, maximised seating space in the first and second rows, and largest-in-class luggage space of 490 litres (435 litres for the hatchback). Intuitive-to-use physical buttons, dynamic welcome lighting and ambient lighting further enhance the user experience.
The EV4 GT-line features exclusive design elements in addition to the innovative base model, creating a more dynamic character. This variant’s wing-shaped front and rear bumpers provide a stronger, sleeker impression, while the triangular-motif 19-inch wheels enhance the vehicle’s futuristic, sporty feel.
Where will the Kia EV4 be built and when will it go on sale?
The EV4 saloon will be produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in Korea, while the hatchback will be produced only in Slovakia, primarily targeting sales in Europe. Production will commence in mid-March for the Korean saloon model, and the second half of the year for the Europe-only EV4 hatchback. Production for North America and other regions is planned for later in the year.
The Kia EV4 is scheduled to go on sale in the Korean market from March, with a European launch in the second half of the year. Sales in the United States will follow.
