Whatever your feelings are about Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy – introduced with the latest Sportage and EV9 – it’s clearly the way the carmaker is moving forward with vehicle design. The design philosophy debuted when Kia launched its new logo and takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity.
The forthcoming EV5 shows another interpretation of ‘Opposites United’, this influenced by one of five design pillars of the philosophy – Bold for Nature.
The compact SUV (which will, of course, be fully electric) features a solid and powerful body complemented by a soft and emotionally resonant surface.
Embracing the subtle interplay between natural landscapes and contemporary architecture, the EV5 features strong and solid lines and a wide and unique stance.
It also has yet another interpretation – a more modern digital one – of the Kia ‘tiger mask’ which no longer has the appearance of a traditional grille.
Powerful fenders and wide shoulder lines create a solid and unique quarter silhouette. The pushed-back D-pillars suggest family-friendly practicality, accentuating the spaciousness of the rear seat and the cargo area while providing a wide field of visibility.
Further enhancing the frontal design on the EV5 is a 3-dimensional ‘Signature Star Map Lighting’ formed by daytime running lights. Inspired by star-studded constellations, it introduces dynamic shapes along the lamp line, further emphasizing the new Tiger Face design.
At the rear, an extended and lowered spoiler maintains the SUV’s distinctive profile while improving aerodynamic efficiency. The technical-looking and broad lower skidplate gives a rugged image, while the parting line of the tailgate provides a crisp, clean sign-off to the design.
Research by Kia has revealed that millennial households now regard the interior of their EV SUV not just as a place to sit safely and comfortably when travelling from A to B, but as an additional ‘room’ to live their life in.
To meet this challenge, Kia’s designers have completely reimagined the vehicle’s interior space. Drawing additional inspiration from the recently launched larger EV9 SUV, they have endowed the EV5 with an extensive interior space that is closer in concept and execution to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin.
Here, once again, the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar has played a crucial role, ensuring the interior design of the EV5 is focused on the creation of an exceptional blend of new spaces and shapes, pursuing a concept of seamless harmony between nature and man-made elements.
This results in a transformative convergence of form and function to ensure an engaging and comfortable experience for all occupants and provide a welcoming environment for leisure activities.
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The design details of the cabin have been carefully chosen, and the overall finish is impeccably executed to create an interior ambience that combines a sense of relaxed wellbeing, personal inspiration, and pure family fun.
This becomes even more evident in low light conditions, thanks to variable mood lighting across the front section of the crash pad as well as the front and rear door trims. Bringing a highly personal touch to mood lighting, the EV5 offers adjustable brightness as well, with 10 shades and a total of 64 colour options.
When activated, the mood lighting synchronizes seamlessly with the vehicle’s drive modes, dims in low light conditions, and subtly alerts if the vehicle strays over the speed limit, thus enhancing driver engagement and awareness.
The EV5’s centre fascia serves as a defining design feature, while also offering class-leading practicality and seamless, intuitive occupant interaction. With the integration of elements such as the new generation connected car Navigation & Cockpit and heater controls, occupants can select their preferred settings with the same ease as if they were sitting in their favourite chair at home.
“The Kia EV5 was created to redefine the compact SUV genre with a form shaped by Kia’s unique design philosophy ‘Opposites United,’” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice-President and Head of the Kia Global Design Centre. “It sets a new standard for design, performance and practicality while providing new levels of driver enjoyment and user experience.”
The EV5 was unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in China and will go on sale there in the later part of this year. Kia says it will also be offered in certain other markets as well.