Kia's electric family Sports Utility Vehicle, the EV5, unveiled its European debut
Kia EV5 and Volkswagen ID.4: Competing Electric Family Crossovers in Europe
The electric vehicle (EV) market in Europe is growing, and two new additions are making waves: the Kia EV5 and the Volkswagen ID.4. Both vehicles are electric crossovers, designed to cater to family SUV buyers, and offer competitive range, charging capabilities, and pricing.
The Kia EV5 boasts a loading area with folded rear seats that measures two meters, providing ample space for luggage or other bulky items. It comes with an 81.4 kWh battery, allowing for up to 530 kilometers of range (WLTP standard). The EV5 operates on a 400V battery system, enabling it to achieve a peak charging rate of up to 150 kW, allowing for fast DC charging sessions of approximately 30 minutes to 80% charge.
The Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, offers a more traditional family SUV experience, highly rated for its practicality and solid safety credentials. It provides a spacious interior with a large cargo and passenger space. While it lacks the ultra-fast charging tech of some rivals, it supports DC fast charging up to ~125 kW.
In terms of performance, the Kia EV5 offers 160 kW (218 PS), enabling it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 165 km/h. The ID.4's performance varies slightly, with typical figures of 150-204 PS, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of ~8.5-9 seconds and a top speed of ~160 km/h.
Both vehicles have received positive reviews for their interior design and features. The Kia EV5 offers comfortable seating with good head and legroom, modern controls, and additional features such as camera and radar sensors, a digital key, climate control seats with massage functions, and a 200-volt power outlet in the trunk (Vehicle-to-Load). The ID.4, while minimalist in design, has been praised for its spacious interior and safety features, earning a Euro NCAP 5-star rating.
Pricing for the Kia EV5 in Europe is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be competitive within the mid-range EV market segment. The ID.4, on the other hand, starts around €39,000-€46,000 in Europe, depending on the variant.
In summary, the Kia EV5 offers a slightly longer WLTP range and faster peak charging at up to 150 kW, while the Volkswagen ID.4 provides a highly spacious, well-rounded family SUV with a strong safety pedigree and proven market presence but somewhat lower peak charging power. Both vehicles are suitable options for family crossover buyers, offering practicality, performance, and competitive pricing.
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