Kia EV4: Goodbye SUV, hello electric sedan and hatchback

Kia is determined to consolidate its leadership in the electric era, and its next big bet, the Kia EV4, promises to revolutionize the market starting in 2025. This new model not only stands out for its impressive range of up to 630 kilometers, but also for a key change in strategy: it will be the brand's first 100% electric car produced in Europe, specifically in its hatchback version, which will be assembled in Slovakia, while the sedan will be manufactured in Korea.
The EV4's main innovation lies in its design: it breaks with the SUV hegemony in Kia's electric range. It comes in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback formats, offering more stylish coupé-like alternatives.
This approach not only achieves a sportier aesthetic, but also outstanding aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient of just 0.23, which optimizes energy consumption and makes it ideal for both city driving and long journeys.
The 400V E-GMP platform is the technological heart of the EV4, ensuring ultra-fast charging. Users can go from 10% to 80% battery in just 29 to 31 minutes, eliminating range anxiety on long journeys. It also incorporates bi-directional charging, a feature that allows it not only to power external devices but also to return energy to the grid, adding an extra layer of versatility.

The EV4 will be available with two battery sizes: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The higher-capacity option allows the sedan to achieve a range of 630 kilometers, while the hatchback achieves an equally impressive 590 kilometers. These figures position it as a direct competitor for long trips thanks to the "EV route planner," which searches for the best charging options while traveling, or the "Plug&Charge" option, which allows charging without a bank card or mobile apps.

The EV4's onboard experience promises to be revolutionary. The cabin becomes a hub of comfort and technology, starting with the Digital Key 2.0 system, which allows you to unlock, start, and share the car with up to 15 devices without the need for physical keys. The immersive experience is completed with features such as Rest mode, which transforms the interior into a relaxation space, and Theater mode, which turns the car into an audition room thanks to its 30-inch screen and surround sound.
The new ccNC infotainment system is managed through these three integrated 30-inch screens, offering access to a wide ecosystem of apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+. Added to this is the improved i-Pedal system, which facilitates one-pedal driving, even in reverse, for a more comfortable and efficient experience once mastered.

In terms of safety, the EV4 incorporates the latest in driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2 with intelligent cruise control that "knows what's coming," fatigue detection, a blind-spot camera, and remote parking assistance. Dynamically, great stability and precision are expected thanks to its optimized frame, multi-link rear suspension, and front-wheel drive geometry—features already proven in other Kia electric models.
With the EV4, which will hit the market in the last quarter of 2025, Kia is not only reinforcing its commitment to electric vehicles, but also doing so with a proposition that moves away from the dominant SUV format, offering a fresh, technologically advanced alternative with a clear European manufacturing seal to appeal to a broader audience. The sales price has not yet been set.
ABC.es