Kia EV4 Spotted Overseas
In the years that the Kia Corp has introduced a new lineup of electrified options, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the EV6 was the one that started the wave. Even in the face of this, the EV9 is the flagship of the automaker for BEVs. Maybe one day, one of the new BEV concepts will take its place, such as Kia EV5, or maybe the new EV3 and EV4. We got some details about the EV4 in June 2024, and two months later, the EV4 has been spotted in South Korea as it begins a global launch.
Interestingly enough, the new Kia EV4 shares some semblance with the EV6 hatchback. It’s a nice step back after the large EV9 electric SUV. We’re holding out hope for a sports car size BEV soon with the Kia EV5 concept or the Kia EV8, but for now, the size of the BEVs are starting to shrink a little with the EV4. This will make it easier to introduce high-performance capability to Kia BEVs that can handle more horsepower and manage sharp turns.
Designed with narrow, vertical LED headlights, the front fascia also sports the new digital “Tiger Face” grille. Based on what was seen in South Korea, the EV4 has a low noise and a long rear that is a little higher. The roof also seems to be extended, like the EV3. This and the swept-back roofline provide a nice profile for the BEV.
Inside, the dashboard and center console go for a more simplified look and feel. Featuring Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system and Kia Connect services, the EV4 will feature the latest tech and software. This includes a panoramic display with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch infotainment driver display screen, the current style new BEVs are going for. The screens may become even more customizable with Kia Connect Store apps and over-the-air (OTA) updates via the Kia Connect subscription service.
We didn’t get any new specs on the performance of the EV4. Like other BEVs in the lineup, there will be several different trims with different degrees of horsepower and all-electric ranges (AERs). Starting with the standard model, the EV4 offers an AER of 217 miles. The Long Range model can offer up to 311 miles. We can expect more performance from a GT-Line or GT Turbo trim if there is one, but we’re not sure how the AER will be affected.
Sources estimate that the starting U.S. MSRP for the Kia EV4 could cost somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000. From what we can tell in South Korea, pre-orders have started for $32,000 and $37,000 in the UK. However, prices are still expected to reach upwards of $43,000. If we base it on its similarities in size and features to the EV6, the starting MSRP for the 2024 EV6 is $42,600 (plus destination fee), so we have some idea of how much it will cost once the EV4 comes to America.
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