Kia EV4: Redefining the Electric Sedan and Hatchback for a New Generation

Kia has officially unveiled its groundbreaking EV4, marking the brand’s entry into the electric sedan and hatchback segment. The reveal took place at the Kia EV Day 2025 event in Tarragona, Spain, alongside a preview of the Concept EV2, a future B-segment electric SUV. The Kia EV4 is poised to broaden the appeal of electric vehicles and accelerate their widespread adoption by offering a fresh and innovative approach to traditional vehicle aesthetics and functionality.

The Kia EV4 is designed as a versatile and practical all-rounder, capable of navigating urban environments and undertaking cross-continental journeys. Representing Kia’s first foray into electrified sedans and hatchbacks, the EV4 aims to redefine the C-segment with its bold and innovative design. Available in both sedan (four-door) and hatchback (five-door) body styles, the EV4 caters to a new generation of drivers seeking an ‘Edge in Motion’. This campaign slogan perfectly encapsulates the EV4’s mission to introduce a new typology, expanding consumer choice in an EV market that has predominantly focused on CUVs and SUVs.

As a core model in Kia’s expanding, award-winning EV lineup, the Kia EV4 targets the ‘Early Majority’ customer segment. It seeks to promote EV adoption by seamlessly blending practical and innovative design, cutting-edge technological reliability, and a flexible electric vehicle experience. This combination is designed to meet the diverse needs and expectations of a broad range of customers.

Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, emphasized the significance of the EV4, stating, “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.”

Kia EV4 Battery Options and Range Capabilities

The Kia EV4 is built upon Kia’s dedicated 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a foundation that ensures both variants benefit from advanced technology and performance. Customers will have a choice between two battery configurations: a standard 58.3 kWh battery and a long-range 81.4 kWh option. Both battery packs power a front-mounted 150 kW motor, delivering impressive acceleration and a top speed of 170 km/h for both variants. The 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in 7.4 seconds for the standard model and 7.7 seconds for the long-range version.

Kia has prioritized efficiency alongside performance to maximize the driving range of the EV4. Aerodynamic enhancements, including full underbody covers, contribute to an exceptionally low drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd. This focus on aerodynamics translates directly into class-leading driving ranges. The Kia EV4 sedan achieves a targeted range of 430 km with the standard battery and an impressive 630 km with the long-range battery, according to WLTP standards. The hatchback variant offers a long-range projection of 590 km on a full charge, also based on WLTP testing.

Charging the Kia EV4 is designed for convenience and speed. Using a DC fast charger, the EV4 can recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 31 minutes for the long-range model. The EV4 also features an 11 kW on-board charger, compatible with both single-phase and three-phase AC inputs, for flexible home and public charging.

Beyond simply powering the vehicle, the Kia EV4’s electric capabilities extend to Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality. With 3.6 kVA V2L capability, the EV4 can power external devices and appliances, making it ideal for camping or outdoor activities. Furthermore, the 10 kVA V2G functionality enables the EV4 to return energy to the grid, potentially offering cost savings and contributing to grid stability. The charging port is conveniently located on the front fender, enhancing accessibility, and a newly designed visible charging status indicator adds to the user-friendly charging experience.

The Kia EV4’s ride and handling have been meticulously tuned to strike a balance between comfort, compliance, control, and agility. The front suspension utilizes an EV-specialized MacPherson strut design, while the rear features a multi-link setup with coil-over units. Notably, the EV4 incorporates third-generation ‘SFD3’ frequency-responsive valves in its suspension dampers – a first in its class. Combined with hydro G suspension bushings, this advanced chassis technology minimizes noise and vibration, significantly improving ride comfort. Enhanced FWD geometry and strategic body strengthening further enhance cornering stability and dynamic responsiveness, reducing steering deflection from bumps by up to 50% for a more engaging driving experience.

Convenience and Connectivity Technologies in the Kia EV4

The Kia EV4 is packed with cutting-edge convenience and connectivity features designed to elevate the in-car experience. Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 system offers seamless access, engine start, and remote-control functions via smartphone or even Apple WatchTM. This digital key can be shared with up to 15 compatible devices via a dedicated app, offering unprecedented convenience for families and shared vehicle use.

Kia’s customizable i-Pedal 3.0 system allows for variable regenerative braking across multiple levels, enhancing both passenger comfort and driving ease. This system also functions in reverse for smooth maneuvering, and the i-Pedal Memory function ensures the car remembers the driver’s preferred regenerative braking setting upon restarting. The EV4 also incorporates Smart Regenerative Braking, further optimizing efficiency.

The interior of the Kia EV4 boasts a class-leading 30-inch wide-screen display, integrating 12.3-inch, 5.3-inch, and 12.3-inch screens within the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). This system provides an immersive infotainment experience. Kia’s new remote OTA update capability allows for seamless software updates via a user’s mobile phone, keeping the vehicle’s systems current and enhancing functionality over time. The connectivity features also extend to customizable display themes, including NBA and Disney-related content, allowing for personalized vehicle aesthetics.

The Vehicle Smart TV solution takes in-car entertainment to a new level, offering access to a wide array of streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, as well as games and karaoke. The system supports various content formats, including the 21:9 aspect ratio for YouTube and Netflix, maximizing the display’s potential for an immersive experience throughout the cabin. Kia plans to continuously enhance this system with more categorized content, streaming services, games, and news available through an app store.

For relaxation and immersive entertainment, the Kia EV4 offers Rest Mode, utilizing front-row relaxation seats and mood lighting to create a comforting ambiance. Theatre Mode optimizes settings for the 30-inch wide screen display, interior mood lighting, and the optional eight-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system to deliver a superior content viewing experience while parked. Kia’s AI Assistant leverages machine learning to continuously improve voice recognition accuracy, strengthening the connection between the EV4 and external information systems for a more intuitive user experience.

Kia EV4 Advanced Safety Features

Safety is paramount in the Kia EV4, which is equipped with the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) technology is a transformative application, seamlessly integrating advanced safety features to enhance the driving experience. This includes enhanced ADAS functionality such as Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Remote Parking Assist Entry. A 12-inch windshield Head-up Display is also available, projecting key information like speed and navigation directly into the driver’s line of sight.

Kia’s Direct Grip Detection System (HOD – Hands On Detection) is another innovative safety feature. It senses the driver’s hand contact with the steering wheel, ensuring driver engagement and allowing for easy deactivation of ADAS warnings with a simple touch. The optional Driving Package F+ (‘Drive Wise’) further enhances safety with advanced driver-assistance systems that utilize cameras and radars to detect hazardous situations and assist the driver in safe maneuvering.

The Kia EV4’s body structure is engineered for optimal safety in the event of a collision. It features a multi-load path in the front battery area and robust safeguards to protect the battery and occupants in rear-end collisions. The roof is designed to withstand over five times the vehicle’s total weight, and a multi-rib structure in the rocker panel provides enhanced side impact protection. Kia is targeting a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the EV4, along with five-star US NCAP and IIHS Top Safety Pick designations, demonstrating its commitment to the highest safety standards.

Kia EV4 Design Philosophy: Opposites United

The Kia EV4 embodies a new design typology for sedans and hatchbacks, characterized by a low nose and long-tail silhouette, resulting in an expressive and modern form. Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which draws inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity, the EV4 projects a strong and confident character of innovation.

The EV4’s wide stance creates a solid and sporty presence, emphasizing modernity and refinement. Vertically oriented headlamps and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting clearly identify the EV4 within the Kia EV family. The bold front end features Kia’s new EV Tiger Face, underscoring the EV4’s unique electric identity. The rear design of the EV4 sedan includes a two-piece spoiler and a clean bumper, reinforcing its innovative spirit, while taillights accentuate the vehicle’s width. The sloping rear windows and elongated proportions of the hatchback variant highlight its progressive and sporty character.

Inside, the Kia EV4’s high-tech interior showcases unexpected contrasts in form, color, and material. The minimalist yet engaging design creates a functional and precise space, fusing soft, human-centric elements with industrial design themes. The ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy is evident throughout the spacious interior, particularly in the free-floating user interface and the asymmetric one-spoke steering wheel, which combine inspiring aesthetics with enhanced functionality.

The Kia EV4 prioritizes occupant comfort, space, and convenience with features such as a rotating armrest, a sliding table console, maximized seating space in both rows, and a class-leading luggage space of 490 liters (435 liters for the hatchback). Intuitive physical buttons, dynamic welcome lighting, and ambient lighting further enhance the user experience. The EV4 GT-line variant adds exclusive design elements, including wing-shaped front and rear bumpers and triangular-motif 19-inch wheels, for a more dynamic and futuristic appearance.

Kia EV4 Production and Market Launch

The Kia EV4 sedan will be produced at Kia’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO Plant in Korea, while the hatchback variant will be manufactured in Slovakia, primarily targeting the European market. Production of the Korean-market sedan is scheduled to begin in mid-March, with the Europe-exclusive hatchback following in the second half of the year. Production for North America and other regions is planned for later in the year. The Kia EV4 is slated to go on sale in Korea starting in March, with a European launch in the latter half of the year, followed by sales in the United States.

Kia Concept EV2: Previewing a Future Electric SUV

Alongside the EV4, Kia also unveiled the Concept EV2 at its EV Day event, providing a glimpse into the brand’s vision for a future B-segment all-electric SUV. The Kia Concept EV2 embodies innovation and adventure, featuring advanced connected technology, a spacious and multi-configurable interior, and innovative rear-hinged back doors designed to facilitate an active urban lifestyle and exploration.

Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, commented on the Concept EV2, “The Kia Concept EV2 represents a bold step forward for the future of urban mobility. With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size. This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It’s a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone.”

The Kia EV2 is expected to launch in Europe and other regions in 2026, further expanding Kia’s electric vehicle portfolio and commitment to sustainable mobility.

Kia EV4 Full Specifications

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