KIA HAS EXPANDED ITS DIVERSE electric vehicle line-up with the first EV4 sedan, which is available in Kia dealerships now.
Joining the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9 electric line-up, the EV4 sedan brings fresh and contemporary exterior and interior designs, the latest multimedia technology, comfort, and convenience features plus leading safety.
Based on the E-GMP platform, the EV4 sedan has been designed from the ground up to be an efficient, capable and practical EV and brings a choice between standard and long-range electric power.
The Kia EV4 range starts with an impressive $49,990 (plus on road costs) for the Air Standard Range, with the Earth Long Range at $59,190 (plus on road costs), and topping out at $64,690 (plus on road costs) for the GT-Line Long Range variant.
“EV4 represents yet another significant evolution of Kia’s EV strategy, blending capability and outright efficiency with affordability in a model that complements our broad line-up of electric vehicles,” said Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith.
“With electrified vehicles challenging petrol for outright sales in Australia, Kia is proud to offer such a diverse line-up to that caters to the full spectrum of electrification, while maintaining very strong offerings for customers suited to conventional fuel types.”
The EV4 is available across three trim levels; Air, Earth, and GT-Line. Air is equipped with a Standard Range battery system, while Earth and GT-Line expand to a Long Range specification.
The Air’s Standard Range battery is rated at 58.3kWh, while the Earth and GT-Line’s Long Range steps up to 81.4kWh, and both batteries are lithium-ion NCM type.
This contributes to Kia’s longest-yet driving range of 612km WLTP for the Long Range EV4 Earth and GT-Line, with the price-leading EV4 Air Standard Range rated for a very practical 456km.
Also helping to optimise driving range is the EV4’s incorporation of the latest i-Pedal 3.0 adjustable regenerative braking system along with Smart Regenerative Braking.
Initiated by a long press of the left-hand paddle shifter, i-Pedal 3.0 enables one-pedal driving with adjustable levels of regenerative braking to suit individual preferences, while also facilitating maximum efficiency.
Conveniently, i-Pedal 3.0 settings will remain after restarting the vehicle, and the system can also be operated in reverse for consistency of driver inputs.
Smart Regenerative Braking is engaged by a long press of the right-hand paddle shifter and will automatically adjust braking intensity based on traffic flows and driver braking habits.
Distinct design, balancing cutting-edge looks with aerodynamics and practicality
The EV4 features a distinct expression of the Kia Opposites United design philosophy within a long-tail profile that yields the lowest aerodynamic drag coefficient (0.23Cd) of any Kia model yet.
This attention to aerodynamic efficiency plays a key role in achieving Kia’s best driving range figures. Key among numerous details that contribute to this are active air flaps in the front bumper, which automatically balance cooling efficiency and aerodynamic performance depending on the driving conditions.
A clear vertical theme has been applied to the EV4’s front and rear lighting, positioned at the outer edges to accentuate the EV4’s wide stance.
The front-end design of the EV4 GT-Line exhibits Kia Star Map lighting, with projection LED headlights that incorporate 12 small cubes. The six outer cubes deliver low-beam lighting, while the six inner cubes are dedicated to high-beam.
These GT-Line headlights also incorporate the Intelligent Front Lighting system, which can segment the high beam into 10 sections that can be turned off individually to mask vehicles ahead, while maintaining driver visibility throughout the remaining light spread.
These light units also enable specific Welcome and Escort lighting sequences at the front and rear, when unlocking (Welcome) or locking (Escort) the vehicle.
The front of the EV4 GT-Line is also distinguished by body colour winged shaping of the bumper, along with chiselled surfacing incorporating Kia’s traditional Tiger Nose motif for a strong and sleek impression.
This theme is carried along the sides of the GT-Line, with contrasting gloss black details and GT-Line 19-inch black and machined-finish alloy wheels.
The GT-Line rear bumper echoes the body colour winged shaping and gloss black detail of the front, with distinctive diagonal reflectors for a comprehensively unique look.
EV4 Air and Earth models feature multi-face reflector (MFR) LED headlights, signified by three large cubes, the lowest of which is dedicated to high beam.
All EV4 models feature full LED combination lights at the rear.
EV4 Air and Earth models are distinguished by a geometric and technical front grille, with matte black details that continue along the side and rear, with a body colour lower edge and vertical reflectors as further specific details.
A further two specific black and machined-finish wheel designs identify the EV4 Air and Earth grades, measuring 17 inches on the Air, and 19 inches on the Earth.
All EV4 grades feature aerodynamic flush door handles, which fold automatically in the GT-Line.
The EV4 measures 4730mm long, 1860mm wide and 1480mm high, and rides on a 2820mm wheelbase.
User-focused interior ambience
The EV4 interior design is a fresh evolution of the ‘home-like’ theme found in other recent Kia EV models, with minimalistic details and soft touch points complemented by large screen displays and large buttons for frequently used functions.
Across all Kia EV4 grades, these screens are housed within the Integrated Panoramic Display that is comprised of 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 5-inch climate control interface, and 12.3-inch multimedia touch screen.
Comfort and convenience features across the range include the Kia Connect phone app interface, which enables control of a variety of functions remotely, including presetting of the climate control, and monitoring and scheduling of battery charging.
Other connected features include the availability of Over the Air (OTA) updates. Customers are alerted of new feature updates via the multimedia system, which can be installed and activated remotely and therefore keep their car up to date without visiting a dealership.
All EV4 models also feature wireless as well as wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring ability.
Interior Vehicle to Load (V2L) convenience is also packaged within all EV4 models, with a (Max AC 250V/16A) connection at the base of the rear seat. Earth and GT-Line models are also equipped with an external V2L adaptor, which is also available for EV4 Air as a Kia Genuine Accessory.
All EV4s use a convenient column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) gear selector, which along with the flat cabin floor enables a versatile floating centre console. This features multiple storage spaces and retractable cup holders.
Beyond its distinct exterior design package, features exclusive to the top of the range EV4 GT-Line include full synthetic leather seats with ventilated front seats and the Integrated Memory System (IMS) for the driver, which stores individual settings for seat adjustment and exterior mirrors.
The GT-Line also adds 10-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, which enables the GT-Line-exclusive Premium Relaxation seat function, which at the touch of a button will recline each front seat to an optimal rest position.
The Premium Relaxation seat function is an extension of ‘Relax Mode’, which is activated via the homepage of the multimedia screen and turns off all screens and ambient lighting, adjusts the climate control to one degree warmer and sets it to fresh air mode, with the ability to set a timer for when it is time for relaxation to end. Relax Mode is ideal for taking breaks on long trips or while recharging the vehicle’s battery.
Other GT-Line features include a specific three-spoke steering wheel with heating function, ambient mood lighting, eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system, wireless phone charger, a Head-Up Display (HUD), Surround View and Blind Spot monitor functions, Remote Smart Park Assist, wide sunroof with safety function, powered child lock, power opening boot, privacy glass, aero blade wipers, front auto up/down power windows, and alloy pedals.
The EV4 continues to leverage the packaging benefits of the E-GMP platform to optimise interior space within its aerodynamic exterior, benefitting legroom, headroom and general practicality for all five seating positions.
The EV4’s cargo space measures a generous 490L VDA, with a boot area designed to carry two golf bags as well as hand luggage and the ability to expand further via a 60:40 split-folding rear seat.
The EV4 has all of the active and passive safety technology expected in a new Kia. Safety features of all trims include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Hands on Detection (HoD) sensors built into the steering wheel, and a centre side airbag among a total of seven airbags.
Kia is currently working with ANCAP as it completes its independent crash testing assessment, with an announcement and safety rating to be confirmed in due course.
The EV4 features three distinct two-tone interior colourways to distinguish each trim level. EV4 Air features black and grey cloth trim, while Earth combines a black and light grey combination of cloth with synthetic leather, and GT-Line steps up to black and white full artificial leather.
The Kia EV4 is available in eight exterior colours across the line-up, spanning Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Ivory Silver, Shale Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Magma Red, Yacht Blue, and Honeydew ($600 for Premium Paint applies to all but Clear White).
The EV4 also embraces the Kia design sustainability strategy, which aims to phase out the use of leather and continuously increasing use of bio-based, recycled, and BTX-free materials.
EV-first platform demonstrates efficient drivetrain and technology
The EV4 uses Kia’s E-GMP platform, which was designed from the ground-up for no-compromise EV packaging and drivability, with its single-motor layout driving the front wheels.
All variants are equipped with a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which integrates with an inverter and reduction gearbox to form a single unit mounted at the front of the vehicle.
The EV4 Air with its Standard Range battery is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, with the more feature-laden Earth and GT-Line Long Range variants rated at 7.8 seconds.
The EV4 uses the 400V version of the E-GMP EV platform, with both Standard Range and Long Range batteries using lithium-ion NCM technology.
Charging is via a Type 2 port located on the driver’s side front of the EV4, with DC charging from 10-80 percent possible in as little as 29 minutes for the EV4 Air 58.3kWh Standard Range battery when using a 350kW fast charger.
The EV4 Earth and GT-Line 81.4kWh Long Range Battery can charge from 10-80 percent in as little as 31 minutes using a 350kW fast charger.
Led by Kia Australia’s Chief Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, the EV4 has benefited from a localised ride and handling program to ensure it is optimised for Australia’s unique road conditions. This process involved countless adjustments to suspension, damping and steering tunes.
“We’re very happy with the outcome of the EV4 ride and handling program, which offers a unique balance of superior urban ride comfort balanced with dynamic handling,” Gambold said.
“All trim levels exhibit a high level of comfort & handling confidence, with a pointed focus on urban ride quality.
“The steering tune delivers good cornering linearity and response, with natural weight and feel in both Comfort and Sport modes.”