Watch out BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3! Kia continues to pump up electric car line-up with EV4 sedan and hatch to take aim at some of the top selling EVs

Kia has used its second-ever global EV Day, held at the Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain, to launch three new concept and production pure-electric models, with the headline act being the much-anticipated EV4 sedan and (Europe-only) hatch.

In presenting an update on its global EV strategy, the South Korean giant unveiled the dramatic newcomer as the latest addition to its electric vehicle line-up which already includes the EV9 seven-seat SUV, EV6 mid-size crossover, EV5 mid-size SUV compact Niro EV SUV and soon-to-arrive EV3 small SUV.

First shown as a concept at the initial EV Day event in Seoul, Korea two years ago, the EV4 offers 58.3kWh (standard) and 81.4kWh (long-range) battery options, with the former delivering a 430km (WLTP) range and the latter 630km.

Boasting a super-slippery 0.23 drag co-efficient, thanks in part to a full underbody aero treatment, the EV4 is powered by a single, front-mounted 150kW motor for 0-100km/h acceleration in a sharp 7.4 seconds for the standard car and 7.7sec for the long-range.

Thanks to its ‘E-GMP’ platform’s 400V electric architecture, claimed 10-80 per cent DC fast charge time is 31 minutes for the long-range version, with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capability included. An 11kW on-board charger accepts single- and three-phase AC inputs.

Clearly recognisable as a member of the same design family as its existing Kia EV siblings the exterior treatment incorporates a low nose, sweeping rear window section, wide stance and signature vertical headlights.

Firmly in the mid-size range, the EV4’s key dimensions are 4730mm (length), 1860mm (width) and 1480mm/1485mm (height) with a 2820mm wheelbase.

The clean, borderline minimalist interior incorporates a 30-inch wide-screen display (incorporates 12.3-inch, 5.3-inch and 12.3-inch screens) and multiple storage options.

Tech and feature highlights include ‘Digital Key 2.0’ access (including via Apple Watch), ‘i-Pedal 3.0’ regenerative braking, remote OTA software update capability and in-car content streaming and connectivity services (including YouTube and Netflix).

Suspension is MacPherson strut front, multi-link with coil-overs at the rear while rims vary in size from 17- to 19-inch diameter.

Although the car is yet to be independently safety assessed by Euro NCAP and others, Kia expects a maximum five-star rating thanks to the EV4’s full ADAS F+ active safety tech.

The EV4 sedan will be produced at Kia’s Gwangmyeong plant on the southern outskirts of Seoul with domestic sales set to start next month, while the hatch will be produced in Žilina, Slovakia, with both versions progressively introduced to export markets throughout 2025.

And in terms of local introduction, Kia Australia told CarsGuide, “Kia Australia is pleased to confirm the EV4 will join the range of Kia’s battery electric vehicle models in Australia.

“Further information regarding timing, variants, features, and pricing will be announced in due course,” they said.

Also on display at the EV Day event was the Concept EV2, the brand’s “vision for a future B-segment all-electric SUV”, with the production version expected to launch in Europe and other regions in 2026, and the PV5 van to be offered in passenger and cargo configurations.

On the prospect of these two joining the EV4 in Australia CarsGuide was told, “Kia Australia has its hand up to receive as many new EV models as possible, including PV5, however, it hasn’t been confirmed for Australia as yet.

“We would like to offer EV2, however, production out of Slovakia does present some hurdles when it comes to logistics and cost, so it is highly unlikely,” Kia said.