Kia Unveils 'EV5 Long Range and Sonet' at Beijing Motor Show

Kia unveiled the long-range model of the compact electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) EV5 and the gasoline small SUV Sonet at the Beijing Motor Show in China. Kia plans to target China, the world's largest electric vehicle market, with various versions of the EV5 produced locally in China.

On the 25th (local time), Kia held a showcase in the form of a story about the vehicle purchasing process at the '2024 Beijing International Motor Show' held at the China International Exhibition Center Shunyi Hall, introducing the EV5 long-range model. Kia plans to actively target the Chinese electrified vehicle market by leading with the EV5, based on its excellent product competitiveness.

EV5 (left in the photo) and Sonet displayed at the Kia booth at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show
[Photo by Kia]

The EV5 is the first electric vehicle model based on the locally produced dedicated electric platform 'E-GMP' in China. The EV5 is available in three versions: Standard 2WD, Long-range 2WD, and AWD. The Long-range 2WD model is equipped with an 88.1 kWh battery and can travel 720 km on a single charge according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standard. Additionally, it features various interior functions such as a driver's relaxation seat with massage function, a built-in console refrigerator and warmer, and a luggage multi-table.

Furthermore, to respond to the intensifying price competition in the Chinese market, Kia also unveiled the global entry (small) SUV Sonet. The Sonet is equipped with a Smartstream gasoline 1.5 engine and an IVT transmission. Six airbags and artificial leather seats are standard across all trims. It supports entertainment features such as movie and music playback, smart home control, and wireless software updates (OTA) for the infotainment system through 'Baidu Connect 3.0,' a connectivity system developed in collaboration with Baidu, along with dual 10.25-inch color screens.

Kim Kyung-hyun, Vice President and COO of Kia China, presenting at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show
[Photo by Kia]

Meanwhile, at this Beijing Motor Show, Kia is operating an exhibition booth of approximately 1,100㎡. The booth concept is 'Transformation into an EV Brand.' The EV Life Experience Zone displays the EV6 GT vehicle equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving solutions, and a V2L technology demonstration using the EV5 vehicle is also conducted. In the customer theme booth, eco-friendly materials embedded in the EV5 are exhibited, showcasing Kia's commitment to sustainable mobility. A Kia official stated, "Kia plans to continue introducing competitive vehicles tailored to customer needs in the rapidly changing Chinese automotive market."