With more and more governments bringing in new laws to push manufacturers towards electric vehicles, and the auto industry ramping up the pressure, Kia has stepped up its game in the electric vehicle (EV) space. The EV4 is the latest addition to Kia’s growing electric line-up, which already includes the EV6 crossover, the premium EV9 seven-seater SUV, and the soon-to-arrive EV3 SUV, which will become the flagship model thanks to its more budget-friendly price tag.
Although the EV4 is still doing the rounds on test tracks (including a recent appearance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife) under camouflage, Kia has confirmed that it will be available as both a saloon and a hatchback. Despite their different shapes and sizes, Kia has said that both versions will have their own distinctive look, while still sticking to the brand’s new electric design language.
This design is most noticeable in the concept car’s column headlights, which are similar to those on the EV9. If the production model keeps much of the concept's styling, the EV4 could be one of the sharpest-looking cars in its class, thanks to its bold, angular design. Compared to the EV6, the EV4 has a lower nose and body, which helps with aerodynamics and gives it a sportier vibe.
Size-wise, the EV4 is in the same league as a BMW 3 Series, meaning it will go head-to-head with traditional combustion-engine saloons like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as electric rivals such as the Polestar 2 and the Ford Explorer.
Like other models in Kia’s line-up, the EV4 will be built on the E-GMP platform, shared with the Hyundai Group. It’s expected to feature the same powertrain and 400V system as the smaller EV3, which means it will support charging at up to 102 or 128 kW, depending on the battery size. This will allow the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
Given its similarities to the EV3, the EV4 is likely to offer a choice between a 58 kWh and 81 kWh battery. The smaller battery is expected to deliver around 267 miles of range, while the larger one could offer up to 372 miles, though final figures might differ. Kia is also working on a dual-motor system for the EV3, which will almost certainly be used in the EV4 as well. The single-motor version will come with a front-mounted motor producing around 200 bhp, while the dual-motor option will have motors on both axles, delivering a combined power of about 300 bhp.
Inside, the EV4 will follow Kia’s trend of using sustainable, soft-touch materials, contributing to a minimalist yet stylish interior. While the concept’s unconventional steering wheel won’t make it to production, the 30-inch panel housing three touchscreens for infotainment, climate control, driver assistance, and more will remain. Luckily, Kia will include physical buttons for certain features, avoiding the frustration that comes with too many touchscreen controls.
The EV4 is expected to be officially unveiled in 2025, with production set to begin in Slovakia around the same time. That means it’s unlikely to reach the UK before 2026. Based on the EV3’s £32,995 price tag, the EV4 will probably land somewhere between £35,000 and £40,000, as it sits higher in the range than its smaller sibling.
It’s clear that the EV4 concept is a striking vehicle, and given Kia’s recent success with the EV6, there’s already plenty of buzz around it. Plus, with the EV4 aimed at one of the most lucrative segments of the EV market, it’s set to play a key role in Kia’s plan to become a dominant player in the electric vehicle space – something the Korean brand is clearly striving for.
