Let’s be honest, the world of electric cars is bursting at the seams with dull boxes on wheels that look more like rolling fridges than anything with a shred of personality. But then Kia rolls up with the EV5, and suddenly you’re thinking: hold on, this might just be the car that saves my weekends from total boredom. No grumbling petrol engine sounding like a hungover cat, no—just pure, silent joy that almost makes you forget you’re in a metal box with four wheels. And the best part? This Korean gem is finally ready for Belgium, with prices that no longer feel like a hold-up on your bank account.
Step inside, and it’s like entering a cockpit that’s more luxury lounge than car interior. The EV5 measures a tidy 4.61 meters, perfect for Belgian roads where you’re constantly braking for a cyclist with a dog on their lap. Under the hood, an 81.4 kWh battery promises up to 530 km of range—or 505 km if you go for the GT-Line, which trades a bit of aerodynamics for extra sporty flair. With a 217 hp electric motor up front, you’ll hit 0 to 100 km/h in a solid 8 seconds, fast enough to overtake without your passengers screaming. Consumption? Around 16.9 kWh per 100 km, meaning you won’t be hunting for a charging station like it’s a treasure hunt.
And speaking of charging, the EV5 laughs in the face of the competition. Thanks to its 400-volt architecture, you can go from 10 to 80 percent in half an hour—quicker than it takes to grab a coffee at the service station. No need for the 800-volt wizardry reserved for bigger siblings like the EV6. Boot space? 566 liters, plus a handy 44-liter frunk for your odds and ends, ideal for families who think a road trip means “pack everything but the cat.” Up front, you get relax seats with a massage function, a triple panoramic screen that turns your dashboard into a cinema, and Kia’s AI assistant, which is probably smarter than your phone’s navigation app.
Design-wise, the EV5 follows Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy: rugged on the outside, elegant on the inside, with lines that scream “I’m practical, but I look good doing it.” It’s not the EV9, which feels like a spaceship on steroids, nor the EV3, which leans more hatchback than SUV. No, this is the middle ground, built for European families who want a car that swallows luggage like a hamster hoards nuts. In Belgium, pricing starts at €45,990 for the Business trim, already loaded with assistance systems and gadgets. Upgrade to Business Plus or GT-Line? That’ll be €49,990 or €52,990 for extra swagger, like sportier bumpers and wheels that’ll make your neighbors jealous.
Driving experience? I haven’t had the chance to thrash it through the Ardennes—yet—but early tests whisper of a smooth ride that glides over bumps like butter on bread. It’s not a race car, but who needs that with kids in the back fighting over the iPad? The EV5 is functional, with a spacious interior that doesn’t feel overwhelming and tech that’s intuitive enough to skip the manual. Compared to a Tesla Model Y? The Tesla’s trendier, but pricier and less cozy. The EV5 wins on value for money, with a 7-year warranty that outlasts most marriages.
The launch in Belgium is set for this autumn, with deliveries starting in December for the quick decision-makers. Wait until Christmas, and you might be queuing with half of Flanders. Kia cleverly positions this beast between the compact EV4 and the sporty EV6, perfect for those who want to go electric without sacrificing space or fun. It’s not a revolution, but an evolution that proves Koreans can build cars that don’t just drive—they live.
In short, the Kia EV5 is the electric SUV that makes you wonder: why did I wait so long? It’s fun, affordable, and turns your daily grind into a ride with a grin. Go test it, before you’re drooling at the dealership.
Readers can also check out our marketplace to search for and buy electric cars (100% electric). https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/
