Kia EV5 Officially Launched in Singapore - Malaysia Next?

Remember the Kia EV5 we featured from Kia APAC EV Day 2024? The model was officially launched in neighbouring Singapore this week, and the big news is that it’s assembled locally (CKD) in the island state itself. 

The EV5 is assembled at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre (HMGICS), thus becoming the first Kia model ever to be locally produced in Singapore. Prior to this, said facility assembles both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 since 2023.

In Singapore, the EV5 is offered in three variants: Air, Earth, and GT-Line. All variants ride on Kia’s 400-volt N3 eK platform featuring tech borrowed from sister brand Hyundai’s E-GMP platform.

Prices start at SG$194,000 (RM674,000) for the Air, SG$210,600 (RM732,000) for the Earth, and SG$260,000 (RM904,000) for the GT-Line. All prices include COE.

Air and Earth are single-motor, front-wheel-drive versions that fall under Singapore’s Category A. Both produce 134 HP (100 kW) and 310NM. The Air comes with a 64.2kWh battery pack yielding a claimed WLTP range of 400KM, while the Earth has a larger 88.1kWh pack boasting a longer claimed range of 540KM instead.

The GT-Line meanwhile features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, and falls under Category B. Combined outputs stand at peppier figures of 308 HP (230 kW)  and 480 NM. It shares the same 88.1 kWh battery pack as the Earth variant, but claimed range is lower at 470KM.

In terms of charging, the Air supports 6.6 kW AC and 102 kW DC inputs, the latter taking 36 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. The Earth and GT-Line however offer faster 11 kW AC and 141 kW DC charging speeds, leading to the latter’s 38 minutes 10-80% re-charge time.

As noted prior, the EV5 features bold lines and flush door handles for better aerodynamics. The GT-Line however rocks a unique front light bar, while both Earth and GT-Line trims sporting a panoramic sunroof. 

There are four exterior colours available - Snow White Pearl, Shale Grey, Frost Blue, and Ivory Silver. Interior hues include black for Air and Earth, and two-tone dark grey and black for the GT-Line. 

Inside, the EV5 uses sustainable materials and offers a modern layout. The Panoramic Wide Display stretches across the dash, combining a dual-12.3-inch instrument and infotainment screens plus a 5.3-inch climate control screen.

A standout feature is the heated and cooled drawer beneath the rear centre console, useful for storing drinks or food between 5°C and 55°C. Earth and GT-Line also gain premium Relaxion seats with massage function, leg rest, and lumbar support.

As for standard boot space, all variants offer 513 litres. This is expandable to 1,714 litres with rear seats folded. All also include a 67 litre frunk.

The EV5 features Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), which can assist parking remotely using the smart key. It also includes fingerprint recognition for easy access and driver personalisation.

The top two variants will also offer a full-suite of ADAS features which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance, Blind-Spot Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Following Assist, and Smart Cruise Control.

With the EV5 now officially available for sale in both our northern and southern neighbouring countries, the question is - will it be made available in Malaysia anytime soon? What are the chances that it will be localised (CKD) here in Kulim, Kedah? 

Given that both neighbouring markets see the EV5 arrive as CKD units, it's not far-fetched to hope that Malaysia might follow suit…