Australia and Thailand are set to be the first global markets to receive the China-made Kia EV5 with sales to start in June
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- Kia’s first China-made car arrives in Australia in June offering a compact and affordable alternative to the EV9.
- The EV5 is anticipated to be priced competitively below the Tesla Model Y, with an expected starting price well under AU$70,000 (US$46,000).
- A flagship GT-Line model will launch before the end of the year.
After its debut in China late last year, Kia has begun production of the all-electric EV5 for export markets. The first destinations on its global rollout are Thailand and Australia. Built in China, this EV will hit Australian roads come June, offering a more compact and budget-friendly alternative to its larger sibling, the EV9. Unfortunately, American drivers will miss out, as the EV5 isn’t currently planned for the U.S. market.
The EV5 will mark the debut of Kia’s first China-built product in the Australian market. It will be offered initially in Air and Earth variants, with a flagship GT-Line model slated to join the lineup in the fourth quarter of this year.
While specific local specifications for the electric SUV have not yet been disclosed by Kia, the company has confirmed that both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models will be available.
Read: US Won’t Get The Kia EV5, But The K5 Might Stick Around For Longer
Underpinning the EV5 is Kia’s new N3 eK platform, featuring a modularized front and rear chassis and a lithium iron phosphate battery. Continuing Kia’s approach, the EV5 has undergone refinement through Australia’s Ride & Handling Program, where local engineers have tailored its performance to suit local road conditions. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have also been specifically calibrated for Australian roads. Furthermore, all local variants will offer over-the-air software updates.
“Kia Australia is confident the EV5 will suit the needs of many new car buyers who now more than ever, are considering the move into a full battery electric vehicle,” Kia Australia chief executive Damien Meredith said.
“Sourcing Australia’s stock from the China factory allows us to launch earlier and secure supply of up to 850 per month which is needed to target mainstream appeal. The EV5 continues our commitment to growing Kia’s electric vehicle offering with a package that will appeal to both private and fleet buyers,” he added.
The company says it is targeting a local 5 Star ANCAP crash safety rating for the electric SUV.
While official pricing hasn’t been released, local media estimates suggest the EV5 will start well under AU$70,000 (around US$46,000 at current exchange rates) including on-road costs. This positions it to undercut the Tesla Model Y, currently Australia’s best-selling electric car. Interestingly, the starting price in China is even lower, at 266,400 yuan (approximately US$36,800 or AU$57,000) for the RWD model.
