Kia EV3, the all-new electric SUV from the South Korean automaker, has made its world debut in its production-ready avatar. The model will first launch in its domestic market (South Korea) in June 2024, followed by Europe in late 2024 and Asian markets early next year. As of now, there is no official word on its India launch. The company aims to sell nearly 200,000 units of the EV3 worldwide, with prices likely to be around USD 35,000 – 50,000 (approx. Rs 30 lakh – Rs 42 lakh).
Underpinning the E-GMP platform, the Kia EV3 comes with two battery packs sourced from LG Chem: a 58.3kWh (standard) and an 81.4kWh (Long-Range). A front axle-mounted electric motor comes with both versions. It produces a claimed power of 201bhp and 283Nm. The EV3 can sprint from 0 to 100kmph in 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170kmph.
The Long-Range version is claimed to offer up to 600km on the WLTP cycle. With a 400V architecture, its battery takes 31 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. The all-new EV3 comes with V2L (vehicle-to-load) capabilities along with paddle shifters for regenerative braking. Read: Updated Kia Carens Launch Timeline & Details
Talking about its interior, the compact electric SUV from Kia shares its layout and features with the EV9, including the 30-inch widescreen setup and its software. The EV3 greets you with dual 12.3-inch floating infotainment screens with AV vents and haptic buttons placed below them. There is a two-spoke steering wheel with mounted media and navigation controls. The center console has multiple storage compartments, and there is a front center armrest with a retractable table. For the driver’s comfort, the seat offers a ‘relaxation mode’ enabling the driver to stretch out.
The interior of the Kia EV3 has ample sustainable materials for the upholstery. Interestingly, it’s the first electric car from Kia to come with a personal AI assistant along with other amenities such as a Harman Kardon sound system, configurable ambient lighting and digital displays, an ADAS suite, a 12-inch HUD, and more. The electric compact SUV provides a boot space of 460 liters with additional storage space of 25 liters in the frunk.
The design of the new Kia EV3 is quite futuristic and appears true to its concept. Upfront, it carries Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ with horizontal and vertical LED lighting elements, sporty cladding on the bumper and hood with a swooping effect.
The flared wheel arches with black plastic cladding, flush door handles, and a large glasshouse enhance its side profile. The electric compact SUV also has a sloping roofline, vertically placed taillamps, a prominent rear spoiler, dual-tone bumper, and trapezoidal creases over the front and rear fenders.
The all-new EV3 GT Line variants will also be on offer, featuring GT-Line-specific design elements. The overall length, height, and width of the EV3 stand at 4300mm, 1850mm, and 1560mm, respectively. It has a wheelbase of 2680mm. When compared to the Seltos, it’s slightly shorter but wider.