Kia EV4 delivers sedan comfort with SUV versatility
Kia debuted the EV4, its first full-electric sedan, aiming to shake up the automotive market dominated by sport utility vehicles. This sleek, extended vehicle, the company's fourth EV model following the EV6, EV9 and EV3, combines comfort with dynamic performance, well-equipped for city driving as well as leisure activities.
'The sales volume of SUVs takes up approximately 60-70 percent in Korea. However, we thought there should be a battery-powered sedan to address specific market demands,' said a Kia official during a media session in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. 'Although it is challenging to share a precise sales target -- especially for the domestic market — the EV4 will likely attract those in their 30s and 40s, who look to purchase an all-rounder EV for city driving.'
In a single charge, the EV4 boasts a driving range of 533 kilometers, the longest among Hyundai Motor Group's EVs, the official added. 'This range is enough for commuting between Bundang in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and Seoul for two weeks, while also allowing for one or two round-trips to nearby destinations on weekends. The driver will only need to charge the vehicle twice a month.'
In addition to Korea, the key markets for the new sedan include Europe and North America. Notably, Kia offers the EV4 in a five-door hatch variant in Europe, catering to the region's penchant for hatchbacks. The annual EV4 sales target is similar to the EV3: 30,000 units for the domestic market and 200,000 units for overseas, according to the official.
The Korea Herald got the chance to drive the long-range EV4 model on a 66-kilometer round trip through Hanam and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province.
The most distinctive feature of the sedan was how it maneuvered seamlessly on rough roads, minimizing vibration and outside noise. In sports mode, it roared like a high-performance sedan with a light touch on the accelerator and smoothly navigated over speed bumps without dramatically reducing its speed.
Kia attributes the EV4's exceptional driving experience to its aerodynamic design, leveraging the sedan's lower air resistance. Compared to the EV3, which shares its battery and platform, the EV4 offers a smoother ride and better aerodynamics, extending its range beyond the EV3's 501 kilometers.
When switched to normal mode, the vehicle maintains a well-balanced center of gravity, allowing for stable handling on winding courses. Other driving modes include eco, snow and customized options.
Installed with LG Energy Solution's 81.4 kilowatt-hours battery, the EV4 also provides the highest energy efficiency among Kia's electric car lineups, achieving 5.8 kilometers per kilowatt-hour. Starting with a 92 percent battery charge in Hanam, the vehicle returned with 80 percent remaining after a 65.3-kilometer journey.
The EV4 carries Kia's signature 'Tiger Face' design, blending vertical headlamps and star map lighting on the front. The car's sleek side silhouette flows smoothly from the low-slung hood to the edge of the trunk.
With an extended wheelbase and a larger rear, the sedan's increased length offers spacious legroom and second-row space, comparable to an SUV. The mesh headrest in the front row also provides additional comfort during the drive.
Available in three trims — Air, Earth and GT-line — the EV4 offers standard and long-range models. Prices start from 40.4 million won ($28,300) after applying the eco-friendly tax credit.
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