The EV3 incorporates a majority of the advanced interior technology found in Kia’s flagship EV9 SUV.
Kia has unveiled the all-new EV3 electric SUV as its fourth EV following the EV9, EV6, and EV5. Built on the same E-GMP modular platform as its larger siblings, the EV3 features the family design language and inherits much of the interior technology and equipment from the more expensive models.
The EV3 boasts a distinct two-box silhouette, resembling a scaled-down version of the flagship EV9. Its front end features Kia’s signature ‘star map’ LED lighting pattern around the ‘tiger-nose’ fascia with horizontal and vertical LED elements. The bumper is a smooth, expansive panel, and the bonnet has a swooping design with chunky cladding for a muscular look. Key exterior highlights include flared wheel arches with thick black cladding, trapezoidal creases on the fenders, a large glasshouse with flush door handles, and a wrap-around glasshouse at the C-pillar. The vertical tail-lamps on the hatchback-style tailgate extend from this design. The slightly sloping roofline, pronounced rear spoiler, and aero-optimized wheels enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The rear end mirrors the EV9 with its chunky dual-tone bumper and smooth tailgate surface. GT-Line variants offer sportier bumpers. The EV3 measures 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, 1,560mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm, comparable to a Hyundai Creta.
Inside, the EV3 shares its basic dashboard layout with the EV9, featuring twin 12.3-inch floating infotainment screens, haptic buttons, concealed AC vents, and additional controls on a two-spoke steering wheel. The 30-inch widescreen setup includes a 5-inch screen for climate controls, directly lifted from the EV9. The flat floor provides ample space, with a floating centre console offering storage and cup holders. The front centre armrest includes a retractable table, and the driver’s seat has a ‘relaxation mode’ for stretching out while charging. Sustainable materials are used throughout, with recycled PET bottles for seats and roof lining, biowaste in the paint, and plastic from older Kia models for the dashboard and exterior cladding. Features include a 12-inch heads-up display, configurable ambient lighting, digital displays, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an ADAS suite. The EV3 is the first Kia EV with a personal AI assistant, to be rolled out on other EVs soon. Storage includes a 460-litre boot and a 25-litre frunk.
The EV3, based on the E-GMP platform, offers two battery options: a 58.3kWh pack for the standard model and an 81.4kWh pack for the Long-Range variant. Both versions use a front-axle mounted electric motor producing 201hp and 283Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100kph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170kph. The Long-Range variant offers up to 600km of range on the WLTP cycle. Batteries are sourced from LG Chem, and the 400V architecture allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 31 minutes. The flagship EV9 features an 800V EV architecture, vehicle-to-load capabilities, and regenerative braking with paddle shifters.
The EV3 will debut in South Korea in June, followed by Europe in late 2024 and Asian markets in early 2025. Kia has not confirmed if the EV3 will be launched in India, but Kia India plans to introduce the next-gen Carnival MPV and the EV9 SUV this year. Kia targets annual sales of 200,000 units globally for the EV3, with a price range of USD 35,000-50,000 (approximately Rs 30 lakh-42 lakh).
