Kia’s EV5 electric SUV has secured first place in a comparative test by renowned German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport, outperforming several leading competitors from the United States and China.
The EV5 GT-Line emerged ahead of rivals across seven evaluation categories: body design, safety, convenience, powertrain, driving performance, environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness.
The vehicle scored 100 points in body design, leading the closest US rival by 24 points. The magazine praised its elevated seating position, spacious cabin, comfortable seats and generous second-row and cargo space, which ranges from 566 to 1,650 litres.
The EV5 recorded an even stronger performance in safety, finishing 29 points ahead of its nearest competitor. Its braking performance was particularly impressive, with stopping distances of 35.1 metres and 35.0 metres from 100 km/h under cold and warm conditions respectively-the shortest recorded in the test.
In the convenience category, the EV5 led by 11 points, with judges highlighting its steering-wheel paddles, which allow drivers to adjust regenerative braking and activate one-pedal driving directly.
The electric SUV also won the driving performance category by nine points. Reviewers said it provided the most stable control over uneven road surfaces and delivered a highly refined driving experience.
The results gave the EV5 GT-Line 588 points overall, 31 points ahead of the second-placed vehicle, which scored 557 points. The third and fourth positions recorded 541 and 528 points respectively.
The latest victory adds to Kia’s growing list of comparative test successes and awards, which the company attributes to extensive engineering and validation programmes. Kia vehicles undergo digital and physical prototype testing, proving-ground assessments and public-road evaluations across different surfaces and weather conditions before reaching customers.
A Kia official said the recognition was particularly significant because the EV5 performed strongly in areas that drivers experience daily, including braking and ease of operation.
The EV5 is Kia’s entry in the competitive C-SUV segment and is designed as a five-seat, family-focused electric SUV. Built on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it features Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, including a bold silhouette and ‘Star Map’ LED lighting.
The vehicle is equipped with an 81.4kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor, offering a claimed range of up to 329 miles and fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
Inside, it features integrated 12.3-inch instrument and infotainment displays, a 5.3-inch climate-control screen and fold-flat second-row seats. The GT-Line adds sporty styling, 19-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle-to-Load capability, wireless charging, ambient lighting and a smart power tailgate.