New Kia EV5 revealed as rugged battery-electric crossover

Shock reveal for EV9's little brother - complete with swivelling seats; Chinese launch later this year

Just a week after unveiling its new electric flagship, the seven-seat EV9, Kia has previewed its third bespoke EV with a similarly styled SUV concept called the EV5.

The new Kia EV5, as the name suggests, is smaller than both its freshly revealed EV9 sibling and the more rakish Kia EV6 crossover, but follows both in adopting the 'Opposites United' design ethos which will define all future models from the Korea brand. 

Referred to officially as the 'Concept EV5' for now, the new SUV will launch in China later this year - which is why it has been unveiled with no prelude at the brand's Chinese EV Day event. Kia has not said whether it will come to Europe as well, but has promised to reveal "future plans for the other global markets" in due course. 

Technical details also remain largely under wraps, but the production version of the EV5 will ride on the same E-GMP platform as the two existing bespoke Kia EVs, and another four that will follow before 2026. 

This breaking news story is being updated.