Kia's first electric sedan, the EV4, was unveiled in Spain. The '2025 Kia EV Day' was held at the Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain. On February 24th, local time in Spain, Kia grandly held EV Day for over 200 journalists responsible for automobiles from various countries.

'EV Day', established as the announcement stage for Kia's electrification strategy, held its first event on October 12th, 2023, in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, and the second event took place in Spain on the opposite side of the globe.

The EV4 is Kia's first mass-produced electric sedan. It is the same model for which the exterior design was unveiled in Korea on the 17th.

However, the exterior design of the EV4 is essentially what was revealed two years ago. It was unveiled in the form of a concept car at the 'EV Day' in October 2023. The appearance of the production model was not significantly different from that of the concept car. Essentially, the exterior was already completed at that time.

In Korea, the EV4 is available only as a sedan. However, in Europe, where hatchback models are popular, a hatchback version will also be released. Therefore, at the '2025 Kia EV Day' in Spain, the EV4 was presented in two different models.

Kia President Song Ho-sung noted, "We are thinking of selling about 160,000 units of the EV4 annually. We forecast around 80,000 in Europe, 50,000 in the United States, and about 25,000 in the domestic market. The EV4 is expected to be produced in Korea and Europe, with the hatchback manufactured in Europe and the sedan in Korea."

Although the EV4 is referred to as 'Kia's first electric sedan', it possesses the characteristics of an 'electric sedan' rather than a traditional sedan.

Kia Design Center Chief Karim Habib stated, "The EV4 breaks the mold of a traditional sedan with its bold and futuristic exterior. The EV4 is neither a traditional sedan nor a mono-volume (one-box car). It symbolizes Kia's design innovation."

The background that enables such innovation is Kia's design philosophy, known as Opposites United. Chief Habib explained, "The philosophy of Opposites United is a spirit that is not afraid to create a creative character based on creative cultural elements."

As a result, the EV4 presents a new type of silhouette in the SUV-centered electric vehicle market. The direction of the next generation electric sedan that Kia pursues is reflected in the EV4.

The EV4 features a roof spoiler placed at both ends of the body, completing its innovative silhouette. The vertically shaped headlamps and taillamps positioned along the vehicle's edges provide design unity to the front and rear, emphasizing the wide appearance of the EV4. The EV4 GT line features design elements unique to the GT line, such as a wing-shaped front and rear bumpers and exclusive 19-inch wheels, creating a more futuristic and dynamic atmosphere.

The EV4 operates with two models: a long-range model equipped with an 81.4 kWh capacity battery and a standard model with a 58.3 kWh capacity battery. The long-range model takes about 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a 350 kW charging standard specified by Kia's research institute. The combined efficiency of the EV4 standard and long-range models achieves the highest level among Kia's EV lineup at 5.8 km/kWh. (Based on 2WD with 17-inch wheels and certification from the Ministry of Industry)

Based on aerodynamic design, the EV4 has achieved the best drag performance among Kia vehicles, recording a drag coefficient of 0.23. It adopts a wheel gap reducer and 17-inch aerodynamic wheels while refining the curvature shape behind the wheel arch to optimize airflow around the wheels. The EV4 also features a bumper-integrated active air flap that can actively control cooling flow, improving cooling resistance. A total of eight types of chassis underbody components, including side sill undercovers and 3D curvature front and rear undercovers, optimize airflow.

Based on this, the EV4 has secured the longest driving range of 533 km on a single charge among Hyundai Motor Group electric vehicles. (Based on long-range 2WD with 17-inch wheels)

The EV4 is equipped with i-Pedal 3.0, which allows for acceleration, deceleration, and stopping with just the accelerator pedal operation, activating it in all regenerative braking stages. This enhances driving convenience and ride comfort. The interior and exterior feature V2L functionality, allowing for power supply in various situations.

Kia's AI assistant is also included. With innovative connectivity specifications, drivers can enjoy a new vehicle experience. For example, if users subscribe to the 'Streaming Premium' service in the Kia Connect store, they can enjoy various content such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, games, and karaoke through the EV4's 12.3-inch infotainment display and Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Additionally, the EV4 is equipped with a wireless (OTA) software update feature linked to the Kia App, a first for Kia. This means that updates, which were previously only possible in the car, can now be approved remotely through the Kia App. It also includes the 'Built-in Cam 2 Plus' with parking operation detection mode, Digital Key 2, and the latest connectivity specifications such as wireless phone connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto).

The EV4 is equipped with steering wheel grip detection, front collision prevention assist, rear-side collision prevention assist, lane departure prevention assist, intelligent speed limit assist, rear-side monitoring, driver attention warning, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane keeping assist 2, highway driving assist 2, and features head-up display, surround view monitor, rear cross-collision prevention assist, front/side/rear parking distance warning, rear parking collision prevention assist, remote smart parking assist, safety exit warning, and rear seat passenger alert.

The interior of the EV4 offers a spacious environment with dimensions of 4,730 mm in length, 2,820 mm in wheelbase, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, providing ample headroom and legroom. Additionally, the EV4 boasts a trunk capacity of 490L (based on VDA) which is among the largest in its class, with an increased opening area for enhanced loading convenience and usability.

For the first time in Kia, the EV4 features an 'Interior Mode' that allows customers to easily switch seat positions and lighting brightness, maximizing the usability of the interior space for comfortable relaxation before and after driving.

Although the price range will be higher than that of the EV3, it is expected to become an entry-level sedan, taking on a significant role in the popularization of electric vehicles along with the EV3.

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