Kia EV3 electric SUV debuts with 600 km range and personal AI assistant technology

KUALA LUMPUR: After teasing for a while, Kia has finally revealed its new electric SUV, the Kia EV3. The latest model is based on the same E-GMP modular platform as its larger siblings, the EV6 and EV9.

The Kia EV3 measures 4300 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and 1560 mm in height, and spans a wheelbase of 2680 mm. These dimensions are almost equivalent to the ICE-powered Seltos.

Kia will offer the EV3 in two forms - Standard and Long Range. The former is equipped with a 58.3kWh battery pack while the latter houses an 81.4kWh battery pack. While the driving range of the Standard trim is not known yet, the Long Range model can take you up to 600 km on a single charge.

Both models are powered by a front-mounted electric motor tuned to deliver 201 hp of maximum power and 283 Nm of peak torque. Performance figures include a century sprint time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 kmph.

Kia confirmed that the EV3 incorporates a 400V architecture, instead of 800V architecture available with larger siblings.

The production-spec Kia EV3 looks similar to the concept model previewed last year. It features the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy with a distinct two-box silhouette and a ‘tiger-nose’ fascia. The latter houses a closed-off grille and vertically-oriented LED headlights featuring a 'Star Map' DRL signature.

The EV’s side profile has thick body cladding, squared-off wheel arches, and aerodynamically designed alloy wheels. Adding to the aerodynamics are a sloping roofline, flush-fitting door handles (front), and a pronounced spoiler. The rear fascia also boasts inverted L-shaped LED tail lights and a dual-tone bumper.

The interior design of the EV3 looks inspired by larger siblings with a similar dashboard layout incorporating dual 12.3-inch digital displays (one for instrument cluster and the other for infotainment). The dash also houses a two-spoke steering wheel, a series of haptic buttons, and AC vents. Kia offers different cabin themes inspired by 'Air, Water, and Earth'.

Like the EV6 and EV9, the new Kia electric SUV's interior features sustainable materials like recycled fabric and PET. 

With the Kia EV3, the automaker also offers the brand’s first human-like AI assistant. Other key features include - a 12-inch heads-up display, ambient lighting, Harman Kardon music system, a sunroof, and level-2 advanced driver assistance systems.

The Kia EV3 will be launched in South Korea in June this year with a global rollout expected thereafter.

Also read: 2024 Kia EV6 facelift revealed with significant upgrades