Kia is preparing a competitor to the Ford Transit and VW Transporter
Kia is developing a competitor to the Ford Transit and VW Transporter
September 3, 2026, 17:00
Serhii Ivanov – reviewer for autocentre.ua. Specializes in covering major events in the global automotive industry and reviewing new models. An expert in automobile history, author of numerous publications and books on the subject.
Korean automobile brand Kia is officially expanding its line of commercial electric vehicles (LCV) by releasing the first teaser images of a new large van under the PV7 designation. The world premiere of this production vehicle will take place on September 14 at the specialized European exhibition IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany. In the brand’s model lineup, this new model will occupy a flagship position, ranking above the previously introduced PV5 urban van series.
The exterior design of the commercial vehicle fully retains the futuristic angular concept of its 2024 counterpart concept car, resembling an enlarged version of the smaller PV5 van. The front end features high-mounted, narrow LED light units and a robust front bumper with protective plastic trim to prevent minor damage during parking. The vehicle’s profile is highlighted by pronounced, muscular fenders and a significantly extended wheelbase. The vertical rear section houses narrow LED headlights with unique internal graphics, along with a bumper featuring a reduced protective cover. The passenger cabin length will be around 5270 mm, making this new model noticeably larger than the smaller PV5 (4695–4890 mm).
The electric vehicle is built on an extended version of the company’s proprietary E-GMP.S modular architecture, developed by the conglomerate specifically for commercial electric models. The completely flat floor and extended wheelbase allow the cargo area to be transformed into a versatile space for any specialized commercial conversions. Official teasers show the vehicle used as a standard cargo van, a passenger shuttle, and a mobile workshop for travelers. The main market competitors for this Korean flagship will be the long-wheelbase versions of the Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Volkswagen Transporter, as well as the base models of larger vehicles like the Ford E-Transit and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter.
“AC” Note
The unique modular lineup of Kia PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) commercial vehicles, exemplified by the new flagship PV7, is built on the innovative Easy Swap body transformation technology. This engineering concept allows for complete elimination of traditional rigid fixation of the passenger compartment to the frame.
The vehicle consists of a fixed driver’s capsule cabin with the battery, along with interchangeable functional living modules that are connected using specialized mechanical locks and electromagnetic fasteners. This allows the business owner to transform a regular cargo van into a passenger minivan, an open-top pickup, or a weekend recreational camper in just a few minutes. The use of the advanced 800-volt E-GMP electrical architecture enables heavy commercial vehicles to support ultra-fast charging, fully restoring battery energy during short stops at logistics terminal pit lanes.
Minivan
Kia
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