In audio and video, the GTs of Kia EV3, EV4, and EV5 are available.
Completing Kia’s existing lineup of GT electric vehicles, which includes the EV6 GT and EV9 GT, the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT are now available for ordering at the brand’s dealerships in France. This collection was first unveiled in January in Belgium, at the Brussels Motor Show.
e-ASD and VGS Animation
With its three new all-wheel-drive GT electric vehicles, Kia offers drivers an immersive experience designed to mimic the atmosphere of a gasoline sports car.
A synthetic engine sound is already provided for this purpose by the e-ASD system (electric vehicle Active Sound Design = active sound system for electric vehicles), depending on the vehicle’s driving mode. Through the eight speakers installed in the cabin, one can hear the start-up of a virtual engine block, its accelerations, decelerations, and steady humming at constant speed, all synchronized with the accelerator input.
If that isn’t enough, it’s possible to add a similarly virtual transmission function, either automatic or manual, by operating the levers behind the steering wheel that are typically used to adjust regenerative power. In this case, the VGS system (Virtual Gear Shift = virtual gear change) takes over.
It’s virtual, true, but it truly affects the vehicle’s behavior. For example, attempting to leave a stop while in fifth gear will result in the vehicle hesitating to move forward, just like with a conventional car equipped with a manual transmission.
“Each model has its own character.”
These simulations are enhanced by predictive suspension control that adjusts stiffness based on driving mode and feedback from a camera monitoring road conditions, along with smart torque management. In short, there’s plenty to explore if you’re nostalgic for internal combustion engines. Of course, it’s also possible to drive the Kia EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT in the quietness and simplicity typical of electric cars.
A Launch Control function enables drivers to achieve the best times in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, with these results can be recorded in a history section similar to that used for tracking the most fuel-efficient trips, as many pioneering electric vehicle owners liked to do. Officially, this acceleration takes 5.7 seconds with the EV3 GT and 5.6 seconds with the EV4 GT before they can reach their top speed of 170 km/h. This figure rises to 180 km/h for the EV5 GT, which requires 6.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.
"Each model has its own character, but they all share the same ambition. The GT models make electric driving more responsive, connected, and emotional, while maintaining the versatility for everyday use that our customers expect," commented Pablo Martinez Masip, vice president of marketing and customer experience at Kia Europe.
With a wheelbase of 4.31 x 1.85 meters, a track width of 2.68 meters, and a height of 1.58 meters, the EV3 now leads Kia’s GT lineup. The engine delivers 215 kW (292 hp) of power, with 145 kW (197 hp) at the front and 70 kW (95 hp) at the rear, producing 468 Nm of torque.
Thanks to a battery with a net energy capacity of 81.4 kWh, its WLTP mixed-cycle range is 501 kilometers. Under optimal conditions, it takes 31 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%.
Like the EV4 GT and EV5 GT, the EV3 GT offers front-seat passengers exclusive GT-style semi-bucket seats, and premium Harman Kardon audio for all occupants, supporting the e-ASD system.
The starting price for this electric vehicle in France is 54,400 euros including tax, with the option to choose between a metallic or pearlescent paint finish. Those who prefer a matte finish must pay an additional 1,050 euros as an option.
It is also possible to add a heat pump (+1,000 euros) and the Advanced Charging pack (+1,400 euros), which provides V2L and V2H functions, along with a 22 kW AC onboard charger that allows for a full battery regeneration in 3 hours and 55 minutes (compared to 7 hours and 15 minutes with the standard 11 kW unit).
EV4 GT
The engine and battery of the EV4 GT are identical to those of the EV3 GT.
It is 8 cm shorter (1.50 m) and has a slightly better aerodynamic profile, resulting in an increased range of 4 km, bringing the total to 505 km. It is only 1 cm wider (1.86 m) but extends by 14 cm longer (4.45 m), with a wheelbase of 2.82 m. According to the VDA standard, the trunk volume is 377 liters, which is smaller than that of the Kia EV3 GT (413 l).
The Kia EV4 GT is also manufactured in Europe, specifically at the Zilina plant in Slovakia. This allows for a 70% reduction on tax benefits related to the vehicle. Prices start at 56,390 euros inclusive of taxes. The same options are available at the same price as those on the EV3 GT, except that the Advanced Charging package is 200 euros more expensive (1,600 euros).
EV5 GT
The Kia EV5 GT has the same energy capacity and thus similar charging time as the EV3 GT and EV4 GT. However, its motor power has increased by 10 kW, reaching 225 kW (306 hp). This extra power goes solely to the front wheels, where it increases to 155 kW (211 hp). The WLTP mixed-cycle range is slightly lower by 25–29 km, at 476 km.
This model features a wheelbase of 4.61 x 1.88 meters, a track width of 2.75 meters, and a height of 1.69 meters. Notably, the EV5 GT’s exclusive GT semi-bucket sport seats come equipped with relaxation and comfort functions.
Starting at 58,290 euros for this model. No heat pump or bidirectional V2L/V2H charging, but the matte paint costs 1,050 euros and the 22 kW onboard charger alone costs 1,000 euros.