Kia reveals new EV3 with up to 600km WLTP range

"What's the right electric vehicle for me?" Kia asks in the introductory video for the EV3, its latest all-electric crossover.

The question is rather apt, as this EV3, the latest in a growing all-electric lineup that already comprises the EV6 and EV9, is designed to bring electric mobility to all and to broaden the appeal and elevate the perception of EV SUVs.

The assertive exterior form of the Kia EV3 has been guided by the goal of offering as much interior space as possible

And there's little doubt that it will accomplish this lofty goal.

Range anxiety? This EV3 has any doubts answered to a T. To the tune of a 600km WLTP range (for the 'Long Range' variant, that is). That’s a fair bit more than the 506km range that the 'GT-Line' Kia EV6 offers. 

This remarkable performance comes courtesy of the firm's E-GMP platform, which underpins such remarkable cars such as the Ioniq 5. This platform houses the batteries of the EV3, and battery capacity for the 'Standard' variant of the car stands at 58.3kWh, while its 'Long Range' variant gets an 81.4kWh battery.

Both these variants will utilise this battery to power a 201bhp electric motor that delivers a peak torque of 283Nm, allowing the car to reach a maximum speed of 170km/h, and to complete the century sprint in 7.5 seconds. But also aiding affairs here, is the fact that the EV3's exterior delivers a low drag coefficient of just 0.26.

A near 30-inch widescreen display features in the cabin, supported further by a 12-inch head-up display system

And what an exterior this is.

A connection to the EV9 is immediately apparent: Both cars make use of vertical head lights as well as a clean front surface area to deliver a confident stance. Viewed from the flank, the EV3 also gets a long, sloping roofline which ends in a hatchback-like tailgate, adopted to ensure that it offers as spacious an interior as possible.

For the style-conscious, a 'GT-Line' EV3 will also be available, which comes complete with contrasting lower body trim alongside an integrated lower bumper for a more rugged and adventurous appearance.

But the highlight of the Kia EV3 is its interior.

The centre console of the Kia EV3 sports a sliding element that allows it to double as a work surface

Here, a near 30-inch widescreen display features, incorporating a 12.3-inch cluster, and a 12.3-inch AVN display, while additional 5.0-inch air-conditioning panel also features on the front fascia.

And the rest of the cabin has been designed to serve as an appealing alternative living space. Contributing to this is a centre console that serves not only as a storage area, but can also be extended to serve as a work surface, handy when you’re waiting for the car to be topped up (which can be accomplished in as little as 31 minutes).

Recycled fabric is utilised across the dashboard and door trims of the EV3, all to add to an intimate and home-like ambience. And while relaxing in this cabin, occupants will be able to call upon Kia’s new streaming service, delivered via LG's Automotive Content Platform for entertainment. Also offered here in access to a new Kia Connect Store, which will offer access to in-car gaming and a host of vehicle personalisation apps.

And at the back, a total of 460-litres of boot space is offered.

Could this be the electric vehicle for you? There won't be too much time to ponder. The EV3 is set for introduction in Korea come July 2024 while its European launch is currently scheduled for the second half of the year. The car is expected to arrive in Asian markets, meanwhile, by early 2025.