Kia has officially confirmed that their new EV4 electric sedan will be heading to Australian shores, giving Tesla Model 3 buyers a serious new alternative to consider. After building momentum with electric SUVs like the EV6 and EV9, Kia is now ready to tackle the premium electric sedan market.
What Makes the EV4 Special?
The EV4 represents Kia’s most direct challenge to Tesla’s dominance in the electric sedan space. Recently revealed at Kia’s EV Day event in Barcelona, this sleek four-door promises to deliver impressive range, advanced technology, and the build quality Kia has become known for.
What’s particularly exciting is that Kia didn’t just create another “me-too” electric car. The EV4 showcases a distinctive fastback design that stands out from the crowd while offering practical everyday usability.
Design That Turns Heads
The exterior styling is unmistakably modern Kia, featuring a fastback profile with a dramatically sloped rear window. Black cladding runs around the vehicle, giving it an almost SUV-like presence despite being a sedan. Flush door handles complete the clean, aerodynamic look.
Speaking of aerodynamics, Kia has achieved an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.23, helped by full underbody covers. This attention to airflow directly translates to better range and efficiency.
Performance and Range Details
Two Battery Options Available
Kia is offering the EV4 with two different battery configurations to suit different needs and budgets:
| Specification | Standard EV4 | EV4 Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 58.3kWh | 81.4kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 430km | 630km |
| Power Output | 150kW | 150kW |
| 0-100km/h | 7.4 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%) | 29 minutes | 31 minutes |
The Long Range version delivers up to 630km of range on the WLTP cycle, which actually beats the Tesla Model 3 RWD (513km) and nearly matches the Long Range AWD version (629km). That’s impressive territory for a newcomer.
Single Motor Setup Initially
Both versions use a single 150kW front-mounted electric motor. However, Kia has previously committed to offering GT versions of all their electric vehicles, so expect a dual-motor all-wheel-drive EV4 GT to arrive later.
Technology and Interior Features
Entertainment Hub on Wheels
The EV4’s interior carries over much of the concept car’s design with some practical updates. You’ll find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a separate 5.3-inch climate control screen.
But here’s where things get interesting – Kia calls it the “Vehicle Smart TV solution.” You can watch YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ content directly in the car. There’s even karaoke and gaming functionality for when you’re parked.
Customizable Experiences
The EV4 offers different interior modes:
- Rest Mode: Adjusts ambient lighting and activates relaxation seats
- Theatre Mode: Optimizes the 30-inch display, lighting, and sound system for entertainment
Over-the-air updates keep the system fresh, and Kia promises new display themes including NBA and Disney content.
Practical Considerations
Size Comparison
The EV4 sedan measures 4730mm in length – about 10mm longer than a Tesla Model 3 but 73mm narrower. The wheelbase is 55mm shorter than Tesla’s offering. Boot space comes in at a respectable 490 liters.
Charging Capabilities
An 11kW onboard charger supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality lets you power external appliances, while vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability will work where infrastructure supports it.
The i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking system remembers your preferred settings, making one-pedal driving more intuitive.
Safety and Advanced Features
Kia is targeting a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the EV4. The safety package includes advanced driver assistance features, though specific details for the Australian market haven’t been released yet.
The suspension setup uses MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear arrangement featuring coil-over units. Frequency-responsive dampers and ‘hydro G’ suspension bushings aim to reduce noise and vibration while improving ride comfort.
Wheel and Tire Options
Standard models come with 215/60R17 tires, while the GT-Line variant gets 19-inch alloy wheels. Kia hasn’t specified how the larger wheels affect range yet.
Australian Market Timeline
While Kia Australia has confirmed the EV4 will join their electric vehicle lineup, they’re keeping timing, variants, and pricing details under wraps for now. The sedan will be produced in Korea and goes on sale there in March, so Australian availability likely follows later in 2025.
Interestingly, the hatchback version of the EV4 won’t be coming to Australia. Kia describes it as “Europe-only,” where it will be manufactured in Slovakia.
The EV4 represents Kia’s serious intent to compete directly with Tesla in the premium electric sedan market. With competitive range figures, impressive technology features, and Kia’s improving reputation for quality and value, it could be exactly what many Australian buyers have been waiting for.
The combination of practical range, advanced infotainment, and distinctive styling positions the EV4 as more than just another Tesla alternative – it might actually be the better choice for many buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Kia EV4 be available in Australia?
A: Kia Australia has confirmed the EV4 will arrive but hasn’t announced specific timing. Production starts in Korea in March 2025, so Australian availability likely follows later in 2025.
Q: How does the EV4’s range compare to Tesla Model 3?
A: The EV4 Long Range offers up to 630km of range, beating the Tesla Model 3 RWD (513km) and nearly matching the Long Range AWD (629km).
Q: Will there be a more powerful version of the EV4?
A: While only the single-motor version has been announced, Kia has committed to GT versions of all their electric vehicles, suggesting a dual-motor EV4 GT is likely.
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