Kia debuts GT variants of its EV3, EV4 and EV5, delivering sportier performance and upgraded tech to outpace Tesla and Chinese rivals. Discover more now.
On February 2, Kia announced a new high‑performance GT lineup for its electric vehicles, expanding the GT badge beyond the limited‑edition EV6 GT. The company introduced GT variants of the EV3 compact SUV, the EV4 midsize sedan, and the EV5 midsize SUV.
Why the GT Badge Matters
Kia’s move comes as it seeks to boost its share of the rapidly growing EV market, which is seeing fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers expanding in South Korea and a resurgence of demand for Tesla’s Model Y, expected to peak in 2025. By adding a sport‑focused GT option to its mainstream models, Kia aims to attract drivers who want both zero‑emission mobility and exhilarating performance.
Performance Specs
The GT trims feature a dual‑motor setup that significantly raises power output:
- EV3 GT & EV4 GT: 145 kW front motor + 70 kW rear motor, delivering a combined 288 hp and 468 Nm of torque.
- EV5 GT: 155 kW front motor + 70 kW rear motor, for a total of 301 hp and 480 Nm of torque.
All three models also offer an all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) version with an extended driving range.
Design and Technology Upgrades
GT models receive exclusive exterior and interior touches, including:
- Unique 20‑inch alloy wheels wrapped in high‑performance summer tyres.
- Neon‑accented brake calipers, specialised front and rear spoilers, and GT‑only badging.
- An advanced electronic suspension system, a fully digital virtual cockpit, and torque‑vectoring control for stable, responsive handling.
Safety and Convenience Features
Kia equips all EV3 and EV4 versions (non‑GT) with a pedal‑misapplication mitigation system that helps prevent accidental accelerator activation, as well as an acceleration limiter for added safety. The GT variants focus on pure performance and do not include the limiter.
Connectivity improvements include:
- EV3 – a 100 W USB‑C charging port on every trim.
- EV4 – dual wireless‑charging pads for smartphones and an enhanced 100 W USB‑C port across the range.
Pricing, Incentives and Market Positioning
Despite the added performance and tech, Kia keeps prices under 53 million won (approximately $36,300 USD) for all GT models, making them eligible for the 100 % national electric‑vehicle subsidy offered this year.
What’s New on the EV9
The larger EV9 receives a series of updates:
- Emergency lighting added to rear doors.
- Standard 100 W USB‑C charging on all Air+ and higher trims.
- A new “Light” trim level.
- Unchanged pricing for Air, Earth and GT‑Line versions.
These enhancements underscore Kia’s commitment to offering a full‑range electric portfolio that blends practicality, safety, and performance.
Source: Chosun Daily.