New Delhi: Kia’s GT badge, once used on petrol cars like the Proceed GT and the Stinger GT, is now focused entirely on electric vehicles. If you are looking
for a new Kia with a GT badge today, it will be an EV. The move started with the updated EV6 GT and later the large EV9 GT, which has been revealed but is still not on sale in the UK.
Now, Kia is expanding its GT electric line-up further. At the Brussels Motor Show, the company showcased three new GT-badged electric models, with four body styles in total. Inside, the GT models are different from the regular versions. They came up with sportier, semi-bucket seats, small changes to the infotainment interface, and touches of neon green, which is now the signature colour for Kia’s GT cars.
Kia EV3, EV4 and EV5: Key highlight
Kia EV4 GT interior
The new GT versions are based on the EV3 compact SUV, the EV4 hatchback, and the EV4 fastback. All three use the same dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. The combined output is 288 bhp, with 194 bhp sent to the front wheels and the remaining power going to the rear.
Along with the extra power, Kia has made several changes to improve driving performance. The suspension has been retuned, the tyres are stickier, and there is a GT-specific drive mode. These models also get Kia’s Virtual Gear Shift system, which uses paddles behind the steering wheel to imitate gear changes. This system was first seen on the updated EV6 GT and is similar to the one used in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Kia GT EV’s performance
Kia EV3 GT
While full performance figures have not been confirmed yet, Kia has shared some acceleration numbers. The EV3 GT can go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The EV4 GT is slightly quicker, doing the same sprint in 5.6 seconds.
Kia has also revealed a GT version of the EV5, which is a larger, more family-focused electric SUV. Because of its bigger size, it gets a more powerful 302 bhp setup. However, the extra weight means it is slower than the smaller GT models, with a 0–62 mph time of 6.2 seconds. Unlike the EV3 and EV4 GTs, the EV5 GT does not get the virtual gear shift feature.
However, the production of the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT is expected to start in the second quarter of this year. Kia will announce final specifications and pricing closer to their launch dates.
