2024 Kia EV5 release delayed – again

UPDATED 22/7/2024: Kia Australia has confirmed the showroom arrival of the all-new 2024 Kia EV5 has been pushed back again to coincide with the arrival of the top-flight GT-Line trim in the fourth quarter of this year.

The amended timeline means the highly anticipated electric mid-size SUV will land on Aussie soil at least three months later than originally intended (late June).

“The launch of EV5 Air and Earth variants will be rescheduled to align with the production and arrival of the top GT-Line trim later in the year,” a company spokesperson told carsales.

“Further details will be provided when they are finalised.”

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 20/6/2024: The Australian release of the 2024 Kia EV5 has been pushed back by roughly a month due to some unexpected wheel and software updates that need implementing before the mid-size electric SUV can go on sale.

“Due to unexpected wheel and software updates, we are unfortunately delaying the media launch of the EV5,” a Kia Australia spokesperson told carsales, before confirming the EV’s subsequent market release had also been pushed back.

“Some inconsistencies were noted with wheel weights/balance.

“We are working closely with the factory to remedy these challenges to ensure we have sufficient supply and variants across the dealer network for the rescheduled launch, the date for which will be announced as soon as possible.

“We don’t have timing confirmed yet but estimate about a month delay. Pricing will be announced closer to the revised launch date.”

The highly-anticipated EV5 was originally scheduled to be launched next week as a circa-$60,000 battery-electric alternative to the petrol, diesel and hybrid Sportage, as well as the Korean brand’s Chinese-built rival for the Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto3 and a swathe of other incoming Chinese electric SUVs.

The best-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and other popular mid-size electrified SUVs – such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER – are also in the EV5’s firing line.

While the circa-$60K starting price has long been alluded to by Kia executives, the spokesperson said Australian pricing would be announced closer to the EV5’s revised launch date, which is yet to be confirmed but is now expected to take place by the end of July.

“Interest for EV5 has been strong and in line with our other EV models, we’re excited to bring this key model into the range,” the spokesperson said.

Kia has already confirmed that base Air and mid-range Earth variants of the EV5 will arrive first with the choice of front- and all-wheel drive, before the flashier GT-Line materialises in the fourth quarter of this year.

However, a total of five EV5 variants have received Australian Design Rule compliance so far, including the Light Standard Range 2WD, Air Standard Range 2WD, Air Long Range 2WD, Earth Long Range 2WD and Earth Long Range 4WD.

Both Standard Range versions are listed with 18-inch wheels and the previously confirmed 64.2kWh battery pack, whereas the Long Range variants nab 19s and a significantly bigger 88.1kWh power pack that should offer up to 550km of range.

All sub-GT-Line variants will share a common suspension set-up in terms of travel and articulation, though carsales understands each powertrain will have its own unique spring/damping, stability control and ABS tunes to help manage the varying kerb weights.

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