2025 Kia PV5 shown early

Following on the from EV4’s debut earlier this week, the production-spec 2025 Kia PV5 has been shown to the world for the first time ahead of its global launch next week.

Only the exterior design of the upcoming commercial vehicle and people mover has been shown thus far with more body styles set to be shown at Kia EV Day on February 27 – at which point we’ll learn about the PV5’s mechanical make-up.

Looking an awful lot like the concept that debuted at CES 2024, the production-spec PV5 is designed to “redefine the concepts of space and mobility” by “providing unprecedented flexibility and customisation through innovative modularity”.

The passenger version will serve as an electric alternative to the market-conquering Kia Carnival while the Cargo version will mark Kia’s second global entry into the light commercial market after the Tasman pick-up truck, albeit the zero-emission sector where it will be up against the LDV eDeliver 7 and VW ID.Buzz Cargo.

A signature trait of both PV5s shown so far is the black glasshouse which, on the passenger version, runs down the entire length of the body but stops at the sliding doors of the commercial one.

Another key difference between the two takes is the rear door(s) – the Passenger features a single lifting tailgate while the Cargo gets the delivery-friendly double barn doors.

“The mid-sized PV5 is the first model to make its debut under Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) global business strategy,” Kia said.

“The Kia PV5’s contemporary design transcends traditional light commercial vehicles, featuring a fresh aesthetic that emphasises flexibility and customisation through a modular approach.”

The third body style will almost certainly be a cab-forward pick-up truck – as seen in concept form – ripe for easy customisation thanks to a removeable tub that can be interchanged with a raft of other bolt-on bodies/ensembles depending on the intended role.

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