2025 Kia EV4 revealed: Electric sedan coming for Model 3

Kia has revealed a new EV4 electric concept at its 2023 EV Day.

The lifted sedan – which gives off Polestar 2 vibes – is part of Kia’s attainable EV push and one of 14 new electric models due by 2027.

The South Korean carmaker promises that, along with the EV3 small SUV concept and EV5, the EV4 will form part of an affordable global offering with prices between AU$55,000-$80,000.

It’s no mistake that’s the exact segment of the market that Tesla is currently dominating with the Model 3 and Model Y – Kia is looking for a slice of that action with these new concepts, and it’ll accomplish the prices by looking to more localised manufacturing.

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All models on show at Kia's EV day, left-right: Kia EV6, Kia EV4 concept, Kia EV5, Kia EV3 concept, Kia EV9

Design language previews production EV4

Building on Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy defined by the EV9 and EV6 large SUVs, the EV4 is informed by the ‘Power to Progress’ pillar, according to Kia.

The carmaker reckons the EV4 concept is an “entirely new type of sedan that stands as a symbol of innovation.”

Taking inspiration from the EV6 in profile, the EV4’s blacked-out A-Pillar gives way to a plunging roofline with an elongated rear window and truncated deck.

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Directly front on, its narrow yet tall vertical headlights are pushed right out to the edges, emphasising its generous width. With no physical grille, Kia’s Digital Tiger Nose grille provides a visual link to electric siblings.

The EV4’s chunky ‘tri-spoke’ aero design wheels push Kia’s rim design further than ever before - that these look will make production seems unlikely.

Sustainable materials and innovative cabin design

Inside, the EV4’s design language fits into the Korean brand’s latest interior concepts.

Minimal without being excessively so, there’s a focus on light fabrics and a spacious, undivided front compartment.

Sustainability was a big area of concern, so the EV4 concept’s cabin upholstery uses 100 per cent recycled cotton dyed with natural materials such as madder roots and walnut shells. Woven 3D-knit fabrics are used around the cabin as visual highlights, while the centre console table is constructed from renewable hemp fibres.

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Innovations in the EV4 include HVAC controls that can be stored in the centre console when not needed and air vents with customisable patterns. Kia describes the cabin as having a ‘cocoon-like ambience’, rather than the EV5 and EV3 concept’s airy feeling.

There are also 'Mind Modes' which tweak ventilation and ambient lighting settings to suit the driver’s mood. Perform mode gives lots of driving information and invigorating lights, while Serenity minimises information clutter and provides more subtle ventilation and lighting.

Artificial intelligence coming to EV4

Kia will integrate AI technology into its ownership experience next year with its new smartphone application.

Along with digital key functionality, the Kia App will incorporate an AI chatbot that will help drivers should they have queries about their vehicles.

The Korean carmaker will also incorporate generative AI technology, starting with the 2024 model year EV3 which will get rolled out into the EV4 in over-the-air software updates.

Platform and construction

Kia is yet to detail the EV4’s vitals such as dimensions, power, range, and battery size.

Given the EV4 is pitched as a mass-market product, it’s likely to move onto Kia/Hyundai’s forthcoming eM architecture though there's no confirmation on that yet. Like the EV5, the EV4 could end up a version of the existing E-GMP architecture.

As seen in the EV5, we may see the EV4 constructed in different countries.

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If it comes to Australia, the EV4 may be sourced from China and utilise more affordable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry – just like EV5 – with driving ranges between 450km and 600km.

Along with standard single-motor and twin-motor models, it’s likely Kia will offer a high-performance EV4 GT in the future, too.

Expect a production EV4 to arrive shortly after the EV5 launches in 2024.