The GT-Line is the flagship model in Kia’s EV5 range, and as such it gets pretty much everything Kia could throw at it, including 20-inch alloys, auto-flush door handles, a panoramic sunroof, two-tone seats which are now billed as offering “premium relaxation”, wireless phone charging, fingerprint recognition, a heated steering wheel and an augmented-reality head-up display.
Tech is covered by twin 12.3-inch screens, with a smaller 5.0-inch climate screen sandwiched between them, and there’s in-built nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But… you will be asked to pay for the privilege, with the EV5 GT-Line setting you back a considerable $71,770, before on-road costs.
The GT-Line is a twin-motor AWD offering, with a motor at each axle, lifting outputs to 230kW and 480Nm. But due to the extra weight of all of its equipment, it is slightly slower to 100km/h than the power-matched Earth, knocking off the sprint in 6.3 seconds (rather than 6.1s)
The GT-Line is fitted with an 88.1kWh battery, delivering a claimed WLTP driving range of 470kms between charges. When it comes time to plug in, the GT-Line can accept up to 11kW AC charging, while a DC fast charger (140kW) will take you from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 40 minutes.
At 4615mm long, 1875mm wide, 1715mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2750mm, the Kia EV5 is roughly the same size as a Tesla Model Y, so if you’re ever sat in the back of the Tesla, you’ll have a fair idea of what to expect here.
Sitting behind my own 175cm driving position, I found I had a heap of knee room, more than enough headroom, and I reckon you could fit three adults across the back seat pretty easily, too.