Kia has clearly looked at the tyre-shredding success of the EV6 GT and thought, "Yes, let's do that to the rest of them."
In a move that will delight enthusiasts (and terrify tyre manufacturers), the Korean automaker has used the Brussels Motor Show to drop a trio of performance EVs: the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT.
While the standard versions of these cars are sensible, efficient commuters, the GT treatment turns them into neon-accented hooligans designed to make the Sheikh Zayed Road commute significantly more interesting.
It is a bold play. At a time when many manufacturers are pulling back on performance to focus on range and efficiency, Kia is doubling down on fun.
The EV3 GT and EV4 GT: The New Hot Hatches?
The most exciting news comes in the smaller packages. Both the EV3 GT (the compact crossover) and the EV4 GT (the saloon-hatchback hybrid) share the same powertrain, and it is a punchy one.
Gone are the eco-minded motors, replaced by a dual-motor setup that sends a combined 288 horsepower to all four wheels. While that figure might not sound earth-shattering in a UAE market filled with Patrols and Land Cruisers, it is plenty for cars of this footprint. It puts them squarely in "warm hatch" territory. Think VW Golf GTI performance, but with instant torque.
But Kia hasn't just added power; they have tweaked the chassis too. Both models get unique suspension tuning, larger brakes, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in sticky rubber. Inside, the cabins have been given a moodier, greyscale makeover, punctuated by neon lime-green accents which are a signature of Kia’s GT division.
Crucially, they also inherit some of the "toy box" features from their big brother, the EV6 GT. There is a dedicated GT drive mode, simulated gearshifts (for those who miss the kick of a transmission), and active sound design to replace the silence with something a bit more visceral.
The EV5 GT: The One We Actually Want
For the UAE, this is the one that matters. The EV5 GT takes the boxy, practical shape of the family SUV and injects it with some serious pace.
Details are a little scarcer here, but Kia has confirmed it gets the full visual treatment with aggressive bumpers, big wheels, and the obligatory green stitching. We are told it will have "increased horsepower and torque" over the standard dual-motor model, which already produces 308 bhp. If Kia follows the logic applied to the EV6, we could be looking at a serious sleeper SUV capable of embarrassing sports cars at the traffic lights in Jumeirah.
The EV2: The Forbidden Fruit
Alongside the performance trio, Kia also showed off the production version of the EV2. This is the baby of the bunch, a boxy city car that looks fantastic. It will be available with two battery sizes and a range of up to 278 miles (WLTP).
Will We Get Them?
Kia Middle East has been aggressive with its EV rollout, bringing us both the EV6 and the massive EV9. It is highly likely that the EV5 GT will make its way to our shores given our appetite for SUVs. The smaller EV3 GT and EV4 GT are harder to call, but with the growing interest in electric performance, they would certainly find a home here.
|
Model |
Powertrain |
Horsepower |
Drive |
Key Features |
|
EV3 GT |
Dual Motor |
288 hp |
AWD |
GT Mode, 20-inch wheels |
|
EV4 GT |
Dual Motor |
288 hp |
AWD |
Simulated shifts, Neon accents |
|
EV5 GT |
Dual Motor |
>308 hp* |
AWD |
Upgraded chassis, Aggressive aero |
|
EV2 |
Single Motor |
N/A |
FWD |
278-mile range, Urban focus |
FAQs
What is the horsepower of the Kia EV3 GT?
The EV3 GT produces 288 horsepower from a dual-motor setup, sending power to all four wheels. It is designed to be a "hot hatch" crossover.
Does the Kia EV4 GT have a drift mode?
While Kia hasn't explicitly confirmed "Drift Mode" for the EV4 yet, it features GT-specific drive modes and chassis tuning similar to the EV6 GT. Given Kia's history, we wouldn't be surprised if it lets the tail hang out.
Will the Kia EV5 GT come to the UAE?
It is very likely. The UAE market favors SUVs, and Kia has a strong track record of bringing its flagship EVs to the region. The EV5 fits perfectly below the EV9.
Do these cars make fake engine noises?
Yes. Both the EV3 GT and EV4 GT feature "Active Sound Design" and simulated gearshifts. It sounds gimmicky, but in practice, it helps connect the driver to the speed.
When will the Kia EV5 GT be released?
The EV5 GT has been revealed globally, but a specific Middle East launch date has not been confirmed. We expect to see it follow the standard EV5 launch, potentially late 2026.
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