Test drive

Kia EV4, road test of the electric saloon that does over 600 km on one charge

The electric saloon brings two available battery sizes, 58.3 and 81.4 kWh, for a maximum range of 625 kilometres.

22 September 2025

3' min read

Kia enters the compact and electric car segment with the EV4, a car built in Zilina, Slovakia, and available on the market from October at a list price starting at around EUR 38,000.

We were in Marbella, Spain, to test drive the Korean brand's new model, which will be available with two body versions, Fastaback and Hatchback, the latter of which is specially designed and produced for the European market.

Kia continues EV strategy

Since 2008, when the Soul, the first electric car in the range, was launched, Kia has followed a path in the world of electric cars that saw the debut in 2021 of the EV6, the first car based on the 800 Volt platform that marked a change of pace for the Korean brand.

EV3 and EV4 have continued on their way, and it is precisely EV4 that marks two important steps: the first in that it is the first Kia EV to be built in Europe, in Zilina to be precise (for the hatchback version); while the second is the brand's debut in the non-SUV C-segment, where it goes up against well-known models such as Cupra Born, Peugeot e-308, Volkswagen I.D. 3 and Opel Astra-e.

Kia EV4, size, roominess and style

The hatchback version is the one considered for the European market, although the Earth-only Fastback is also coming, so our test will focus on this version.

Based on the group's global platform (E-Gmp), the EV4 is 4,430 mm long (4,450 mm for the GT Line version), 1,860 mm wide and 1,485 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,820 mm allowing good roominess even in the rear, where the flat floor makes it comfortable even when travelling with five people.

The EV4's chassis has been tuned to maximise both comfort and handling although we found that when taking potholes and road bumps, the car is rather stiff.

The styling echoes the brand's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, showing balanced proportions, and the front and rear light clusters suggest a broader design with sharp vertical and horizontal lines.

Road presence is emphasised by wheel sizes from 17 to 19 inches with specific designs to reduce friction and thus maximise range.

Kia EV4, tutte le foto della berlina a ioni di litio
Photogallery24 foto

Abitacle and comfort

The interior is designed to combine comfort with a high degree of practicality. On board we notice wide and comfortable seats, suitable for long journeys. In the Earth version tested, the two-spoke steering wheel is rather large and with the ring cut at both the top and bottom.

In the door panels, the area comprising handles and window regulators is rather large and made of fairly cheap plastic.

While wide is the area of the central tunnel, where there is an armrest with some physical buttons at the end for camera, Hill descent crontrol, parking sensors and Auto Hold.

There are numerous storage compartments and ergonomically positioned for both driver and passenger.

We appreciated the physical buttons for accessing the main menus of the on-board system, which remain discreet in the style of the cabin but functional for life on board.

Not entirely convincing is the position behind the steering wheel of the car's ignition button, right on the gearstick lever, which is also large compared to the others.

Technology is at the heart of the new Kia model that introduces the AI Assistant as well as, thanks to the new Kia App, all functions that can be managed remotely in a single application.

Up to 625 km range

The fastback version we tested is fitted with a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor with front-wheel drive and powered by an 81.4 kWh battery, the most powerful of which provides a range of 625 km, Wltp homologation cycle. Performance is typical of an EV, with acceleration that did not particularly impress us; it covers 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h.

The EV4 is designed to offer the best on-board comfort and this is demonstrated by the focus on cabin quietness and two new on-board functions: Theatre Mode and Rest Mode, both designed to offer maximum on-board comfort.

The range also includes a version with a 58.3 kWh battery that achieves a range of 440 km (Wltp cycle). Both batteries can be recharged in DC in 29 minutes for the standard version and 31 for the Long Range (10 to 80 per cent) while in AC it takes 5h20 for the standard and 7h15 for the version with the larger battery.