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Kia’s sporty new electric SUV spotted ahead of its big debut [Video]

Kia is set to unveil several new electric GT models at the Brussels Motor Show, including the EV3, EV4, and EV5. With its debut less than a month away, Kia’s sporty midsize electric SUV was spotted on the road, offering our closest look at it yet.

The Kia EV5 GT will debut at the Brussels Motor Show

The EV5 is already a pretty sleek-looking SUV with a boxy, upright design like Kia’s three-row EV9, but in a smaller package.

At the Brussels Motor Show next month, Kia will unveil the EV5 GT, a sportier, more powerful version of the midsize electric SUV.

Kia has yet to say when or where it will launch, but like the standard model, the GT variant is expected to arrive in Europe, the UK, Korea, and Canada sometime in 2026. It will follow the EV6 GT and EV9 GT as Kia expands its performance EV lineup.

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Although it was widely expected to share underpinnings with the new EV6 GT, that apparently won’t be the case.

According to Auto Express, the EV5 GT will instead be equipped with a separate dual-motor powertrain, packing 302 hp and 480 Nm of torque, good for a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.2 seconds.

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Kia EV5 GT-Line Korean-spec (Source: Kia)

Official range and other final specs will be revealed at the event, but the GT version will use the same 81.4 kWh battery as the standard EV5 Long Range model, which should provide a WLTP driving range of at least 300 miles.

Kia said all future electric GT vehicles will wear its new “GT Wrap” featuring its signature neon green. The bold color has become a “symbol of electricity,” the company said. It will also be available in a matte Magma Red.

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Kia EV4 GT prototype with “GT Wrap” design (Source: Kia)

It’s about the size of Kia’s best-selling model, the Sportage, at 4,610 mm (181″) long, 1,875 mm (74″) wide, and 1,675 mm (66″) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

Thanks to its dedicated electric vehicle (E-GMP) platform, the EV5 offers noticeably more interior space with “best-in-class” interior rear legroom of 1,041 mm (41″). Kia also packed it with its latest software, features, and infotainment system.

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The interior of the Kia EV5 GT-Line (Source: Kia)

The interior features nearly 30″ of screen space with Kia’s new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, including dual 12.3″ driver and navigation screens, plus a 5″ climate control display.

A video from our friends at Shortscar shows the EV5 GT driving in South Korea ahead of its upcoming debut. Although it’s still disguised, you can see the GT version has bigger wheels and updated front and rear bumpers.

The EV5 GT will debut at the Brussels Motor Show next month alongside the EV3 GT and EV4 GT. Kia will also unveil its new entry-level EV, the EV2. The event runs from January 9 through January 18, 2026. Hyundai is showcasing new EVs, including “its biggest EV” yet, which it previewed in a teaser image on Monday.

For those in the US, Kia is (sadly) not planning to launch the standard EV5 or GT version. After opening orders earlier this month, Kia said the midsize electric SUV would be exclusive to Canada in North America.

If you’re looking for a new EV, we can still help you find the right one. Kia is currently offering over $10,000 off every EV in its US lineup through its New Traditions sales event. You can use the links below to see what’s available in your area.

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Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising