While Kia Malaysia has been relatively quiet on the EV front lately, the Korean automaker actually has a rather broad EV line-ups globally.
Besides its 800V E-GMP-based Kia EV6 and EV9, there’s the mainstream Kia EV3, EV4 and EV5, commercial models like the PV5. There’s even the compact Kia EV2 if you’re after something smaller.
Recently, Kia invited us to South Korea to experience a different side of its EV line-up, the new Kia EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT.
Traditionally, the GT badge has been synonymous with outright performance like the Kia EV6 GT. That EV packs over 570hp and does the century sprint in just 3.5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT, first unveiled at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show earlier this year, take a different approach. Instead of boasting insane power output or the quickest 0-100 time, Kia has designed these EVs to make everyday electric cars more engaging to drive while retaining the practicality expected from a family car.
GT isn’t about outright performance, it’s about everyday fun
The Kia EV3 SUV and the EV4 (available in sedan and hatchback) are originally developed as sensible C-segment EVs powered by a single front-mounted motor producing around 150kW (201hp).
Meanwhile, the larger Kia EV5 is offered globally with either a 160kW (215hp) single-motor setup or a 230kW (308hp) dual-motor AWD configuration.
For the GT versions, Kia adds a 70kW rear motor to both the EV3 and EV4, bringing total system output to 215kW (288hp) and 468Nm of torque. The EV5 GT also comes with a dual-motor AWD setup, producing 225kW (301hp) and 480Nm.
On paper, these aren’t numbers that scream “high-performance”, especially when compared to the EV6 GT. Afterall, Kia’s objective is to create everyday family cars that can provide some casual fun on-demand.
All three models come equipped with GT-exclusive suede sports seats, 20-inch wheels and an 81.4kWh 400V NMC battery. The EV3 GT and EV4 GT support DC fast charging at up to 128kW, while the EV5 GT accepts a DC charging rate of up to 151kW. All three can charge from 10-80% in about 30 minutes, while AC charging is available in either 11kW or 22kW depending on market.
Despite the extra performance, driving range remains quite respectable as follows:
- Kia EV3 GT: 501km (WLTP)
- Kia EV4 GT Sedan: 537km (WLTP)
- Kia EV4 GT Hatchback: 505km (WLTP)
- Kia EV5 GT: 476km (WLTP)
Visually, the GT models don’t stray too far from their GT-Line counterparts. The only way you can tell the difference is by spotting the bright lime green accents throughout the car, from the brake calipers and GT badges. On the the inside, you’ll find lime green schemes for the seat belts, steering wheel centre line stripe and seats.
Even the dedicated GT button on the steering wheel is finished in the same signature lime green similar to the EV6 GT.
You know it’s artificial, but Virtual Gear Shift is surprisingly convincing
Press the GT button and these EVs suddenly become a little naughty. Besides the sportier GT interface in the instrument cluster, the steering becomes firmer, throttle response sharpens and the suspension firms up. The key party trick, however, is Virtual Gear Shift (VGS).
Taking a leaf out of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s playbook, the system transforms the driving experience by mimicking the sensation of a four-cylinder petrol car.
Once activated, the typical EV range meter is replaced with a virtual tachometer. Sitting at a traffic light, the car even “idles” at around 800-900rpm complete with a subtle engine rumble through the speakers. It’s obviously fake, but it’s also quite hilarious the first time you experience it.
The paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, which normally adjust regenerative braking, become manual gear selectors in VGS mode. Flick a paddle and you feel a distinct interruption in power before the next virtual gear engages, complete with the slight jolt you’d normally experience with a conventional gearbox transmission.
If you ignore the upshift in manual mode, you’ll hit the virtual rev limiter which limits the acceleration. In GT mode, the simulated six-speed gearbox revs all the way to 7,200rpm, which encourages you to work through the gears like you would in a performance petrol car.
While the whole thing is no doubt artificial, it’s surprisingly convincing. This genuinely makes the drive more engaging and entertaining especially if you drive through a twisty mountain road.
On longer highway stretches, however, the constant virtual engine soundtrack can get a little droning. Thankfully, Kia lets you set a shortcut button on the steering wheel to toggle VGS on or off quickly, so you can enjoy a quiet EV experience.
Another thing we really appreciate is Kia’s commitment to retain physical controls. Regenerative braking, drive modes, climate controls and media shortcuts all have dedicated buttons and toggles instead of being buried inside touchscreen menus. It’s something many carmakers are moving away from, so kudos to Kia for sticking with proper controls for functions drivers use every day.
For those who want to record what these cars can really do, Kia GT EVs also has Launch Control and a Performance Timer that records 0-100km/h, 200m and 400m runs.
Still comfortable enough for the daily commute
Kia shared that these GT models have receive revised suspension tuning, including changes to the spring rate and dampers, together with a sharper steering calibration. The suspension is certainly firmer than the standard models, but it isn’t harsh or uncomfortable.
More importantly, the cars still retain the comfort you would expect from a family EV. They’re composed enough for daily commuting yet capable of putting a smile on your face when the roads get interesting.
After our short time behind the wheel, it is clear that Kia isn’t making a smaller EV6 GT.
Instead, it wants to bring some of the fun and driving engagement from Hyundai Ioniq 5N and the EV6 GT into everyday EVs that people use to commute to work, doing the school runs or for a weekend drive up to Genting.
Will these new Kia EVs come to Malaysia?
The biggest question is, will these Kia EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT EVs make their way to Malaysia? From the looks of it, it won’t be easy.
Under Malaysia’s current CBU EV policy, fully imported EVs from South Korea are subject to a 30% import duty, compared to just 5% for EVs imported from China. On top of that, there’s the minimum RM200,000 CIF requirement which pushes new imported EVs way above RM300,000 mark.
These barriers make it significantly challenging for Kia to price these models competitively against the current strong contenders in Malaysia.
As a reference, here’s the starting prices for Kia’s new “GT” EVs in South Korea:
- Kia EV3 GT – KRW53,750,000 (~RM148,900)
- Kia EV4 GT – KRW55,170,000 (~RM152,800)
- Kia EV5 GT – KRW56,600,000 (~RM156,800)
The above mentioned factors are likely some of the reasons why Hyundai Malaysia’s EV lineup is currently limited to track-focused Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N, both currently priced well above RM400,000.
If Kia Malaysia wants to offer the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT at prices that are competitive in the local market, local CKD assembly would likely be the most viable option.