In addition to the new EV2 electric SUV, Kia used the 2026 Brussels motor show to unveil GT variants for its existing EV3, EV4 and EV5 model lines.
Like the EV6 GT and EV9 GT, the visual differences between the new GT iterations and their lesser siblings are minimal.
While the EV6 GT and EV9 GT offer considerably more kilowatts and straight-line performance compared to other models in their lineups, the new EV3 GT and EV4 GT are more modest upgrades, while the EV5 GT offers similar performance to the existing AWD model sold in Australia.
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Instead, the company seems to concentrating on the driving experience for these models, with Alex Papapetropolous, Kia Europe’s director of product, telling Autocar: “GT models are about more than just extra power. We have hardware to deliver everyday emotion – and we want to deliver that in a sophisticated way.”
All three GT models unveiled in Brussels feature virtual gear shifts that mimic the “tactile sensation” of accelerating and decelerating in a ICE vehicle with an automatic transmission, as well as active sound design that ramps up the faux drivetrain sounds depending on speed and load.
The GT cars also feature retuned electronically controlled suspension settings, a specific GT driving mode with a “more focused and immersive driving character”, larger alloy wheels, a three-spoke steering wheel, and semi-bucket seats up front.
Splashes of lime green on the steering wheel, seats, stitching, arm rests, ambient lighting, seat belts, and door trims liven up the interior, while the eye-catching hue is also used on the brake calipers.
Powering the EV3 GT is a 215kW dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with a 145kW motor up front, and a 70kW motor on the rear axle.
A 81.4kWh battery from the EV3 Long Range is standard, and the SUV is good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds. The EV3 GT rides on 245/40 Pirelli P-Zero tyres shod with 20-inch alloy wheels.
Currently the EV3 is offered in Australia solely with a 150kW front-wheel drivetrain that can reel off the 0-100km/h standard in 7.5 seconds.
The EV4 GT sedan and hatch use the same 215kW dual-motor all-wheel drive setup employed by the EV3 GT. It also uses the SUV’s 81.4kWh battery pack, and rides on the same 245/40 tyres with 20-inch wheels.
Although the EV4 is longer than the EV3, the lower EV4 is 0.1 seconds faster to 100km/h.
The EV4 is currently on sale in Europe, and the South Korean-made sedan is expected to launch in Australia in 2026. Details about pricing, drivetrains and trims have yet to be revealed.
The larger EV5 GT has a slightly more powerful 225kW all-wheel drivetrain with a 155kW motor up front, and a 70kW motor at the back. Kia claims the GT is good for a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds.
Interestingly the GT has 5kW less than the existing EV5 AWD, which has a 0-100km/h time of either 6.1s and 6.3s depending on the trim level. While the EV5 AWD is sold in Australia, it isn’t available in the UK or Europe.
The GT rides on 255/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres with 20-inch alloy wheels.
Production of the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT models are set to commence during the second quarter of this year. Kia Australia has previously confirmed the EV3 GT for Australia.
MORE: Explore the Kia EV3 showroom | Kia EV4 showroom | Kia EV5 showroom
