Kia’s new flagship: the EV8 electric sedan could be the brand’s most ambitious project yet
By ForGeeks
After a third consecutive year of record sales, Kia is preparing to unveil its most ambitious vehicle yet. We’re talking about the so-called «halo model» — a flagship that will showcase the brand’s best technology and design. The novelty does not have an official name yet, but experts believe that the car may get the name Kia EV8, less often the variant Kia EV7 is mentioned.
The new electric car is largely inspired by the Vision Meta* Turismo concept, which Kia showed late last year in honor of its 80th anniversary. It’s a long and low sedan with a futuristic look that looks like it came from a science fiction movie. The car has a streamlined silhouette, a windshield that flows into the roof, traditional side mirrors replaced by compact cameras, and a steering wheel in an unusual format reminiscent of a game controller.
Performance will be one of the key features of the flagship. According to leaks, the top-of-the-line version of the Kia EV8 will get two electric motors with a combined output of 450 kW (603 hp), making it noticeably more powerful than the gasoline-powered Kia Stinger. For those who don’t need maximum dynamics, the company will probably offer a rear-wheel-drive version with 160 kW (215 hp), as well as an intermediate all-wheel-drive version with 320 kW (429 hp).
One of the most impressive parameters of the upcoming model will be the range. The electric sedan is expected to be equipped with a 113.2 kWh battery pack. Thanks to its low body and excellent aerodynamics, the car will be able to travel from 700 to 800 kilometers on a single charge.
The interior of the Kia EV8 is designed not as a classic driver’s cockpit, but as a spacious «living room». The designers deliberately reduce the number of screens, aiming for a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. Instead, an advanced augmented reality system is used, which projects navigation and speed onto the glass as if the information were floating above the road. The car will also feature three digital modes — Speedster, Dreamer and Gamer, which change the mood and interior design depending on the driver’s preference.
The production version of this electric car is expected around 2027. The flagship won’t be cheap: the expected starting price will be around €51,000, with the final cost depending on the battery and powertrain configuration chosen. The model will be positioned between the more compact EV6 and the larger EV9 crossover.
* Owned by Meta, it is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia and its activities are banned.
