Kia EV4: Electric driving can be this normal
It doesn't always have to be an SUV: The Kia EV4, with its massive range and soon even all-wheel drive, shows that compact cars can also be convincingly electric.
Opposites don't always attract: The SUV and electric trends actually contradict each other. Heavier, taller, with wider tires and less windy, SUVs are the natural enemy of range. Kia is setting an exclamation mark in the opposite direction: the EV4 may be electric, but otherwise it simply wants to be an everyday compact car in the Golf class.
«We want to cover all key market segments,» explains Francesco Conti from Product Marketing Kia Europe. «Three quarters of e-buyers come from the compact segment.» Kia calculates that half (currently a fifth) of all e-sales will be in the «Golf class» by 2030. And places the EV4 against the Opel Astra Electric, Peugeot E-308, VW ID.3 and Co.
EV4 from Europe for Europe
Incidentally, the EV4 is also available with a notchback as well as a hatchback. The hatchback variant (which we only show here) is developed and built in Europe and suits local tastes. The notchback variant EV4 Fastback is globally important, a proud 4.73 meters long instead of 4.43 - but why it is offered here is a mystery: notchback compacts are not even a niche in Switzerland, and the rear end takes some getting used to, to say the least.
The hatchback EV4 does not make such mistakes. The Kia design (and the stylish but limited practical folding door handles) is debatable, but here is a cool and harmonious speedster. Inside, too: In terms of quality and design, many more expensive brands can take a leaf out of the book. Despite the different screens, the controls never pose a puzzle. Great: the cell phone serves as a key, navigation routes with charging stops can be planned right at home in the Kia app, and the blind spot camera when the turn signal is activated is once again ingenious. There are a huge number of assistants, including remote parking via the app, but - thank you! - can be easily silenced (speed limit warning annoying? Just press the volume button). There is plenty of space, the rear is probably one of the largest in the league. Too bad your feet don't fit under the front seats. Nevertheless, we sit very comfortably.
Balanced overall package
How does the EV4 ride? «Balanced» is the best way to describe it: depending on the wheel size, comfort is very good to excellent. And the EV4 is happy to be propelled around bends, even if the steering is a little airy - it's a matter of getting used to it. What counts is the significantly lower center of gravity than in all the fashionable SUVs when cornering, with a good overview and entry height. In the city, we enjoy the compact dimensions. The electric motor has 150 kW/204 hp, develops the power evenly and contributes to the fact that the EV4 remains remarkably quiet.
In terms of range, it depends on the battery (58 or 81 kWh): 440 or 625 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. On our test drive in the top model «GT-Line» (only with the large battery), despite a predominantly brisk pace, it does not exceed 600, but 520 kilometers - enormous in this vehicle class. So even in winter, you should always be able to get a minimum of over 400 kilometers. One drawback: the charging speed is modest. At the AC wallbox, 11 kW must be sufficient, although at home it usually doesn't matter whether it takes four or eight hours, as is the case here. At the DC fast charger: 128 kW (30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent).
Conclusion: This should be well received
The Kia EV4 is available from CHF 36,450, with a large battery from CHF 43,450 and as the top-of-the-range ’GT-Line’ model, which is always popular in Switzerland, from CHF 51,950. That's fair. Launch is at the beginning of the year. All-wheel drive and more power (allegedly up to 300 hp) are to follow in the course of 2026. Oh, and if anyone wants the notchback, it will cost 1000 francs more. Conclusion: Finally a non-SUV electric car - and a really good one at that.
