Kia EV5 WKNDR unveiled: a concept with a taste for off-road adventures

The shift toward electric cars is now reaching buyers who dream of adventure, and the new concepts coming from automakers show they are ready to meet that demand. Kia China just revealed an intriguing new design at the Guangzhou Auto Show: the EV5 WKNDR. We can clearly see that this vehicle is more than just a styling exercise - it's a detailed preview of a potential off-road trim for the popular EV5.

Developed by the Kia China Style Design team, the EV5 WKNDR looks ready for a weekend camping trip right off the showroom floor. The designers gave the electric SUV a decent lift starting with an upgraded suspension. This change immediately gives the concept a tougher stance and a greater ground clearance - a must for clearing obstacles on rough trails. Large wheels wrapped in serious all-terrain tires complete the rugged look, firmly suggesting that this EV can handle more than just city streets.

The concept's exterior changes go deeper than just a set of wheels. It features a completely redesigned body kit with wide fender extensions giving the EV5 a muscular, broad-shouldered appearance. New skid plates protect the underside, while chunkier side skirts offer added protection against rocks and debris. A prominent hood insert and a large roof rack add to the vehicle's readiness for hauling gear.

The WKNDR's visual identity is cemented by a signature color scheme of matte beige accented with lime green and gray details - a combination that has become a signature of Kia's outdoor-focused concepts. For owners who haul serious equipment, Kia even included dedicated mounts on the side of the vehicle, similar to the modular setup found on the iconic Land Rover Defender.

Stepping inside this extreme EV5 reveals an interior that is surprisingly reworked for a concept based on an existing production electric car. The changes go way deeper than a simple color swap. Designers installed a wide display screen that stretches out in front of the passenger, paired with a slim digital instrument cluster positioned behind a new steering wheel. The center console has been revised, and the climate vents sport a new design. New upholstery with modern colors and a unique 3D texture covers the completely redesigned seats, elevating the cabin's feel.

Where this concept truly excels for the adventurous buyer is in its focus on utility. The cabin is peppered with practical elements that borrow an idea similar to Dacia's simple YouClip system. This means easy access to features like cup holders and extra storage compartments mounted along the sides of the cargo area.

The roof liner includes extra rails specifically designed for securing gear, preventing loose items from bouncing around when the trail gets bumpy. While Kia has kept quiet on the mechanical details of the EV5 WKNDR concept, the upgraded suspension is the only confirmed change from the production EV5, leaving the rest of the technical specifications a mystery for now.

We do know that the standard Kia EV5 sits on the E-GMP architecture, the same flexible platform used for other EVs from the brand. This architecture allows the production EV5 to be offered with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with different battery options based on the specific region.

A sporty GT variant of the production EV5 is already confirmed, promising a powerful powertrain and sharper handling, but the true appeal of the WKNDR lies in its blend of utility and rugged looks, which the market increasingly craves.

The EV5 WKNDR is the fourth model in Kia's adventure lineup, following the EV9, PV5, and Tasman to wear the badge. None of the prior concepts has gone into production yet, but the massive consumer interest in lifestyle electric cars suggests that the time is right. Considering Kia's consistent history of turning popular concepts into real-world production models, it is highly likely that a slightly toned-down version of this design will eventually join the EV5 lineup.

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