Cheaper than a Tesla Model Y? 2024 Kia EV5 confirmed for mid-year launch in Australia, and it could be an absolute bargain!

The Kia EV5 will arrive in Australia by the middle of the year, with the all-electric SUV to take direct aim at the Tesla Model Y with sharp pricing and a three-grade lineup.

A hugely important, and hotly anticipated, model for Kia, the EV5 will sit below the EV6 and EV9 in its premium BEV lineup, and is expected to be priced accordingly.

In fact, the pricing could surprise us all yet. In China, the EV5 starts at ¥149,800 - which converts to AU$32,033.

Those prices are unlikely to directly translate to the vehicle's Australian launch, with our specification requirements and tariffs expected to increase the starting price, but it does give the brand some serious wiggle room to compete with the Tesla Model Y.

Kia's mid-size electric SUV is about the same size as its Sportage, and will arrive in Australia in entry-level Air, mid-tier Earth and top-sped GT-Line trim levels.

For reference, the entry-level Tesla Model Y starts at $65,400 before on-road coasts, so if Kia can introduce the EV5 in the high $50k or low $60k range, it would significantly undercut its key competitor.

We've already seen the Kia EV5 Concept in Australia, which is expected to closely mirror our production vehicles, only without the rear-hinged rear doors.

"You've seen the concept display. The doors won't make production, just like with the EV9, for crash-worthiness and what have you," says Kia Australia's head of product, Roland Rivero.

"What's good about our concept cars is the that they're not meant to mislead anyone. We saw from EV9, the concept is very much the same as production, and the is is the same situation, if not closer even."

Australian examples of the Kia EV5 will be built and delivered from China – much like Australian Teslas – and it will be the first e-GMP product to arrive with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, as well as a new and more cost-effective battery chemistry.

Australian specifics are yet to be detailed, but in China, the EV5 opens with a 64kWh battery that promises a circa-520km driving range. Also available is a Long Range version, which is fitted with a 88kWh battery for a circa-720km driving range.

Australian specs, including power outputs and acceleration, are expected to be revealed soon.