New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived
Kia’s ID. Buzz rival can potentially go further on a single charge than first thought
Korean firm Kia is taking its first steps into the realm of electric commercial vehicles with the launch of the new PV5 at the CV Show in Birmingham, but much like its rivals, it will have a passenger-carrying variant in its line-up. Called the Kia PV5 Passenger, it doesn’t have the most innovative name, but buyers will be more intrigued by the £32,995 starting price.
That’s a massive £25,000 less than for a Volkswagen ID. Buzz – a model that’s similar in size and shape to the PV5 – while it’s also competitive with van-derived MPVs such as the Ford Transit Connect and the Citroen Berlingo, as well as its Stellantis siblings.
Under the skin, the PV5 Passenger features Kia’s E-GMP.S electric platform, which is a ‘commercialised’ version of the underpinnings used by its passenger cars. That means there are 51.5kWh and 71.2kWh battery options available.
Initially, WLTP testing produced an official combined range figure of up to 179 miles for the standard battery and 249 miles for the long-range PV5. However, revised results have since boosted these figures ever so slightly to 183 and 256 miles, respectively. We’ll have to wait for the PV5’s arrival to confirm whether either of these range figures can be achieved in the real-world, though.
While the starting price for the PV5 Passenger line-up has been announced – and order books now open for deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2025 – the price of the long-range variant is still to be confirmed. Either way, both versions will be able to recharge from 10-80 per cent capacity in less than half an hour from a powerful enough source.
Initially the PV5 Passenger will come as a five-seater, and it will share tech with the Crew version of the PV5 panel van. That means a vast 1,320 litres of boot space is available in five-seat mode, while a maximum of 2,315 litres is offered with the second row folded. Kia has based the Passenger version on the long body/low roof (L2/H1) version of the PV5 Cargo, and has confirmed that a seven-seater will be offered at a later date.
Standard kit is more generous than you’ll find on other van-based MPVs, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen navigation system running an Android Automotive operating system (a first for Kia). There’s a 7.5-inch driver’s display, too, while wireless smartphone connectivity (supporting both Android and Apple devices) is included.
Other standard-fit items include:
- Auto LED lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- A six-speaker stereo system
- Twin sliding side doors
- Part-synthetic leather trim
- Heated mirrors
- Front and rear parking sensors
- A reversing camera
- LED cabin lighting
Essential models come with the above kit and are marked out by 16-inch steel wheels with plastic trims. For an extra cost, moving up to Plus version adds a few enhancements such as:
- Alloy wheels
- Heated seats and steering wheel
- Electric tailgate operation
- Vehicle-to-load charging
The new PV5 Passenger will be sold via Kia’s new commercial vehicle centres, which have been rolled out across the UK. Around 50 franchises make up the network, although not all are based within one of Kia’s existing 191 dealerships, with the company planning to open dedicated commercial vehicle outlets in selected areas. These dedicated outlets cater more for business users, as well as establishing a network in preparation for a range of new commercial vehicles from Kia. As with the company’s passenger cars, the PV5 will come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.
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