Kia EV4 Concept Is Bringing Back The Sedan Cult
by AutoExpert | 16 October, 2023
In today's landscape, SUVs, crossovers, and pickups dominate. Sedans, however, remain timeless classics. Icons like the Tesla Model 3, Model S, BMW i4, Polestar 2, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 fly the flag for electric sedans. Yet, the recent influx into the automotive market leans heavily towards SUVs and trucks. Kia's unveiling of the new EV4 sedan underlines that sedans still have a special place in the hearts of some automakers.
At the Kia EV Day in Seoul, the EV4 concept was introduced alongside its sibling, the EV3 concept.
Visually, the EV4 Concept draws inspiration from the EV6 crossover, albeit in a more compact and lower stance, echoing design cues from the Polestar 2. Kia is revitalizing the spirit of its retired Stinger sedan. This new introduction hints at a spiritual successor to the Stinger. Interestingly, it sets itself apart from its family member, the Ioniq 6, by being more expansive in its dimensions.
Kia's storied past with performance-driven models like the Stinger and Stinger GT is evident. To ensure these legacies aren't forgotten, Kia has reinvented them with modern designs that encapsulate boldness, performance elements, and visual allure, as described by Karim Habib, Kia’s chief designer.
The EV4 Concept's rear design shares striking features with the EV9 and EV5, especially the slender, tall LED headlights paired with the iconic “tiger” grille. In essence, the EV4's profile marries the EV6's contours with the Stinger’s aerodynamic hood and a sleek hatchback finish.
Habib notes the priority for spaciousness in the EV4 Concept's design. While the typical sedan design is evolving, Kia envisions a future where vehicles blend elegance with practicality, both in design and function.
Sedans have certainly faced challenges in the market, with many consumers gravitating towards SUVs and crossovers. However, Kia's commitment to sedans is unwavering, backed by their aspiration to electrify a significant portion of their sales portfolio by 2030.
The EV4 concept isn’t just about performance and aesthetics. It also boasts innovative features such as intuitive climate controls on a slide-out panel and distinct “pin-style” air vents. While the slide-out panel remains a concept, the EV4 is on its way to production. Whether it graces the American roads remains a topic of speculation.
