KLIMS 2026: Kia Malaysia previews four exciting models - EV4, EV5, PV5 and K4

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia Malaysia is making a statement at KLIMS 2026. Having taken direct control of local operations earlier this year, the brand is using the show to preview three electric vehicles at once, the EV4, EV5, and PV5, signalling clearly that an EV push in Malaysia is no longer a matter of if but when. Along with these existing models, the automaker showcased the ICE-powered K4 at the event.

Notably, Kia Malaysia has no EVs in its local lineup currently, with the EV6 and EV9 having been removed from its website after earlier listings.

Here is what each model is, and more importantly, which one Malaysia is most likely to get.

Kia EV4

The EV4 is Kia's most recently revealed model, making its public debut in February 2026 in two body styles, a sedan and a hatchback. Both carry the brand's Opposites United design language with the EV Tiger Face front end, Star Map vertical lighting, and flush door handles, giving it a distinctive and contemporary look.

Built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform, the Kia EV4 comes powered by a front -mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of 150 kW and a peak torque of 283 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 170 kmph. The motor is fed by an 81.4 kWh battery pack, offering a driving range of 612 km.

The EV4 supports 10–80% DC fast charging in as little as 29 minutes (350 kW charger) and comes equipped with Kia’s Integrated Panoramic Display, and exterior & interior accessible Vehicle -to-Load (V2L) capability.

Kia EV5

The EV5 is the familiar face of the three, having already launched in Thailand in 2024. It is a compact electric SUV, larger than the BYD Atto 3 but slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y, measuring 4,615 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. 

The Kia EV5 is also based on the E -GMP platform and delivers up to 230 kW and 480 Nm depending on variant, with a 0–100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and WLTP range of up to 540 km. It supports DC fast charging up to 141 kW and comes equipped with dual 12.3 displays, wireless connectivity, premium audio options, and advanced convenience technologies, including fingerprint authentication and V2L functionality.

In Thailand, the EV5 is priced from THB1,249,000, which works out to approximately RM162,000 at the entry level, rising to around RM227,000 for the top AWD variant. DC charging is supported at up to 350 kW on higher variants, with 10 to 80 per cent achievable in as little as 24 minutes.

Kia PV5

The PV5 is the wildcard of the three. It is an electric van rather than a passenger car, available in standard and long body styles and configurable for passenger transport, cargo use, or a combination of both. 

Built on the dedicated E -GMP.S Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture, it showcases Kia’s mobility vision beyond traditional passenger vehicles. Designed for commercial, logistics and lifestyle applications, the electric van features V2L and V2X capabilities.

It is powered by a 161 PS front-wheel drive motor backed by a 71.2 kWh battery offering up to 412 km of range. An 11 kW onboard AC charger gets the battery from 10 to 100 percent in around five to six and a half hours, while DC fast charging covers 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Some markets also offer a detuned version with a smaller LFP battery for fleet operators watching costs closely.

Kia K4

The Kia K4 also made its first Malaysian appearance at KLIMS 2026. Previewed in GT-Line form, the sedan blends sporty styling with everyday practicality. 

At its core lies a 1.6-litre TGDI inline -four engine producing 193 PS and 265 Nm. The vehicle runs on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40R18 tyres, paired with McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup, offering enhanced stability and driving dynamics.

Inside, the K4 is equipped with Kia’s Integrated Panoramic Display, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 5 -inch climate display and 12.3 -inch infotainment touchscreen. Other key features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless smartphone charging, dual -zone climate control, and ventilated front seats.

Which Kia EV is Malaysia most likely to get?

Of the three, the EV5 is the most obvious candidate for Malaysia and almost certainly the first to arrive. It is already on sale in Thailand, meaning it is production-ready and right-hand-drive available for the ASEAN region. Its sizing and positioning as a family-oriented compact SUV align directly with what Malaysian buyers have demonstrated a strong appetite for. At a projected Malaysian price somewhere in the RM170,000 to RM200,000 range based on Thai pricing and local duty structures, it would compete directly against the BYD Atto 3, Proton eMAS 7, and Honda e:N1, all of which are established names in the segment.

The EV4 is an interesting possibility further down the line, particularly the sedan variant, which would fill a gap in Malaysia's EV market currently occupied by very few options. However, it is newer to the market globally and may take longer to reach local shores.

The PV5, while genuinely compelling for fleet and commercial operators, is unlikely to be a mass-market priority for Kia Malaysia in the near term. It serves a different audience entirely, and Kia would almost certainly want to establish its passenger EV credentials here before moving into the commercial vehicle space.

However, a concrete announcement could come sooner than most expect.

Also read: KLIMS 2026: Hyundai Motor Malaysia launches IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N