23:54 07-05-2026

Kia EV4 finally gets some teeth: AWD, a fiery GT and virtual gear shifts

Kia EV4 gets two new variants in Europe: an all-wheel-drive AWD with 265 hp and 560 km WLTP, and a sharper 292 hp GT topping the range.

Kia EV4 just got a lot more interesting for buyers who felt the standard front-wheel-drive version was too tame. The lineup now includes two new variants: the all-wheel-drive EV4 AWD and the sharper EV4 GT, which now sits at the top of the range.

Until now, the compact electric Kia was offered only with front-wheel drive and a 204 hp motor. Two batteries were available — 58.3 and 81.4 kWh. The range now adds a 4x4 version: a second electric motor sits on the rear axle, and combined output climbs to 265 hp.

This EV4 comes only with the larger battery and promises up to 560 km WLTP. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes 6.5 seconds, while charging from 10 to 80% takes 31 minutes. The all-wheel-drive EV4 is available in France in Earth and GT-Line trims, priced from €48,890 and €50,490 respectively. A key advantage for the local market is that the model and its battery are built in Europe: this qualifies the car for support under the CEE scheme and an additional bonus.

But the real headliner is the EV4 GT. It also uses two motors and all-wheel drive, but power climbs to 292 hp. The 0–100 km/h sprint drops to 5.6 seconds. The battery is the same 81.4 kWh, and range is lower than the AWD version but still respectable at 505 km WLTP. The price starts at €56,390.

The GT gets more than just a power bump. It comes with adaptive suspension, retuned steering and a virtual gearbox in the spirit of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The system mimics gear shifts and works together with a sound generator. None of this is strictly necessary — it’s about emotion: Kia clearly wants the EV4 GT to feel like a car with character rather than just another quick battery-powered model.

Its rivals are pegged as the Cupra Born VZ and Tesla Model 3 Performance, although in format the EV4 is closer to a compact family EV than a full-blown sport sedan.

Kia EV4 now looks less like a one-size-fits-all model and more like a proper lineup: for long-distance trips there’s the AWD with 560 km of range, and for thrills there’s the GT with a livelier chassis and an attempt to bring the feeling of gear shifts back to an electric car.