- EV5 WKNDR created by Kia Design China team for a global audience
- Concept offers modern explorers freedom to transition seamlessly from city to nature
- Increased ground clearance, extended wheel arches, protective body cladding and all-terrain tires signal off-road intent
- Interior serves as flexible basecamp, bridging gap between urban convenience and outdoor exploration
More than a concept car, the EV5 WKNDR is a versatile companion for the modern explorer. It is designed for those who dream of escaping to nature, acting as a reliable partner that makes "getting out and going far" an effortless, spontaneous decision.
What was the inspiration for the Kia EV5 WKNDR?
Born from a simple but powerful question, "What if a car could help you escape?" the concept is built upon Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, creating harmony between contrasting elements: robustness and elegance, urban sophistication and rugged adventure, structured life and ultimate freedom.
What are the concept’s key exterior features?
The exterior of the EV5 WKNDR projects a confident stance, built for adventure. Designed to communicate capability and readiness from every angle, it balances a sense of power with visual lightness.
- Increased ground clearance, extended wheel arches, protective body cladding and all-terrain tires signal its off-road intent.
- Front and rear retractable tow hooks aid in recovery on rough terrain. A panoramic roof rack accommodates traction boards and camping gear, while a side-window pegboard allows for easy tool attachment.
- A model-specific dashing light signature defines the front end alongside a reinterpreted Tiger Nose framed by a functional hood board featuring a built-in action camera to capture adventures from the driver’s perspective. The rear echoes the front, featuring a geometric bumper and gunmetal trim for a robust, capable stance.
The interior of the EV5 WKNDR acts as a flexible, multi-scenario basecamp thanks to thoughtfully crafted space that bridges the gap between urban convenience and outdoor exploration.
- A slidable display with a modern, flat-art HMI creates a clean, intuitive digital interface.
- The center console is a hub of creativity and practicality, featuring a rotatable armrest with a built-in walkie-talkie cradle for off-grid communication and an anti-insect camping lamp that provides light, scent and sound.
- The modular seats are ventilated, rotatable, and foldable, transforming into footrests or creating extended storage. A detachable jump seat can be taken outside to serve as instant, portable camping seating.
- A rail system in the trunk allows for flexible storage, and the trunk cover itself doubles as a portable table.
The EV5 WKNDR’s CMF strategy draws direct inspiration from the outdoors, using sustainable materials designed for durability.
- The exterior color ‘Birch’ mimics the grey-white tones of birch tree bark, adept at concealing off-road marks. The interior ‘Spruce Blue’ evokes the serenity of a dawn forest, accented by ‘Citrus Green’ from outdoor safety gear for visual vitality.
- The cabin uses bio-based PU material derived from corn, offering Nappa leather-like tactility with reduced emissions. 3D knit fabric provides lightweight, breathable and elastic surfaces, combining ruggedness with sustainable functionality.
The digital interface of the EV5 WKNDR serves as a reliable co-pilot, designed to be helpful, not distracting, while making adventure planning simple and social.
- Key data like battery level, range, and next-turn navigation are presented in a clear, glanceable format.
- The system facilitates group travel, shared routes and camping checklist management, turning a solo trip into a shared social memory.
The concept of spontaneous escape expands exponentially with a detachable trailer system.
- The trailer acts as a customizable mobile basecamp, enabling scenarios like a drone-assisted climbing expedition, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen for sunset gatherings, or a cozy stargazing retreat under the open sky.
The EV5 WKNDR represents a new chapter for Kia, showcasing an ability to create vehicles that are deeply relevant locally while possessing a spirit with worldwide appeal. The concept enables users to live their lives to the fullest, pursuing the desire for spontaneous freedom and reconnection with nature, which resonates on a global scale.
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