Glasgow recently hosted the 23rd Commonwealth Games, welcoming 3,000 athletes from 74 nations to compete across 10 sports, marking the city’s turn as event host after Victoria, Australia. Amid the sporting celebrations, the all-electric Kia EV5 made its debut as a practical and innovative vehicle option for traversing the various venues.
The Kia EV5 is an electric SUV based on the popular Sportage model, featuring an estimated driving range exceeding 300 miles on a single charge. This range allows for extended travel in and around Glasgow without frequent recharging stops. Users reported the ability to drive between major local attractions such as the Kelpies, the Wallace Monument, Perth, Edinburgh Castle, and back to Glasgow comfortably. With overnight charging, trips to more distant locations like Oban become feasible as well.
Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the EV5 accommodates five occupants. Rear passengers benefit from lounge-style seating and individual climate controls. The driver’s cockpit integrates three digital screens displaying vehicle information, climate settings, and infotainment controls. Additional features include wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and seven years of complimentary access to Kia Connect, which provides streaming services including YouTube and Netflix.
Storage capacity is notable, with 566 liters available in the main boot area and an extra 44 liters in a front compartment. The GT-Line trim tested also includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, enabling users to power external devices such as electric kettles, effectively using the vehicle as a portable power source.
The EV5 offers three trim levels: Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S, with the reviewed model positioned in the mid-range segment. All trims feature multiple drive modes—including Normal, Eco, Sport, MyDrive, and Snow—allowing drivers to tailor performance to conditions. Regenerative braking strength can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles, and a one-pedal driving mode is available to simplify operation in stop-and-go city traffic.
Safety has been a priority in the EV5’s design, as reflected by its five-star Euro NCAP rating and an array of standard safety systems. Kia supports the vehicle with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Customers can choose from seven exterior colors to suit personal preferences.
As Glasgow continues to celebrate its role as a prominent venue for international sports, the Kia EV5 stands out as a promising electric vehicle option capable of meeting a range of urban and regional driving needs with both efficiency and comfort.