Kia EV3 Long Range

Overview

The Kia EV3 Long Range storms into the compact electric SUV scene, aiming to democratise EV ownership with style and substance. This front-wheel-drive hero packs a significant punch for its segment, boasting impressive real-world range and a tech-laden cabin. It's the one you want for maximum miles between plugs, looking like a shrunken EV9 – which is no bad thing! With an attractive estimated starting price in Europe around €41,390, it’s poised to shake things up considerably, offering a compelling package for families and city adventurers alike.

What's New for 2025?

As a brand-spanking-new model for 2025, the EV3 Long Range brings Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy to the compact SUV class. It debuts with Kia’s latest generation ccNC infotainment system, enhanced AI assistant capabilities, and a strong focus on sustainable interior materials. Built on a dedicated EV platform optimised for its size and front-wheel drive configuration, it promises a spacious interior despite its city-friendly footprint. This model introduces advanced connectivity features, including over-the-air updates and access to Kia’s upcoming AI-powered services, setting a new benchmark for tech in its category.

Design & Exterior

The EV3 Long Range is a proper head-turner, flaunting Kia's "Opposites United" design with a bold, geometric aesthetic. It's got that distinctive "Star Map" LED lighting signature at the front and rear, giving it a futuristic vibe. The Long Range trim often features aerodynamically optimised wheels contributing to its sleek profile. Dimensionally, it's a neat package: 4300 mm long, 1850 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1560 mm tall, making it perfect for nipping around town while still having a commanding presence on the road. It’s a baby EV9, and that’s a massive compliment!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EV3 Long Range and you're greeted by a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin, thanks to clever packaging and sustainable materials. Dominating the dash is a near-30-inch panoramic screen setup, typically combining dual 12.3-inch displays for instruments and infotainment, plus a dedicated climate screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, of course, standard. For your gear, there's a generous 460-litre boot, expanding to a massive 1250 litres with the seats down, plus a handy 25-litre frunk for charging cables. It’s properly practical and feels bang up to date!

Performance & Driving Experience

The EV3 Long Range, with its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), delivers a zesty 150 kW of power and 283 Nm of torque to the front wheels. This translates to a respectable 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.7 seconds – plenty quick for daily driving! While it’s no sports car, the EV3 offers a comfortable, composed ride with predictable handling, ideal for urban commutes and longer journeys. Multiple regenerative braking levels, including an i-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving, enhance efficiency and make city driving a doddle. Max speed is a sensible 170 km/h.

Range, Battery & Charging

Packing a substantial 78 kWh usable battery, the EV3 Long Range promises an impressive real-world range of around 493 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare, with an efficiency of 6.32 km/kWh. Top it up at home or work via its standard 11 kW on-board AC charger (CCS Type 2 port), taking around 7-8 hours for a full charge. Out and about, its 400V architecture supports DC fast charging up to 135 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be sorted in approximately 31 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality is also on board, letting you power external devices.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While Euro NCAP ratings are pending, Kia typically engineers its cars for top scores. The EV3 Long Range comes loaded with Kia's DriveWise advanced driver-assistance systems. Expect standard features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Higher-spec options or packages will likely add Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-autonomous cruising, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and potentially Remote Smart Parking Assist. This little SUV is packed with tech to keep you and yours safe on the road, making it a reassuring choice.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Kia is famous for its cracking warranty, and the EV3 Long Range benefits from the generous 7-year or 150,000 km basic vehicle warranty in Europe – a real peace-of-mind provider! The high-voltage battery is also covered for the same period, typically guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components fall under the comprehensive vehicle warranty. Electric vehicles generally require less maintenance than their combustion counterparts, meaning fewer trips to the dealer and potentially lower running costs over its lifespan, adding to its smart appeal.