Kia EV3 AWD: More power and all-wheel drive for the compact SUV

The Kia EV3 has managed from the outset to become a serious and therefore successful competitor to VW ID.3 (Test) or the technically similar Skoda Elroq (Test). Kia is now offering its compact electric car model with higher performance and all-wheel drive.

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The AWD version is significantly more powerful with 195 kW compared to the 150 kW of the synchronous motor in the previously available front-wheel drive model, achieved by simply adding an additional rear motor with 45 kW. The total torque increases to 385 Nm. This allows the Kia EV3 AWD to reach 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds instead of the previous 7.9 seconds. The top speed for all EV3 models remains 170 km/h.

All-wheel drive only with large battery

The Kia EV3 AWD comes standard with the large 81.4 kWh battery, achieving a WLTP range of up to 597 kilometers according to the catalog. The battery of the new EV3 AWD is said to be able to fast charge from 10 to 80 percent in about half an hour under optimal conditions. The standard battery preconditioning for all versions ensures that these values do not drop too much even in cold weather. Its advantage is an additional manual function, so it doesn't just work – as unfortunately in many other electric cars – when a charging station is entered as the destination in the navigation system.

As a new option – not just for the all-wheel drive model – Kia offers a 22 kW AC charger, but only from the “Earth” trim level. This should allow the large battery in the AWD or FWD models to charge from 10 to 100 percent in just under four hours. For the 58.3 kWh battery, available only in front-wheel drive models, this should take just under three hours. With the standard 11 kW charger, it takes 7:15 or 5:20 hours, respectively.

1.5 tons towing capacity

A very tangible advantage of the all-wheel drive model, in addition to improved driving performance and superior traction, is the doubled towing capacity of up to 1.5 tons compared to the front-wheel drive model (Test). The AWD version is available in both the “Earth” trim level and the sportily positioned GT-Line. These offer rich equipment with assistance and comfort functions and, particularly noteworthy, also a heat pump and a glass sunroof with opening function.

For the 2027 model year, the EV3's equipment package will include, in addition to all-wheel drive and the 22 kW charger, a manually adjustable rear seat backrest, among other things. The EV3 Earth costs from 46,880 Euros as an all-wheel drive model, and the EV3 GT-Line with AWD from 51,190 Euros. Deliveries of the new model year, including the new all-wheel drive versions, will begin in July of this year. Included are a seven-year manufacturer's warranty and an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty. For the front-wheel drive model, Kia states an unchanged entry price of 35,990 Euros for the base version “Air” with a 58.3 kWh battery (Test) and a range of up to 436 kilometers.

(fpi)