Earlier this year, Kia showed concepts of its upcoming Purpose-Built Vehicles, including the PV5, which is set to debut in the first quarter of 2025. The development of the midsize van continues, and spy photographers spotted camouflaged prototypes in commercial and passenger van flavors. The Kia PV5 has a boxy silhouette and familiar proportions – typical of LCVs – but a closer look reveals some unique styling features. These include the large greenhouse, the glossy black panels, the thick plastic cladding, the slim LED headlights, and the four-spoke wheels. The passenger version has regular windows on the sides, distinguishing it from the panel van.
Differences compared to the concept
include the conventional mirrors, the thicker pillars, and the smaller wheels.
We can also see a part of the unpainted plastic cladding around the wheel
arches, doing without the fancy texture of the concept. The LCV prototype was
spotted in Germany, benchmarking against the similarly-sized VW ID.Buzz, and
the slightly larger Hyundai Staria. For a good measure, the electric Volkswagen
measures 4,712 mm long, while the ICE-powered Hyundai stretches
5,255 mm long.
We already know that the Kia PV5 will be
available in Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab bodystyles, made possible
by the interchangeable upper body modules that will be shipped in the form of
standardized kits. These will be attached by mechanical couplings and
electromagnetic fixture points, allowing owners to customize the PV5 according
to their needs. The model is also expected to offer various seating
arrangements in two-row and three-row configurations. All of Kia’s Purpose-Built
Vehicles will ride on the e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module)
architecture. The company has yet to announce details about the specifications
of the battery packs and the electric motors.
We expect more prototype sightings of the
Kia PV5 as we move closer to its debut. Last month, Kia teased the production
version of the van during the IAA Transportation Show in Hannover, hinting at
an imminent debut before the early 2025 market launch. The model will be later
joined by the smaller PV1 and the larger PV7, expanding Kia’s Purpose-Built
Vehicle lineup. All of them will be produced in a new facility in Korea, with
an annual capacity of 150,000 units. The automaker has also signed a memorandum
of understanding with Uber, for the development and deployment of PBVs in the
ride-hailing business.