Kia EV5 WKNDR Concept for going from city to nature

Quick look

• A rugged, adventure-focused interpretation of the EV5 electric compact SUV.

• Enhanced off-road hardware with a highly modular and flexible interior.

• Suggests a future, adventure-oriented trim level or sub-brand to appeal to the growing lifestyle EV market.

Just as motor vehicles were progressively adapted for off-road motoring, electric vehicles will eventually also be designed for more rugged conditions. Who knows – there might come a time when a fully electric vehicle can handle the challenges of events like the old Camel Trophy.

In fact, there are already fully electric vehicles being put through extreme conditions in events such as Extreme E, an off-road series that has only EV SUVs (now hydrogen FCEVs). But these are specially built machines and essentially prototype in nature.

Kia shows how the EV5 could be reconfigured for adventure with the EV5 WKNDR concept. Conceived and designed entirely by the Kia Design China team, the EV5 WKNDR embodies the spirit of the ‘Spontaneous Escape Enabler’, offering modern explorers the freedom to transition seamlessly from city to nature.

The inspiration for the 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. This creates harmony between contrasting elements: robustness and elegance, urban sophistication and rugged adventure, structured life and ultimate freedom.

The exterior of the EV5 WKNDR projects an image of being 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 wheelarches, protective body cladding and all-terrain tyres 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 bonnet 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.

Key interior features
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 (Human-Machine Interface) creates a clean, intuitive digital interface. The centre 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.

Digital features
The digital interface 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 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 portable camping seating.

A rail system in the cargo bay allows for flexible storage, and the boot cover itself doubles as a portable table.

The exterior Birch colour mimics the grey-white tones of birch tree bark, adept at concealing off-road marks. Spruce Blue for the interior 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 EV5 WKNDR trailer
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.

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