Kia is leaning hard into electric performance. The brand has officially unveiled three new GT-badged EVs: the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT. Together, they signal Kia’s clearest statement yet that electrification doesn’t mean giving up on driving fun. For UK buyers in particular, one model stands out immediately: the EV4 GT, a compact electric hot hatch aimed squarely at drivers who still care about corners, steering feel, and the occasional grin-inducing overtake.
EV4 GT: the electric hot hatch everyone’s watching
The EV4 GT sits neatly between the smaller EV3 and the larger EV5, but it’s the most traditional enthusiast proposition of the trio. Shaped as a proper hatchback or a sleeker fastback, it channels the spirit of classic hot hatches, just reimagined for 2026.
Under the skin, Kia has gone for a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 288bhp (215kW). Power is split with 194bhp driving the front axle and 94bhp at the rear, fed by a substantial 81.4kWh battery. The promise here isn’t just straight-line speed, but traction, balance, and repeatable performance.
Kia has also fitted electronically controlled suspension with GT-specific tuning, alongside upgrades aimed at improving cornering stability. Add in 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance-focused tyres, and it’s clear this car is meant to be driven with intent, not just efficiency in mind.
GT mode, virtual gears, and driver engagement
Like any modern GT model worth the badge, the EV4 GT features a dedicated GT drive mode. This setting sharpens throttle response, weights up the steering, and adjusts suspension behaviour for a more aggressive driving experience. Kia describes it as “harmonising” the car’s systems, but the subtext is simple: press the button and have more fun.
Notably, the EV4 GT also borrows Kia’s virtual gear shift system, first seen on the EV6 GT and later celebrated on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It’s a clever piece of software that simulates stepped gear changes, adding a layer of interaction that many drivers miss in single-speed EVs.
EV3 GT and EV5 GT: same attitude, different shapes
The same core GT hardware is offered in the smaller EV3 GT, giving buyers a more compact performance option with familiar technology. At the other end of the scale sits the EV5 GT, a sportier electric SUV delivering slightly more power at 302bhp. It also comes with a set of exclusive GT design and chassis tweaks, aimed at blending performance with everyday usability.
Built for emotion, arriving in 2026
Kia Europe boss Soohang Chang says these new GT models are designed to prove that electric cars can still be emotional, confident, and engaging. It’s a bold claim, but on paper, the EV4 GT in particular looks well-positioned to challenge established electric performance rivals.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, and all three models are scheduled to go into production later in 2026. For now, though, Kia has made one thing clear: the electric hot hatch isn’t dead. It’s just gone GT.
