Less than a week after Kia unveiled its EV4 electric sedan, a high-performance GT variant has been spotted undergoing testing, signaling the automaker’s intent to expand its EV sports lineup. Expected to be among the most affordable electric sports cars, the EV4 GT could become Kia’s most powerful vehicle to date, raising questions about whether it can rival the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
The EV4, Kia’s first electric sedan-hatchback model, debuted last week during the company’s EV Day, where four trims were showcased—two sedan and two hatchback versions, each in standard and GT-Line configurations. The latest sighting of the camouflaged EV4 GT in South Korea, first reported by HealerTV, hints at an imminent performance-focused addition to Kia’s lineup.
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Sportier styling elements are visible despite the camouflage, including what appear to be 20-inch wheels reminiscent of Kia’s K8 model. The prototype also features an orange light on the bumper, suggesting it is an export model. Inside, the EV4 GT will incorporate Kia’s latest ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) system with dual 12.3-inch driver and infotainment displays, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia has not yet disclosed full specifications for the EV4 GT, but if it follows the brand’s GT formula, it is expected to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. The EV6 GT, launched in 2022, held the title of Kia’s most powerful production car with 576 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds—comparable to high-end sports cars at nearly half the price. The latest version, released in Korea in November, now produces 641 horsepower with Launch Control activated.
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If the EV4 GT adopts a similar approach, it could offer a compelling mix of performance and affordability. Reports suggest pricing between $50,000 and $55,000, positioning it below the EV6 GT and making it a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD, which starts at $54,990 and delivers 510 horsepower with a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
In addition to upgraded powertrains, Kia’s GT models typically receive sportier design cues and performance-focused enhancements. The EV6 GT includes suede-trimmed bucket seats, a heat pump as standard on AWD variants, and a Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system that simulates the sensation of a traditional sports car engine. It remains to be seen if the EV4 GT will incorporate similar features.
With the standard EV4 expected to launch later this year in the $35,000 to $40,000 range, Kia’s latest electric sports sedan could offer one of the most accessible high-performance EV options on the market.