Kia Unveils a New Era of GT Performance in Brussels
Kia Electric GT Performance: EV3, EV4, and EV5 GT Unveiled in Brussels
It’s been a big day for Kia at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, where the headline story is undoubtedly Kia’s aggressive expansion of its high-performance electric lineup. While the automotive world has seen plenty of fast EVs, Kia is taking a different approach by bringing its "GT" performance badge to the most popular segments of the market.
The global debut of the Kia EV3 GT, Kia EV4 GT, and Kia EV5 GT marks a significant shift. For the first time, performance-focused electric driving isn't just for flagship halo cars; it's being integrated into compact SUVs, hatchbacks, and family-sized crossovers.
The Kia GT Philosophy: Performance Meets Usability
Standing here at the unveil, the common thread across all three cars is "driver engagement." Kia isn't just chasing 0-60 mph times; they are focused on how the car feels. All three new models come standard with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and a dedicated GT Drive Mode that optimizes everything from steering weight to suspension damping at the touch of a button.
What makes these cars stand out in a crowded market is the inclusion of Virtual Gear Shift and Active Sound Design. Borrowed from the high-performance EV6 GT, these features simulate the tactile feedback of a mechanical gearbox and provide a responsive "engine" soundtrack. It’s an effective way to bridge the gap for drivers moving from internal combustion engines to electric power.
Kia EV3 GT: The New High-Performance Compact SUV
The Kia EV3 GT is perhaps the most significant reveal for the UK market. As a compact SUV, it targets the heart of the electric car segment.
Powered by a 215 kW dual-motor setup and an 81.4 kWh battery, the EV3 GT delivers a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.7 seconds. Kia is estimating a WLTP range of between 350 and 380 miles, making it one of the most efficient performance SUVs in its class. Inside, you'll find GT-specific semi-bucket seats and an interior aesthetic that feels far more premium than the standard EV3.
Kia EV4 GT: The Agile Performance Flagship
For those who prioritize driving dynamics over a high seating position, the Kia EV4 GT is the standout of the Brussels show. Available in both a traditional hatchback and a sleek fastback silhouette, it sits significantly lower than the EV3, giving it a much more aggressive, road-hugging profile.
While it shares the 215 kW dual-motor setup and an 81.4 kWh battery with the EV3 GT, the EV4 GT’s superior aerodynamics and lower center of gravity make it the quickest of the three. It targets a 0–100 km/h time of approximately 5.6 seconds.
In person, the design is striking—the "Tiger Face" front end features vertical LED headlamps that give it a wide, confident stance. Inside, the cabin is focused entirely on the driver, featuring a dedicated GT-spec three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and a massive 30-inch panoramic display that integrates performance telemetry. It’s clearly aimed at the enthusiast who wants an electric alternative to a traditional hot hatch.
Kia EV5 GT: Practicality Without Compromise
The largest of the trio, the Kia EV5 GT, is a family-sized C-SUV that doesn't hold back on power. It features an uprated 225 kW AWD system to handle its larger footprint.
While it focuses more on comfort and versatility, it still manages a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds. More importantly for families, it maintains impressive charging speeds, capable of a 10-80% DC fast charge in approximately 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for drivers who need the space of a family car but still want the "GT" experience when the kids aren't in the back.
2026 Kia GT Range: Key Specs at a Glance
EV3 GT: 215 kW Power | 5.7s 0-100 km/h | 350-380 mile range
EV4 GT: 215 kW Power | 5.6s 0-100 km/h | 350-380 mile range
EV5 GT: 225 kW Power | 6.2s 0-100 km/h | 300-330 mile range
When is the Kia GT Range Coming to the UK?
Production for all three models is scheduled to begin in Q2 2026. While final UK pricing has not been officially confirmed here in Brussels, we expect the range to start in the mid-£30,000s for the EV3 GT, with the EV5 GT sitting closer to the £45,000 mark.
The 2026 Brussels Motor Show has proven that Kia is no longer just a player in the EV space—they are now a leader in electric performance. By making the GT badge accessible across multiple body styles, they are ensuring that the future of driving remains as exciting as its past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Kia GT and GT-Line?
It’s important to distinguish between the two. GT-Line is a trim level that provides the sporty look of a performance car—such as aggressive bumpers and larger wheels—but retains the standard battery and motor. The full GT models (like the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT) are mechanical upgrades, featuring dual-motor All-Wheel Drive, significantly higher horsepower, performance-tuned suspension, and larger brakes.
When is the Kia EV3 GT release date in the UK?
Following the debut at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, production for the Kia EV3 GT is expected to begin in Q2 2026. First UK customer deliveries are anticipated for late summer 2026.
How does Kia’s "Virtual Gear Shift" work?
Virtual Gear Shift is a software-driven feature that replicates the feeling of a traditional petrol-powered performance car. By using the steering wheel paddles, the car simulates the "jolt" and torque interruption of a gear change. It also pairs with Active Sound Design to provide an internal soundtrack that matches the simulated RPMs, giving the driver more tactile and auditory feedback during spirited driving.
What is the range of the new Kia GT electric cars?
While performance models typically have a slightly shorter range than their standard counterparts due to larger wheels and more powerful motors, Kia is targeting highly competitive figures. The EV3 GT and EV4 GT are expected to offer between 350 and 380 miles (WLTP), while the larger EV5 GT is estimated at 300 to 330 miles on a single charge.
Will the Kia EV4 GT be available as a hatchback or a saloon?
Kia has confirmed that the EV4 GT will be available in two distinct body styles: a practical five-door hatchback and a sleek fastback (saloon). For the UK market, the hatchback is expected to be the primary focus, offering an agile alternative to the taller SUV models in the lineup.
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About the Author
Jim Starling is the founder of DefinitelyNotAGuru, the UK’s honest car companion. With a mission to cut through the marketing fluff and technical jargon, Jim provides straightforward, unbiased advice to help everyday drivers navigate the world of car buying, leasing, and the transition to electric vehicles.
As an independent motoring journalist and a long-term EV owner himself, Jim brings real-world experience to his reviews. Whether he’s on the floor of the Brussels Motor Show or testing the latest family SUV on UK roads, his focus remains the same: providing 100% honest opinions that put the audience first.
You can find more of Jim’s deep-dive reviews and money-saving car guides on the DefinitelyNotAGuru YouTube channel