Kia EV4 GT First Look: An Electric Hatch With Serious Pace, But Forbidden Fruit for the U.S. Market

Kia has released official camouflaged images of the upcoming EV4 GT, a high-performance electric hatchback that is expected to be a far more potent prospect than the standard EV4 sedan. Despite Kia lacking a dedicated performance division akin to Hyundai’s N division, the brand consistently delivers enthusiast-pleasing “GT” models. The EV4 GT, likely to embarrass rivals like the VW Golf R in a drag race, will unfortunately not be sold in the United States, where Kia is only planning to launch the EV4 sedan variant, limiting the American electric lineup to the EV6 and EV9.

Design Details Hidden Behind “GT Foil”

Kia is utilizing a specialized camouflage to tease the aggressive nature of the EV4 GT.

Camo Design: The prototype is covered in a “GT Foil” wrap—an interplay of black, gray, and neon patterns designed to evoke “energy and speed.”
Sporty Cues: Beneath the camouflage, the design flair of the standard EV4 Hatchback is evident, featuring bulging front fenders, sporty alloys, and boomerang-shaped rear lights.
GT Signatures: In its performance guise, the EV4 GT gets Acid Green brake calipers and appears to sit lower to the ground. It features a roof-mounted spoiler, though the design remains restrained.

Expected Performance: A Dual-Motor Powerhouse

While Kia has not released official powertrain details, the “GT” moniker and the context of its larger sibling, the EV6 GT, suggest a formidable electric output.

GT Positioning: The EV4 GT will slot in below the larger EV6 GT, which produces up to 641 horsepower (achieving 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds).
Anticipated Output: An output of about 400 horsepower (more than 300 kW) is considered likely, which would be roughly 200 hp less than the EV6 GT.
Drivetrain: The EV4 GT is expected to use a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, contrasting with the single-motor, FWD layout of the standard EV4 sedan.
Performance Upgrades: It is likely to inherit performance-enhancing additions from the EV6 GT, including a special GT driving mode, bigger brakes, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
Competition: This electric hot hatch is aimed squarely at ICE rivals like the VW Golf R and electric competitors like the VW ID.3 GTX and Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.

screenshot — 2022 Kia EV6 GT — Source: Kia

Sporty Hatch Forbidden for America

Despite its performance focus, the EV4 GT hatchback is confirmed to be excluded from the U.S. market.

U.S. Model: Kia only plans to sell the EV4 sedan variant in the U.S.. A performance version of the sedan is considered less likely, with the standard sedan offering only 201 hp.
Market Contrast: Smaller electric hatchbacks in the U.S. (like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt) are generally focused on value and affordability, not performance.
Performance Division Strategy: While Kia does not have a formal performance division like Hyundai’s N division, its GT models (like the Stinger and EV6 GT) consistently deliver enthusiast-pleasing performance, showcasing a brand philosophy that favors “dynamic, engaging handling characteristics”.

Final Thoughts

The Kia EV4 GT represents an exciting evolution in the electric performance hatchback segment, delivering serious pace and sporty design without requiring a dedicated M or N division. Its expected dual-motor AWD powertrain and sharp aesthetics could easily poach customers from long-standing combustion rivals like the Golf R. However, the decision to withhold the hatchback variant—and thus the performance GT version—from the U.S. market is a significant disappointment for American enthusiasts seeking an attainable, zero-emission performance car.

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