Kia Middle East and Africa has announced the official regional launch of the Kia EV5, held in Rabat, Morocco. The event marked a significant milestone in Kia’s journey towards advancing sustainable mobility solutions in the region, witnessing the presence of over 100 media representatives and fleet companies from 9 markets across the region.

The launch event in Morocco underscored the country’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and its potential as a thriving market for electric vehicles (EVs). Attendees were given an exclusive test drive experience with the Kia EV5, a mid-size SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with an eco-friendly design, signalling a new era for Kia’s electric vehicle line-up.

Developed around three core pillars – robust SUV design, zero emissions coupled with superior performance, and spacious interiors. Its sturdy, boxy design stands out as the only true SUV EV model in its class, offering a unique blend of practicality and style. SooHang Chang, President, Regional HQ, Middle East & Africa, Kia, commented, “The successful launch of the Kia EV5 in Morocco is a testament to our dedication to becoming a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider. This launch signifies a major step towards a greener future, not just for Morocco but for all nine markets represented here today, and the many more where the EV5 will be available soon.”

The Kia EV5 boasts key features, including zero emissions and high performance. With a powerful 310 hp engine, up to 550km on a single charge, and a fast-charging capability that reaches 80 per cent in just 27 minutes, the Kia EV5 showcases its potential to transform the driving experience for EV enthusiasts. The vehicle also features a spacious interior with numerous comfort and convenience features, including relaxation seats with massage functions, a bench-type front seat, a cooled and warmed trunk box, and a versatile rear table, marking a spacious and comfortable interior.

Chang added, “Kia is committed to developing a comprehensive EV lineup that caters to diverse lifestyles. The EV5 embodies this commitment, seamlessly blending practicality and eco-conscious design to offer an impressive combination of performance, sustainability, and style. It’s the ideal entry point for many EV customers, providing an accessible yet advanced option for those transitioning to electric vehicles.”

Built on Kia’s advanced platform, the Kia EV5 offers both 2WD and AWD configurations. It features two LFP battery options, 64.2 kWh and 88.1 kWh, delivering an estimated range of up to 550 km. The EV5’s impressive acceleration allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle supports ultra-fast charging, allowing for a 30 per cent to 80 per cent charge in just 27 minutes, making it one of the most efficient and user-friendly electric SUVs on the market.

The newly launched vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive ADAS package, featuring advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) 2.0, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2(RSPA2), 360° parking sensors and a double 12.3 panoramic display. It also offers the latest in safety and durability with its LFP battery and various interior and exterior colour options.

Jae Yeoun Park, Senior Exterior Designer at Kia, said, “The Kia EV5 is a pioneering design outcome of our dedication to innovation and development. Embodying a robust and boxy design, the Kia EV5 prides itself on being a unique SUV EV model in the MEA region today. The EV5 stands out with its distinctive, rugged shape, complemented by a spacious interior that elevates compact SUV standards. Our design approach emphasizes strength and reliability, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both style and performance in an electric vehicle.”

Cadillac has pushed the boundaries of bespoke electric vehicles with the stunning SOLLEI concept. This imaginative design exercise isn’t just a car – it’s a personalized statement piece, catering to the unique passions of its future owner. SOLLEI envisions a luxurious, all-electric 2+2 convertible. Imagine cruising down the open road, enjoying the expansive view through the signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen. The interior boasts intuitive controls, awe-inspiring details, and even an exterior lighting show for dramatic arrivals and departures.

The name itself, a combination of “SOL” (sun) and “LEI” (leisure), captures the essence of the car: open-air freedom and a luxurious, leisurely lifestyle. Innovation meets sustainability in the SOLLEI. It’s the first Cadillac concept to feature Fine Mycelium, an innovative bio-based material by MycoWorks. This renewable material, grown from mushroom roots, is used in the charging mats and door pockets, showcasing Cadillac’s commitment to eco-friendly resources.

The exterior is as bold and dramatic as you’d expect from a Cadillac. The low-slung body with its wide stance and long doors exudes confidence. Uninterrupted surfaces and a sleek A-line emphasize its length, while the dynamic tail design adds a touch of elegance. The clean profile is further enhanced by discreet buttons replacing conventional door handles.

Cadillac revives a touch of history with the exterior’s “Manila Cream” paint – a colour originally used in the 1950s and meticulously hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen. Step inside the SOLLEI and enter a world of refined travel. Cadillac’s “art of travel” design philosophy shines through, elevating every journey for drivers and passengers alike. A fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses adds a touch of sophistication.

Craftsmanship takes centre stage in every detail. Illuminated décor and unique embellishments create an unparalleled aesthetic experience. The wood veneers, with their natural colour variations and open pore finishes, are each hand-cut and hand-laid using marquetry techniques. Even the windshield frame, crafted from milled brushed aluminium, reflects Cadillac’s dedication to natural materials.

Lighting becomes a tool for personalization. The SOLLEI offers customizable ambient lighting with multiple zones and a range of colour options to create the perfect mood for any occasion. Bird-watching enthusiasts can rejoice! The SOLLEI features a custom-designed case with 3D-printed acrylic bird calls, a beautiful leather journal, and a matching tool roll for sketching those avian encounters.

From the sunburst-themed lighting and seat patterns to the iridescent pink Nappa leather, the SOLLEI’s interior celebrates the optimism of travel and the celestial environment. Even the materials themselves reflect the sun’s brilliance, with bio-based charging mats and iridescent finishes throughout. Finally, the “Daybreak” convertible roof fabric and “Bask” textured floor mats bring the outdoors in, creating a seamless connection between the open-air experience and the luxurious interior. The SOLLEI concept is a testament to Cadillac’s vision for the future: modern design, open-air freedom, and a commitment to personalized luxury – all wrapped in a stunning, bespoke package.

Al Habtoor Motors has unveiled the JAC E30X, the brand’s first electric vehicle in the UAE. The E30X boasts cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly credentials, offering drivers a blend of performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

The E30X features a modern exterior and a luxurious interior. A panoramic sunroof creates a spacious feel, while a 15.6-inch touchscreen keeps you connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The E30X offers keyless entry, a multi-function leather steering wheel, heated and ventilated driver seats with memory settings, and ambient lighting for added comfort.

The E30X comes in various colours and offers a spacious interior for five passengers. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The E30X boasts a 360° panoramic camera, reversing radars, and child seat compatibility for added convenience and safety.

Powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, the E30X delivers a peak power of 100 kW and a range of over 400 kilometres on a single charge. The AC charging station fully charges the battery in 9 hours, while the DC fast charger provides an 80% charge in 30 minutes. Advanced driver-assistance systems like Lane Departure Warning and Blind-Spot Detection further enhance safety.

The JAC E30X is now available for test drives and purchase at JAC Motors dealerships across the UAE.