Kia Australia has confirmed pricing for the all-new EV4 sedan, positioning the Korean manufacturer’s latest electric vehicle as a serious challenger to Tesla and BYD in the mid-size sedan segment. Starting from $49,990 before on-road costs, the EV4 undercuts the Tesla Model 3 RWD by $4,910 while sitting just $3,000 above the BYD Seal Dynamic, making it the second-cheapest electric sedan currently available in Australia.
The EV4 arrives in local showrooms later this month after finishing third in the prestigious European Car of the Year awards, bringing proven international credentials to a market increasingly crowded with electric sedan options. Three trim levels—Air, Earth, and GT-Line—will be available at launch, with the longest-range variant offering up to 612km of WLTP driving range, making it Kia’s longest-range electric vehicle to date.
Kia’s Electric Sedan Strategy
The EV4 represents Kia’s fifth dedicated battery-electric vehicle in the Australian market, building on the success of the EV3 small SUV and EV6 crossover. The sedan shares its powertrain architecture with the EV3, utilizing Kia’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) with a single front-mounted 150kW electric motor and 400V electrical system. This platform-sharing strategy allows Kia to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards proven in European markets.
The vehicle dimensions position it as a true mid-size sedan: 4,730mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 2,820mm wheelbase. Notably, it’s 10mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 while being 73mm narrower on a 55mm shorter wheelbase, offering a different proportional approach to the segment. The 490-liter cargo capacity provides practical storage for daily use, though it trails some competitors in this metric.
Kia has emphasized local market adaptation, stating that the EV4 has undergone a dedicated ride and handling program specifically for Australian road conditions, resulting in a bespoke suspension tune. Full specifications will be released in the coming weeks.
Pricing and Battery Options
| Variant | Battery | Drivetrain | WLTP Range | Price (before on-road costs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Standard Range | 58.3kWh | Single-motor FWD | 456km | $49,990 |
| Earth Long Range | 81.4kWh | Single-motor FWD | 612km | $59,190 |
| GT-Line Long Range | 81.4kWh | Single-motor FWD | 612km | $64,690 |
The entry-level Air Standard Range model delivers 456km of range from its 58.3kWh battery, providing sufficient capability for daily commuting and weekend trips. Stepping up to the Earth or GT-Line variants unlocks the larger 81.4kWh battery, which extends range to 612km—a meaningful advantage for those requiring longer-distance capability without frequent charging stops.
The $10,200 price jump from Air to Earth represents the cost of upgrading battery capacity and range, while the $5,500 premium for GT-Line over Earth appears to reflect trim and feature enhancements rather than powertrain differences. Kia Australia has yet to announce service pricing for the EV4, a factor that may influence total cost of ownership calculations.
Competitive Positioning
The EV4’s pricing strategy creates a clear market hierarchy in Australia’s electric sedan segment. The BYD Seal Dynamic remains the entry point at $46,990, followed by the Kia EV4 Air at $49,990. The BYD Seal Premium ($52,990) and Tesla Model 3 RWD ($54,900) occupy the next tier, while higher-spec variants from all three manufacturers push into the $60,000-plus range.
| Model | Entry Price | Top Price |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal | $46,990 | $61,990 |
| Kia EV4 Sedan | $49,990 | $64,690 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $54,900 | $80,900 |
The EV4 commands approximately a $1,300 premium over the equivalent EV3 crossover, justified by its more aerodynamic sedan body style and superior range efficiency. This positioning allows Kia to capture buyers seeking sedan practicality without the price premium of Tesla, while offering more range and European award recognition than the BYD Seal.
Eight color options are available, with Clear White included at no cost and seven premium finishes available for $600 each, including Snow White Pearl, Ivory Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Shale Grey, Yacht Blue, Honeydew, and Magma Red.
Future Market Dynamics
The EV4’s arrival comes as the electric sedan segment prepares for further disruption. Mazda’s upcoming 6e is expected to launch in Australia by mid-year, potentially adding additional pricing pressure to a segment already characterized by aggressive competition. Additionally, Kia has confirmed that the EV4 GT hatchback variant—featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive and 215kW combined power output—is “under study for Australia,” though higher manufacturing and freight costs, combined with unfavorable exchange rates, remain barriers to local availability.
The absence of the EV4 Hatch from the Australian launch lineup represents a missed opportunity for buyers seeking additional practicality, as the hatchback is produced at Kia’s Slovakian factory while the sedan is manufactured in South Korea. The economics of importing the hatchback variant have not yet justified a local business case.
Verdict
The Kia EV4 sedan represents a compelling value proposition in Australia’s increasingly competitive electric sedan market. At $49,990, it undercuts the Tesla Model 3 while offering proven European credentials, a dedicated local suspension tune, and the longest range in Kia’s Australian EV lineup. The vehicle is best suited for buyers prioritizing value, range, and sedan practicality over premium brand cachet or performance. The $10,200 step to the Earth Long Range variant is well-justified for those requiring 612km of range, while the GT-Line adds refinement for an additional $5,500. Key unanswered questions include service costs, warranty terms, and whether the promised GT performance variant will eventually reach Australian shores. The EV4’s arrival signals Kia’s commitment to the sedan segment and sets a new pricing benchmark that will likely influence competitor strategies throughout 2026.
