Kia is preparing to launch a high-performance flagship electric sedan—likely named the EV8—that will combine 603 horsepower, up to 800 km of range, and futuristic augmented reality technology to create what the company calls a “halo” vehicle representing its most ambitious EV project to date. Expected to arrive around 2027 with pricing starting from €51,000, this sedan will position itself between Kia’s EV6 and EV9 in the lineup while directly replacing the legacy gasoline-powered Stinger.
Kia’s Electric Ambition: From Record Sales to Flagship Vision
After achieving record-breaking sales for three consecutive years, Kia is channeling its momentum into what executives describe as a “halo” car—a vehicle designed to showcase the company’s pinnacle of technology and design capability. The upcoming flagship draws heavy inspiration from the Vision Meta Turismo concept, which Kia unveiled in late 2025 to commemorate its 80th anniversary. This concept vehicle established the design language that will carry forward into the production model: a low-slung sedan with proportions that evoke science fiction rather than conventional automotive design.
The EV8 (or potentially EV7, though less likely) represents Kia’s commitment to competing in the premium electric sedan segment, a category increasingly dominated by Tesla and traditional luxury manufacturers transitioning to electrification. By positioning this vehicle between the compact EV6 and the three-row EV9 SUV, Kia aims to capture buyers seeking performance and technology without the size premium of a full-size SUV.
Performance Specifications: Three-Tier Powertrain Strategy
| Variant | Motor Configuration | Power Output | Expected Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD | Single rear motor | 160 kW (215 hp) | Not specified |
| Mid-Range AWD | Dual motors | 320 kW (429 hp) | Not specified |
| Performance AWD | Dual motors | 450 kW (603 hp) | 700–800 km |
The flagship EV8 will employ a three-tier powertrain strategy to accommodate different buyer priorities. The entry-level variant features a single rear-mounted motor producing 160 kW (215 horsepower), prioritizing efficiency for cost-conscious buyers. The mid-range all-wheel-drive configuration steps up to 320 kW (429 horsepower) via dual motors, balancing performance with practicality. The top-tier performance variant unleashes the full potential with 450 kW (603 horsepower)—substantially exceeding the 368 horsepower of the original gasoline Stinger that this sedan will replace.
All variants will utilize a 113.2 kWh battery pack, with the aerodynamically optimized design enabling the high-performance model to achieve between 700 and 800 kilometers of range on a single charge. This range capability positions the EV8 competitively against other premium electric sedans, though specific EPA or WLTP figures have not yet been confirmed.
Design Language: From Concept to Production Reality
The Vision Meta Turismo concept established several distinctive design elements that will carry into the production EV8. The sedan features an extended, low profile with a windshield that stretches dramatically into the roofline, creating an expansive greenhouse that enhances the sense of space and futurism. Rather than conventional side mirrors, the vehicle employs tiny cameras for improved aerodynamics and a more minimalist exterior aesthetic.
The interior design philosophy prioritizes a “lounge” atmosphere over a traditional cockpit environment. Kia’s design team has deliberately reduced the number of physical screens, instead leveraging augmented reality technology that projects navigation maps, speed data, and other critical information directly onto the windshield glass. This approach aims to create a less cluttered, more intuitive user experience where essential information appears to float above the road ahead.
A distinctive feature includes a “yoke” steering wheel—a game controller-inspired design that departs from conventional circular steering wheels. While this design choice enhances the futuristic aesthetic, its practical implications for everyday driving remain to be evaluated in the production version.
Interior Technology: Mood-Based Digital Environments
The EV8 introduces three distinct digital modes—Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer—that fundamentally alter the interior’s visual presentation and functionality based on driver preference or mood. This customization approach reflects a broader trend in premium EVs toward personalized user experiences that extend beyond traditional infotainment systems.
The augmented reality windshield display represents a significant departure from the multi-screen approach dominating current EV interiors. By consolidating critical driving information into a single AR layer, Kia aims to reduce cognitive load and create a more serene cabin environment—a strategic choice that aligns with the “lounge” design philosophy and differentiates the EV8 from competitors still relying on conventional dashboard displays.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Kia expects the EV8 to launch around 2027 with pricing beginning at €51,000, with final pricing dependent on battery capacity and motor configuration. This positioning places the flagship sedan directly between the EV6 (Kia’s compact performance sedan) and the EV9 (the brand’s three-row electric SUV), creating a clear product hierarchy within Kia’s expanding EV portfolio.
The €51,000 entry point positions the EV8 competitively against premium electric sedans from traditional luxury manufacturers, though it remains significantly more affordable than Tesla’s Model S or comparable offerings from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. This pricing strategy suggests Kia is targeting buyers who prioritize technology and performance over heritage brand prestige.
Comparison with Existing Kia EVs and Competitors
| Model | Powertrain | Max Power | Est. Range | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV4 | Single motor FWD | 201 hp | 330 miles (531 km) | E-GMP 400V |
| Kia EV6 | Dual motor AWD | ~576 hp | ~310 miles (500 km) | E-GMP 800V |
| Kia EV8 (Flagship) | Dual motor AWD | 603 hp | 497–497 miles (800 km) | E-GMP (variant TBD) |
| Kia EV9 | Dual motor AWD | ~576 hp | 283 miles (455 km) | E-GMP 800V |
The EV8 will occupy a unique position within Kia’s lineup. While the recently launched EV4 targets budget-conscious buyers with 201 horsepower and 330 miles of range, and the EV6 offers performance-focused compact sedan buyers up to 576 horsepower, the EV8 will be the most powerful and longest-range Kia EV ever produced. The EV9 SUV, despite its three-row capability, will actually offer less range than the more aerodynamic EV8 sedan.
Against external competitors, the EV8’s 603 horsepower output exceeds the Tesla Model S Long Range (515 hp) and approaches the performance of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 AMG (658 hp), while the projected 800 km range competes favorably with premium electric sedans from traditional luxury brands.
Unanswered Questions and Production Timeline
Several critical specifications remain unconfirmed ahead of the expected 2027 production launch. Kia has not disclosed 0-60 mph acceleration times, top speed, charging speeds, or whether the vehicle will utilize the 400-volt or 800-volt E-GMP architecture variant. The company also has not confirmed whether the yoke steering wheel will be standard or optional, nor has it detailed the specific augmented reality capabilities and their compatibility with different markets’ regulatory requirements.
The official name—EV8 versus EV7—has not been formally announced, and Kia has not specified whether this flagship will be available in all markets or limited to specific regions. Additionally, the production version’s design may differ from the Vision Meta Turismo concept, particularly regarding the camera-based mirror system, which faces regulatory hurdles in some markets.
Verdict: Kia’s Most Ambitious EV Yet
The upcoming EV8 flagship represents Kia’s most ambitious electric vehicle project to date, combining class-leading performance (603 hp), exceptional range (up to 800 km), and genuinely innovative interior technology (augmented reality displays and mood-based digital modes) at a price point that undercuts traditional luxury competitors. This vehicle is designed for buyers who want premium electric sedan capability without paying premium luxury brand prices, and who value cutting-edge technology and distinctive design over conventional prestige. However, the 2027 timeline means real-world performance, charging speeds, and interior usability remain to be verified. The EV8 will succeed or fail based on whether Kia can deliver on its ambitious vision without compromising reliability or practicality—details that will only become clear upon launch.
