Kia Middle East and Africa signs strategic agreement with Museum of the future, committed to innovation, design and the future of mobility in sync with UAE’s vision for tomorrow. Unveils PV5.

Kia and Museum of the Future entered into a partnership that is connected by a mindset and mobility solutions that are already influencing how people live, move and connect. The collaboration aligns Kia with the UAE’s vision for ‘tomorrow today’—supporting initiative such as the Dubai self-driving transport strategy and Net Zero 2050 goals. Kia’s dedicated presence at the Museum of the Future will create flexible platforms for storytelling and content creation, while showcasing its design-led thinking, future-ready technologies and mobility solutions across exhibitions and media channels. The exhibition space will currently display concept vehicles such as the Kia PV5 WKNDR and perhaps the Kia MT next year, demonstrating Kia’s vision for next-generation mobility to visitors.

A series of curated workshops and public talks by automotive professionals, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders will explore key themes including electric vehicles, autonomous driving, connected mobility, smart infrastructure and sustainable transportation models. A dedicated vehicle display on the museum’s second floor and Kia-branded EV chargers installed complete the story.

PV5 – Kia’s first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) model

Kia’s mobility vision has travelled beyond the vehicle itself, creating an all-electric vehicle that is versatile and modular for the evolving needs of modern life and work. Kia PV5, the showcased vehicle demonstrated the diverse capability and adaptability while incorporating futuristic features and impressive design aesthetics into it. There stood not one but six PV5 avatars—from a Passenger Van and Cargo Van to an airport Taxi, Dropside pickup, a luxury transporter for hotels and a Wheel Chair Accessible vehicle (WCA)—each tailormade to the needs of the segment with design and technology adaptation within the basic shell.

PV5 in its current shape is designed as a 5-seater passenger vehicle with plenty of space for luggage. In the taxi version, there is space for up to 13 suitcases. In its hospitality prime version, priority is given to luxury with two plush and grand VIP seats and two smaller though posh seats facing them. The seats on either side face a TV screen. Separating the driver and the guests are a large privacy glass partition which turns opaque at the click of a button. When not in use, the smaller seats can be sent packing into their cases to have even more generous legroom. The luxury hospitality claims most space in the rear but there is additional luggage space for three large suitcases thoughtfully created next to the driver where the front passenger usually sits.

The commercially adapted PV5 comes as a Cargo carrier with an open cargo hold while the ‘dropside’ can do exactly that—drop the support doors on all three sides for loading and unloading cargo. The wheel chair accessible version is customized using a wheel chair and a ramp with rails. The passenger van has the charger in front and an adapter can turn it into a source for vehicle-to-home charging.

Kia PV5 integrates smart connectivity and advance vehicle systems, supporting electric powertrains, fleet management and future-ready mobility solutions.

PV5 highlights

• Low rear loading height of 419 mm makes it easier for loading and unloading. In the passenger version, even children will find it easier to board the vehicle.
• Two battery configurations – 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh with respective range of 297 km and 416 km (WLTP)
• PV5 utilises NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) battery technology, for efficiency and durability
• Fast charging involves a 150 kW DC charger, with 30 minutes for 10% – 80% in both cases
• Plugging into regular 11kW AC charger, charging time is 4 hr 45 min for the smaller battery and 6 hr 30 min for the bigger one
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists; Lane Keeping Assist; Smart Cruise Control
• Almost 4.7 m long with a wheelbase of almost 3m, PV5 has a convenient turning radius of 5.5m only

Ever since it was launched last October, PV5, the new MPV from Kia has been defining ‘multi-purpose’ for all to see while winning awards around the globe. The version now being introduced in the UAE and GCC is the 5-seat van but the 7-seater (this market’s favourite format) is scheduled to arrive before year-end. However, a question that might come up is if 416 km good enough for taxis, especially those plying long distance from the airport. Yes, with a quick charging break of 30 min, over 300 km charge can be gained back—in theory.

The price of the PV5 has been withheld so far but the hospitality trappings as displayed (customized for a renowned hospitality group) cost about USD 30,000 (about AED 110,000) and was locally done at the dealers. PV5 opens a world of possibilities as an EV and an MPV.