Passenger, Prime and Cargo High Roof variants revealed
AI patrol car, mobile bank among purpose-built special models on display
Kia aims to become 'EV Tier 1' brand by 2030
Kia unveiled three new PV5 lineup variants at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show on Friday, presenting a range of industry-specific purpose-built vehicle (PBV) models — including an AI-powered patrol car and a mobile bank — as part of its vision for expanding the PBV ecosystem.
At a press conference at BEXCO in Busan, Kia introduced the PV5 Passenger 7-seat (2-2-3 configuration), the PV5 Prime and the PV5 Cargo High Roof. The exhibition floor also featured the company's full electric vehicle lineup, the Vision Metatourismo concept and a range of PBV use-case demonstrations.
Kia President Song Ho-sung said the company plans to follow the PV5 with the PV7 and PV9, offering more than 40 body types to address individual customer needs. "Our direction is to move beyond the commercial vehicle market and expand from a vehicle into a platform," Song said.
He added that Kia plans to grow its electric vehicle lineup to 14 models by 2030, including three PBV variants. "We will leap forward as an 'EV Tier 1' brand that realizes the diverse needs of customers through mobility," he said.
The PV5 Passenger 7-seat model features a 2-2-3 seating arrangement designed for shuttle services, car rentals and family use. Rear-seat climate control, heated seats and USB-C charging ports enhance passenger comfort.
The PV5 Prime is a premium mobility model equipped with independent rear seats, seat rails and ventilated seats. Exclusive exterior colors, alloy wheels and a dedicated emblem give it a differentiated look.
The PV5 Cargo High Roof raises the interior height by 295 millimeters over the existing Cargo Long model and supports a walk-through function allowing free movement between the driver's seat and cargo area. The model targets commercial demand in parcel delivery and logistics. Kia plans to expand the PV5 lineup further with a five-seat taxi variant, a panel van for small business owners and an outdoor-focused model.
Kia also showcased a broad range of industry-specific collaboration models illustrating the potential of its PBV platform. Highlights include an AI patrol car co-developed with the Korean National Police Agency, a mobile bank, a mobile pet pop-up store, a motorcycle transport vehicle, a children's school bus and an ice cream truck — each designed for deployment across sectors such as public safety, finance, pet care, logistics, education and mobile retail. Some models are set to launch through partner brands in the second half of this year.
The exhibition was organized into three zones: an EV Gallery, a PBV Village and a PV5 Partners area. On display were Kia's electric vehicle lineup — including the EV3, EV4 GT, EV5, EV6 GT and EV9 — alongside various PV5 use cases. Interactive offerings include an AI-based vehicle recommendation service, a PV5 hands-on experience and an EV test-drive program tied to Busan-based brands.
Kia filled its 2,040-square-meter exhibition space with 16 vehicles in total — seven electric vehicles and nine PBVs. Three new PV5 models and six externally developed PBV collaboration models made their public debut at the show.
eyre@heraldcorp.com