Kia Australia will expand the EV3 range in September with the arrival of the MY27 EV3 GT-Line AWD, adding more performance and all-wheel-drive capability while retaining a claimed driving range of up to 559 kilometres.
Priced at $66,490 RRP, the new flagship uses the EV3’s 81.4kWh Long Range battery and a dual-motor powertrain producing a combined 195kW and 385Nm.
The additional motor gives the compact electric SUV all-wheel drive and reduces the claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time to 6.6 seconds. Despite the increase in power and performance, Kia says the reduction in range compared with the front-wheel-drive model is relatively small.
Australian suspension and steering tune
Kia has not simply added a second motor to the existing EV3.
The GT-Line AWD receives larger brakes, along with a bespoke suspension and steering package developed specifically for Australian driving conditions. This should help the vehicle manage the additional power and weight while delivering the ride and handling characteristics expected by local buyers.
For fleet operators, the AWD system may broaden the EV3’s suitability for regional travel, wet-weather driving and roles where vehicles regularly operate on unsealed roads or in changing conditions.
The 559km WLTP range should also make the EV3 GT-Line AWD a practical option for organisations needing an electric vehicle that can cover longer daily distances without frequent charging stops.
Flagship equipment included
As the range-topping EV3, the GT-Line AWD comes with an extensive list of standard equipment.
Exterior features include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED projection headlights, a wide sunroof, privacy glass, roof rails, heated folding mirrors and flush door handles.
Inside, the vehicle receives a dual 12.3-inch display arrangement, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, powered front seats and a Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system.
Other features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, Kia Connect with over-the-air updates, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and vehicle-to-load capability through interior and exterior outlets.
Vehicle-to-load functionality allows energy stored in the traction battery to operate compatible electrical equipment, potentially providing additional flexibility for mobile workers, site teams and fleet users carrying powered tools or devices.
Driver assistance for fleet use
The EV3 GT-Line AWD is also fitted with a broad range of active safety and driver-assistance technology.
Standard systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2, Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Following Assist 2 and Highway Driving Assist 2.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors are also included.
Seven airbags are fitted, including a front-centre airbag.
These features will be relevant for fleet managers assessing driver safety, vehicle suitability and consistency of specification across salary-packaged, tool-of-trade or shared fleet vehicles.
EV3 sales building momentum
Kia says the EV3 recorded its strongest Australian sales month in June 2026, with 821 vehicles sold.
The arrival of the GT-Line AWD completes the Australian EV3 line-up and provides buyers with an alternative to the front-wheel-drive variants already available.
While the flagship specification places a stronger emphasis on performance and premium equipment, the combination of AWD, long driving range and Australian chassis tuning could also make it relevant to fleets looking for an electric SUV capable of handling a wider range of operating conditions.
