This is the Kia KV7 we’ve been teased for twice! And Kia says it is the future of Multi Purpose Vehicles. Now you might be thinking great! so the MPVs of future will have gullwing doors and tabletop PC like this car does? Well, maybe but not in near future at least. It is quite a good idea though, having a lounge-like seating like what KV7 offers.

In fact as Kia says: “KV7 reveals a vision for a vehicle with the functionality to transport a large number of people, and their belongings, while also serving as a connected social hub for groups of friends and adventure-seekers. “

The concept has a striking design, which is still quite box-shaped, but is simple and elegant as well. The lounge-like interior is accessed by a striking passenger-side gullwing door which, when opened with the pillar-less front passenger door, provides extraordinarily convenient access.  It also allows the vehicle to open up to the outside world and become the sociable hub of an outdoor event.

The car also takes Kia’s new front grille to the next level with those integrated vertical LED headlamps. It also sits on 20-inch wheels.

Once you entered the cabin via the gullwing rear doors, you’ll see an interior designed with sociability in mind. Kia says this car is no longer a large box for doing the school run in, but it’s a special vehicle for those who are always busy organizing road trips, social outings and new adventures for themselves and their friends to experience together!

As such, the KV7 concept’s interior employs four custom-built swivelling seats, including the driver’s seat, and a rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three and integrated storage compartments to promote interaction in an open social environment.

When the KV7 concept’s push button start is engaged, the entire front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach, including the large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface in the form of a floating tabletop touch-screen computer display. The KV7 is Wi-Fi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones to the vehicle at one time and sign on to social networking sites.

Unlike what you might expect, the KV7 is not a hybrid or an EV. In fact it’s powered by a Theta II 2.0-litre GDI turbocharged engine, as found in the new U.S. spec Optima saloon capable of delivering up to 285 hp and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

KV7 specification summary

Exterior Dimensions
Length:             191.85 in. (4873mm)
Width:               80.0 in. (2033mm)
Height:              68.1 in. (1729mm)
Wheelbase:       122.0 in. (3100mm)

Exterior Features

• Wide stance, smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels with 225/45 tyres
• A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional minivans
• Passenger-side gullwing door which creates a massive point-of-entry to when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door
• A continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle
• LED Directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signalled
• Interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design
• A distinctive windshield and series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar for maximum visibility

Interior Features

• Four custom-built swivelling seats, including the driver’s seat
• Rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three
• Integrated storage compartments
• Modern colour palette featuring soft beige and green tones
• Unique seat and surface materials
• Variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials
• Front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver when push button start is engaged
• Large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash
• Rear floating tabletop touch-screen computer display
• Wi-Fi enabled cabin
• Ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones simultaneously
• Multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area

Driving Functions

• New Theta II 2.0-litre GDI turbocharged engine (as fitted to U.S. spec Optima)
• 285 horsepower
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• V6-type power and performance while maximising fuel efficiency