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Kia’s flagship plug-in hybrid SUV will offer up to 70 kilometres of all-electric range when it lands in Australia during the second quarter of 2021.
The 2021 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has been detailed for Europe, bringing confirmation the electric-only range for its seven-seater is 57km in a mix of city and highway driving, and up to 70km in pure city conditions (WLTP).
Additionally, the Sorento PHEV puts out a claimed 38g/km of CO2 on the WLTP combined cycle.
In case you need a refresher, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s drivetrain pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine (132kW/265Nm) with a 67kW/304Nm e-motor for system outputs of 195kW and 350Nm.
Those outputs are similar to the Australian-market 3.5-litre V6 (200kW/332Nm), though the key difference will be in the fuel economy – the V6 uses a claimed 9.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
The petrol engine and electric motor are hooked up with a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery, with the combustion engine driving through a six-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive is standard on the PHEV.
Kia Europe claims the Sorento PHEV will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds, and from 80-120km/h in 5.7 seconds.
In Europe, the plug-in Sorento is rated to tow 1500kg (braked), or 500kg less than the Australian-market petrol and diesel variants.
Kia Australia has confirmed a second quarter 2021 launch for the new Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, with pricing and specifications to be announced.
We’re expecting the PHEV to be based on the top-spec GT-Line and priced around $70,000 to $75,000.
The more conventional series hybrid, known as the Sorento Hybrid globally, will arrive later in the year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
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James Wong is an automotive journalist and former PR consultant, recognised among Australia’s most prolific motoring writers.
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