Every Kia EV4 Will Feature Simulated Manual Shifts, But Only GT Gets Fake Rev Limiter

Kia’s upcoming EV4 is shaping up to be seriously desirable contender in the affordable EV space, and now we’ve got some exclusive info that makes it even more intriguing. According to a source we spoke with inside knowledge at Kia, every version of the EV4 will come with a simulated manual gearshift – a feature similar to the one found on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the recently updated Kia EV6 GT.

Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, have been experimenting with ways to make EVs more engaging for driving enthusiasts, and it looks like the EV4 will be the latest to benefit from this strategy. The simulated manual gearshift system, which first appeared in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, allows drivers to “shift” through virtual gears using paddle shifters while the software adjusts power delivery to mimic the behavior of an internal combustion engine.

Related: Kia EV4 Revealed With Radical ‘Long-Tail’ Sedan And Hatchback Designs

While this feature was initially positioned as something only for Hyundai-Kia’s most performance-minded cars, Kia has now decided to roll it out across the entire EV4 lineup. That means even base-model buyers will be able to experience simulated gear changes, a move that could be aimed at making EVs more familiar to drivers transitioning from combustion-powered cars.

However, while all EV4s will get the simulated paddle-shift tech, only the high-performance EV4 GT that comes later will take it a step further by incorporating a fake rev limiter for an extra dose of driving engagement. The fake rev limiter will simulate the feeling of hitting redline, requiring drivers to shift “gears” at the right moment to maintain optimal acceleration.

On the Ioniq 5 N, this system is paired with synthetic engine sounds and even simulated torque dips between shifts to enhance the illusion. While it’s not yet clear if the EV4 GT will offer those exact features, it’s likely to follow a similar philosophy, bringing a playful, enthusiast-friendly edge to the model.

We understand the EV5 SUV won’t have the fake manual tech when it goes on sale in Europe and America later this year because it’s an older car and has already been on sale in China for a while. But it’s possible it could inherit the feature as part of a mid-life update in a couple of years.

Kia released exterior images of the EV4 in sedan and hatchback form last week, revealing that the production car due to go on sale later this year has changed very little from the 2023 concept. But it has so far remained tight-lipped about the interior style and tech spec, although we have previously published spy shots showing the dashboard, which again, looks just like the concept’s.

We’ll learn more about the interior and mechanical package of the crossover when it makes its full debut at Kia’s EV Day 2025 in Spain on 27 February alongside the production version of the PV5 van and an EV2 concept.