The Kia EV5 is getting some serious screen time in Netflix’s latest Benoit Blanc whodunit. Daniel Craig’s detective character will be solving mysteries around Kia’s electric SUV in “Wake Up Dead Man,” and this movie tie-in says a lot about how car companies are trying to reach buyers who stream everything and skip traditional commercials. Kia’s betting that a few well-placed scenes in a hit film will do more for brand awareness than a dozen TV spots ever could.
- Kia launched a creative film series featuring the EV5 as part of its Netflix partnership with “Wake Up Dead Man,” creating a locked-room mystery storyline around the electric SUV’s spacious interior.
- The campaign targets six markets, including Korea, Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, building on Kia’s previous Netflix collaboration for Squid Game Season 2.
- The EV5 offers 329 miles of range with its 78kWh battery, seats that fold completely flat for camping, and a starting price around $38,500 in markets where it’s available.
What Makes This Partnership Different
Product placement in movies isn’t new, but Kia’s taking a smarter approach here. Instead of just parking an EV5 in the background of a scene, they created an entire short film that weaves the SUV into the Knives Out universe. The campaign uses the EV5’s interior as a “crime scene,” playing with the locked-room mystery concept that the franchise is known for.
The contrast works well. You’ve got the tense, suspenseful world of murder mysteries paired with the EV5’s comfortable, family-friendly interior. Kia’s showing off the vehicle’s relaxation seats, sliding tray, and second-row flat-folding seats through a storyline that actually makes sense for the franchise.
Why Streaming Matters for Auto Brands
Think about how people watch content these days. Traditional TV commercials reach fewer people every year, especially younger buyers who might be shopping for their first new car. Netflix’s global reach means millions of potential customers will see the EV5 without feeling like they’re being sold to.
Kia knows that getting the EV5 in front of Netflix’s massive audience could drive more foot traffic to car dealerships than a dozen regional TV spots. This kind of exposure matters because potential EV buyers often research vehicles online before ever visiting showrooms, and seeing the EV5 in a major film plants that seed early.
The EV5 Specs That Matter
Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting with this SUV. The EV5 sits between the sportier EV6 and the upcoming EV4 in Kia’s electric lineup. It runs on a 78kWh battery, good for up to 329 miles on a charge. That’s a solid range for a family SUV, although some competitors, such as the Skoda Enyaq and Ford Explorer, offer models that go farther.
The real selling point is the interior space. This vehicle boasts 513 liters of boot capacity, featuring separate storage compartments located under the floor, similar to those found in the Kia Carnival minivan. The second-row seats fold completely flat, creating a camping setup that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate. Front seats feature relaxation modes that reduce fatigue during breaks.
Charging maxes out at 150kW on DC fast chargers, getting you from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not as quick as the ultra-rapid charging you get with the EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5, but plenty fast for most people’s needs. You can also charge at up to 11kW on AC charging for overnight top-ups.
Markets and Competition
Kia confirmed the EV5 won’t come to the United States, but Canada’s getting it as a 2027 model with multiple trim levels. Europe started seeing deliveries in late 2025, with three trims available: Air, GT Line, and GT-Line S..
Pricing starts around $38,500 for the base Air model in markets where it’s sold, undercutting rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4. That’s aggressive pricing for what you’re getting, backed by Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
The EV5 competes directly with the Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and VW ID.4. With Chinese EV brands flooding certain markets with competitive pricing, Kia’s Hollywood partnership helps differentiate the EV5 through cultural association rather than just specs and price wars.
Should This Movie Tie-In Matter to Buyers
Seeing a car in a movie won’t tell you about real-world range or how comfortable the seats are on a long road trip. But it does something that traditional advertising struggles with. It makes the EV5 feel familiar before you ever see one in person.
When you finally do visit dealerships to check out electric SUVs, you might remember the Kia from that Netflix movie you watched. That’s exactly what Kia’s counting on. They’re building brand familiarity in a way that doesn’t interrupt your entertainment.
The campaign also positions Kia as a forward-thinking brand willing to take creative risks. Partnering with a franchise as beloved as Knives Out shows confidence in their product. They’re not hiding the EV5 in a boring showroom commercial. They’re putting it front and center in a movie millions of people are excited to watch.
The EV5 Netflix partnership is smart marketing that meets people where they already are, streaming content at home. Whether that translates to actual sales remains to be seen, but it’s a better bet than hoping people will watch traditional car commercials.
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