Freshly brewed coffee with time control, a perfectly chilled wine in the evening and an intelligent closet – and all this with smart networking? All things that are not necessarily associated with minimalist camping. But this is exactly where the new KIA PV5 Spielraum Glow Cabin concept vehicle comes in. Together with LG Electronics, KIA presented two futuristic vehicles at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025 that could fundamentally change everyday camping life.
What begins as a stylish show car is set to become reality from the end of 2026 – and will bring with it an entire ecosystem of technology, comfort and AI-supported everyday convenience.
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Glow Cabin play area: for campers, picnickers and pleasure-seekers
At the heart of the concept is the Glow Cabin model based on the all-electric KIA PV5. This vehicle is explicitly designed for leisure, outdoor experiences and van life – not with bulky accessories, but with seamlessly integrated household appliances.
These include:
- A compact refrigerator for fresh food
- A Lightwave oven that enables quick baking and heating on the go
- A wine cooler for stylish evenings by the lake
- MoodUP™ panels with LED lighting that can be color-customized via app
These features can be conveniently operated via the LG ThinQ ON central control system – a kind of AI-controlled control center that understands speech, recognizes contexts and even suggests picnic ideas or baking recipes. This makes the PV5 not just a smart camper, but a real lifestyle space on wheels.
Technology meets vanlife: what makes the PV5 so special?
The Kia PV5 is based on the so-called PBV platform (Platform Beyond Vehicle) – a modular vehicle base that has been specially developed to flexibly adapt the interior to different living situations. Together with LG’s household and AI expertise, this creates a new class of vehicle: multifunctional living spaces on four wheels.
Particularly exciting for camping and vanlife:
- Modularity: The equipment is not permanently installed, but can be adapted to personal requirements.
- Sustainability: The PV5 is fully electric – and could be supplemented with solar technology in the future.
- Convenience without conversion: in contrast to classic camper conversions, everything is integrated right from the start – with smart control via app or voice command.
Mobile office with an outdoor focus
In addition to the Glow Cabin, Kia and LG also presented the Spielraum Studio version, which is tailored to mobile freelancers and digital nomads. With features such as:
- An intelligent closet (LG Styler),
- a Smart Mirror for daily planning,
- and a coffee machine with time control
This variant could also be of interest to campers – for example for workation trips or life as a vanlife freelancer.
Smart control with LG ThinQ ON
At the heart of both models is the new LG ThinQ ON system. It uses generative AI to not only control devices, but also proactively make suggestions. You get:
- Weather and traffic updates
- Recipe suggestions for on the go
- Recommendations on clothing choices or restaurant reservations
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Both variants – Glow Cabin and Studio – are expected to be ready for the market in the second half of 2026. Prices and markets are not yet known, but there is a good chance that Europe will be one of them.
Conclusion: revolution or show effect?
Whether the Kia PV5 with LG equipment really revolutionizes camping or remains “just” a well-designed show car remains to be seen. One thing is certain: The concept hits a nerve – minimalist travel, smart equipment, sustainability and comfort are no longer mutually exclusive. Anyone who has so far hesitated to upgrade to a camper van could find a comfortable alternative in the PV5 – which can do everything that van life is all about, but with future-oriented high-tech on board.
Photos: © KIA.com
Sources:
- https://www.kianewscenter.com/news/all/kia-and-lg-electronics-partner-to-showcase-new-pbv-concepts-for-work-and-play/s/fbcd2d0a-a0ca-4ae7-9ee1-a71345a061d2
- https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/kia-and-lg-electronics-partner-to-showcase-new-pbv-concepts-for-work-and-play/
- https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2025-04/65018861-lg-electronics-inc-lg-partners-with-kia-to-present-ai-powered-mobility-space-solutions-008.htm
- https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-it/2025/04/03/UZ6IHOTUVBATPAJ66ARVZ7RC4M/
- https://www.mk.co.kr/en/business/11281622
