Kia has given the Vision Meta Turismo its public debut at Milan Design Week, using the event to set out the thinking behind a concept that it says reimagines the grand tourer for the electric era. Kia tells us the concept is built around three main themes: performance driving, immersive digital interaction and lounge-like space and comfort.
What does the Kia Vision Meta Turismo look like?
The Vision Meta Turismo has a low, wide stance and a cab-forward shape, with the cabin pushed well forward in the body. Kia says the design follows its 'Opposites United' philosophy, combining softer surfaces with more technical geometric forms.
At the front, the low nose and cut-back lower section help give the car a floating look, while a black insert houses the lights and cameras.
The rear moves from softer curves into a sharper cut-off tail designed to help aerodynamic effectiveness, including stability at speed. A slim LED light bar wraps around the rear corners to emphasise the car's width and low centre of gravity.
The glass canopy is another key part of the design. Kia says its geometric shapes allow the internal space frame to remain visible, with slim structural elements intended to suggest both strength and lightness.
The company also says some details were inspired by jet aircraft, including structures influenced by the 'canard', a small wing-like surface found ahead of an aircraft's main wing.
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, commented: "The Vision Meta Turismo marks a significant milestone, demonstrating how Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy also shapes our future vision of mobility. Harmonising the spirit of 1960s long-distance touring with the limitless possibilities of an immersive digital experience, we have created a vehicle that moves beyond the bounds of tradition.”
What is different about the interior?
Inside, Kia has focused on making the driver and passenger experiences feel distinct. The driver's area is designed to be more focused and functional, with an ultra-slim instrument cluster, a lightweight seat structure and mesh fabric intended to improve airflow.
The passenger side takes a different approach. Kia says the seat is designed for a more relaxed, lounge-style posture while still using the same overall form language and materials as the driver's seat.
The passenger seat can also rotate 180 degrees when the car is stationary, allowing face-to-face interaction with rear-seat passengers. Kia says this layout supports augmented reality (AR) content via a 3D head-up display.
What about the driving experience?
Kia says the Vision Meta Turismo is designed to make EV driving feel more involving through a series of physical controls linked to digital functions.
These include a joystick-style virtual gear shifter, launch control and 'GT boost' button, along with a dial for changing the virtual engine sound, suspension sensitivity and overall driving feel.
The concept gets a steering wheel inspired by gaming controllers. This serves as the main interface for three digital modes: Speedster, Dreamer and Gamer.
Speedster is focused on performance driving and features a wide-angle augmented-reality head-up display, lighting and sound effects.
Dreamer is intended for urban driving and adds more virtual layers through the HUD and AR glasses.
Gamer is designed for use when parked and includes virtual racing through the display and steering wheel, plus an exterior projector for group gaming.
Where can I see the Kia Vision Meta Turismo?
The Vision Meta Turismo is on display at Salone dei Tessuti as part of Milan Design Week until Sunday, 26 April 2026.