The new Kia EV6 is a fully-electric car with high performance, great design, and top-end features.
This EV6 marks Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification and leads the charge to make 40% of all Kias sold either fully electric or hybrid.
It is also the first of 11 electric models to be developed by Kia by 2026.
Design
Kia used a combination of angular shapes and smooth lines to create the athletic-looking exterior of the new EV6
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design, and electrified power,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre.
A modern take on Kia’s traditional “tiger face” design was created by using sleek daytime running lights and low air intakes, which creates an aggressive persona.
A sloping C-pillar furthers this sporty design, while also improving the aerodynamic performance of the car, said the company.
Sitting above this is a spoiler that leads the air down to the lower ducktail for optimal downforce.
Interior
“Designing an inspiring space for the EV6 was the most important thing for us,” said Jochen Paesen, Vice President for Interior Design at Kia.
The flat battery pack of the EV6 is integrated under the floor, which allows for the cabin to be spaced out further than in an internal-combustion car.
Interior equipment then includes slim, lightweight seats upholstered in fabric made from recycled plastic, along with a high-tech infotainment system and digital instrument cluster that consists of two curved 12-inch displays that are connected.
Power
The long-range, AWD derivatives of the EV6 and EV6 GT-line accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, while the standard-range, AWD models finish the run in 6.2 seconds.
The top-of-the-range EV6 does the same 0-100km/h sprint in an impressive 3.5 seconds.
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai Motor Group owns the Kia brand.
Through ultra-fast charging at 800V, the EV6 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.
Four and a half minutes on the same plug will restore 100km of range in the 2WD, 77.4kWh-equipped EV6, said Kia.
The outputs of the various EV6 models are then as follows:
| Kia EV6 model specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Battery Pack | Power |
| EV6 Standard Range 2WD | 58.0kWh | 125kW/305Nm |
| EV6 Standard Range AWD | 58.0kWh | 173kW/605Nm |
| EV6 Long Range 2WD | 77.4kWh | 168kW/350Nm |
| EV6 Long Range AWD | 77.4kWh | 239kW/605Nm |
| EV6 GT-line Standard Range 2WD | 58.0kWh | 125kW/305Nm |
| EV6 GT-line Standard Range AWD | 58.0kWh | 173kW/605Nm |
| EV6 GT-line Long Range 2WD | 77.4kWh | 168kW/350Nm |
| EV6 GT-line Long Range AWD | 77.4kWh | 239kW/605Nm |
| EV6 GT AWD | 77.4kWh | 430kW/750Nm |
Safety
Kia focused on safety, too, by fitting the EV6 with a plethora of assistance features.
These systems include safe exit assist, lane keep assist, remote smart parking, and highway drive assist.
The latter helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead, and can automatically change lanes when the driver uses the indicator.
Kia EV6 in South Africa
Kia South Africa told TopAuto that there is no confirmation on the local introduction of the EV6 yet.
“It’s certainly part of a larger investigation into the feasibility of offering Kia EVs in our market,” said Kia South Africa.
Kia EV6
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