The EV6 brings Kia to another level as an EV maker, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review

Kia is stepping up a gear in its EV offensive with this stylish EV6 battery-powered mid-sized performance saloon. This car has pavement presence, the potential of a decent 328 mile driving range and an uber-sophisticated cabin which challenges the premium makers for style and quality. There's even a super high performance GT derivative. This is, in short, a car that rivals need to take very seriously indeed.

Background

So far, Korean maker Kia's offerings have been worthy, sensible, good value and, whisper it, rather dull. But that changes right here, right now with this car, the EV6. In this case, the idea is to reinterpret full-electric technology for the affordable part of the mid-sized market in a sporty, desirable fashion. Don't think e-Niro or Soul EV. Instead, think Polestar 2 or Tesla Model 3.

That's quite a challenging brief for a manufacturer not positioned as a premium brand, but Kia has gone about it with enthusiasm. The brand has developed an all-new E-GMP platform for this EV6. And readied a top EV6 GT high performance model for the very top of the range with a Porsche Taycan-like 577bhp on tap. Mainstream EV6 models will be more accessible, targeted not only at Tesla and Polestar but at sportier versions of cars like the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq iV.

Driving Experience

Acceleration from the get-go in an EV6 depends a little on the variant you've chosen. There are two in the mainstream range, both using a 77.4kWh battery. The base rear-driven model has only just enough power - 226bhp - to make this two-tonne EV feel business-like away from rest. The sprint to 62mph time for that base variant is 7.3s but 350Nm of torque isn't really quite enough for a contender this heavy. The spec of the AWD dual motor model we tried is much more like it. Here, the 165kW rear electric motor fitted to all EV6s is joined by a smaller 74kW motor at the front, boosting total output to 321bhp. That provides for 62mph in 5.2s and nearly twice the amount of pulling power - 605Nm - on the way to the 114mph top speed that all versions of this Kia share.

There are three drive modes ('Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport'), none of which improve the rather gloopy feel of the steering. But the six available brake regeneration settings are effective and careful use will get you somewhere near the quoted combined cycle drive range figures, which vary between 300 and 328 miles, depending on variant.

Design and Build

The EV6 EV was designed under the brand's new design philosophy 'Opposites United', which apparently takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the front, Kia's 'tiger face' has been re-interpreted for the digital era. The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette and the rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass.

Inside, one of the most striking elements is a wide, seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen, which gives the interior an open feel. The 'Relaxation' seats are slim, lightweight and contemporary, and thanks to a relatively long 2,900mm wheelbase, cabin space is similar to many mid-size SUVs. There's comfortable space for two adults on the rear bench and out back, there's a decently-sized 520-litre boot. This is added to by a front trunk beneath the bonnet.

Market and Model

Kia has decided that the EV6 range shouldn't feature the smaller 'Standard Range' 58kWh battery pack available on this car in other markets. Which is why there are no EV6 variants available for under £40,000. Instead, the line-up is exclusively offered here with the brand's larger 77.4kWh battery pack. There are two drivetrain options though, a rear wheel drive model with 226bhp, priced from around £44,000; or an AWD variant with 321bhp, priced from around £50,000. As for trim options, well there's an entry-level 'Air'-spec model for rear wheel drive customers but otherwise in the mainstream line-up, with both powertrains, there's the choice of either 'GT-Line' or 'GT-Line S' levels of trim. Separately positioned at the top of the range is the top high performance EV6 GT model which has AWD and the 77.6kWh battery but uses more powerful motors, putting out a total 577bhp output; for one of those, you're looking at close to £55,000.

If you can stretch to the top high performance EV6 GT AWD model, you will of course get more equipment. There are intelligent LED headlights, which turn with the bends. Plus through the spokes of the larger 21-inch wheels, you'll glimpse neon green brake calipers. Sporty trim features around the fascia, you get a unique sports steering wheel and a premium audio system upgrade.

Cost of Ownership

You'll want to know about range capability and the answer is that this car's long-range 77.4kWh battery can take you up to 316 miles between charges. This car's E-GMP platform allows for 800-volt capability and the EV6 accepts DC rapid charging at up to 220kWh. If you're able to charge in this fashion, your EV6 will be able to accept a 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes and 62 miles of extra range can be added in only four and a half minutes. The EV6 is also able to distribute charge to other vehicles at up to 3.6kW using it's Type 2 socket, as part of an incorporated 'vehicle-to-load V2L' function.

The EV6 is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. This includes Kia's latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car's coolant system. This ensures that at minus 7 degrees Celsius, the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees Celsius.

Summary

In summary, this EV6 takes the technology that impressed us with cars like the e-Niro and evolves it to a level appropriate for a customer looking for a faster, more premium kind of mid-sized EV. We think you'll be surprised at what you find.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Kia EV6

PRICES: £44,195-£56,095 – on the road

CATEGORY: FULL ELECTRIC - LUXURY

INSURANCE GROUPS: 33A-40A

PERFORMANCE: {77.4kWh AWD} 0-62mph 5.2s

WLTP ELECTRIC DRIVING RANGE: 316 miles

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 520

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4680/1880/1550 mm