All-New Kia EV6

Dads – want to go all-electric, and still look cool at the school gates? Then the new Kia EV6 could be the car for you.

The EV6 brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market. It Kia’s first car to be based on the company’s dedicated new architecture for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

This pioneering crossover – the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy ‘Opposites United’ – displays a future-oriented EV design characterised by high-tech details.

It is powered exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of two long-range, zero-emissions powertrains. 800V charging capability means the EV6 can go from 10-to-80 per cent battery charge in just 18 minutes. Awesome, or what, guys?

The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the all-new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification under its new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’.

It also kicks off the brand’s mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles to make up 40 per cent of Kia’s total sales by 2030, with an annual sales target of 1.6 million units for these eco-friendly models.

Kia aims to grow its global BEV sales to 880,000 units in 2030 and become a top global seller. EV6 is the first of 11 new global BEV models from Kia by 2026 – seven of which will be built on E-GMP architecture, and four will be derivative EVs based on existing models.

Powertrains

From launch, you have a choice of two fully electric, zero-emission powertrains – rear (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) – based on long-range (77.4kWh) high-voltage lithium-ion polymer battery packs as standard.

EV6 ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models are available with both RWD and AWD. The well-equipped ‘Air’ is the entry point into the EV6 line-up and is sold exclusively with rear-wheel drive. This is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with a choice of RWD or AWD options – the latter offering enhanced dynamic capability in all on-road driving conditions.

The RWD EV6 can travel up to 328 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined cycle). With a power output of 226bhp and maximum torque of 350Nm, it can sprint to 62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 114mph. The AWD EV6 with dual motor has a more muscular 321bhp on tap, and 605Nm of torque. It accelerates to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 114mph.

The flagship of the EV6 line-up, the ‘GT’, is due on-sale in the UK in the final quarter of 2022, and will possess 577bhp and a mighty 740Nm of torque. Final performance figures are yet to be ratified, however Kia powertrain engineers are targeting a top speed of 162mph and a 0-62mph acceleration figure in an eye-watering 3.5 seconds.

Storage Space

The EV6’s clever storage solutions cater for all needs. A sizeable centre storage tray provides a convenient space for small bags and tablets, and an integrated wireless charging pad on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models enables you to charge your smartphone with ease. The glovebox is larger and longer than normal, delivering 10.5 litres of space. Handy front and rear drinks holders provide added storage potential. The kids will love you, dads!

Generous boot space means the EV6 is ready for the next adventure, providing up to 490 litres with the second-row of seats in place (480 litres for ‘GT-Line S’ models, due to the space taken up by the Meridian audio system subwoofer). With the 60:40 second-row seats folded, stowage capacity increases to approximately 1,300 litres.

The EV6 also features extra storage at the front – a front boot, front trunk, or ‘frunk’ – providing an extra 52 litres of storage space for rear-wheel drive models and 20 litres for all-wheel drive models, with enough space for the vehicle’s charging cable.

For more information on the EV6, click here.