Today's automotive industry is mostly about crossovers and electrification, so we could say that the Kia EV6 has a fair chance for commercial success. It meets both criteria and offers distinctive looks, a spacious and practical cabin, and a whole load of modern features. The new model already debuted in Europe and North America, while the Kia EV6 Australia is in the works.
The EV6 is an all-electric crossover, which shares a lot of parts with the current-generation Hyundai Ioniq. However, it offers a slightly different kind of quality, as it is more about sporty look and engaging handling than comfort and smooth ride.
The First Generation of Kia EV6 (2021-present)
The Kia EV6 had an official debut in March 2021, but sales didn't start before August. Of course, Europe was one of the initial car markets for this crossover, while the North American version is coming for the 2022 model year.
Here in Australia, we are still waiting for the new battery-electric crossover. The new model has been confirmed, but the officials are still quiet about the more precise date. They've clearly stated that the high-performance Kia EV6 GT will also come Down Under, which indicates that the Korean manufacturer has big ambitions on the Australian car market.
Design
As I’ve mentioned, the brand-new Kia EV6 shares parts with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The latest iteration of Hyundai's well-known nameplate has been launched recently, and the two models share a lot of parts, especially when it comes to battery and drivetrain technology.
However, the two models retain their unique characters. The Ioniq looks more conventional, and it is bigger and more practical.
On the other hand, the EV6 looks way more aggressive, especially at the front. Many distinctive aesthetical solutions characterise the front end of the vehicle, which is unique, while the rear end seems to take a lot of inspiration from the Aston Martin DBX. Of course, the main difference is the Kia EV6 price, which starts at around €45,000 in Europe, while the DBX costs way more.
When it comes to the chassis and suspension setup, this is a well-balanced crossover. Along with a low centre of gravity, it features independent McPherson at the front and a multi-link independent suspension on the rear end. Of course, all wheels are equipped with ventilated discs.
Dimensions
If you look at the Kia EV6 specs, this model looks like a typical mid-size crossover, which could be a perfect choice for families. It features 4,680 millimetres total length, which puts it in comparison with VW ID.4.
However, Kia’s crossover features a significantly longer wheelbase (3,000 millimetres), which is something that promises better stability and overall ride quality. When it comes to other measurements, the EV6 is 1,880mm wide and 1,550mm high.
Kia EV6 Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3000mm
- Length: 4680mm
- Width: 1880mm
- Height: 1550mm
- Weight: 1850-2200kg
Interior
This crossover has plenty of trumps up its pocket, and cabin design is undoubtedly one of them. The Korean automaker didn’t skimp on the Kia EV6 interior. High quality workmanship meets premium materials, lending a sleek aesthetics for the whole cabin. It blends with the futuristic look of the dash, which is equipped with a couple of 12.3-inch screens – one reserved for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment.
With 3 metres in wheelbase, it's not hard to imagine the space that this crossover offers the passengers. The front seats are generous with the room, and we also like its design. The seats are sporty, with excellent support yet not too hard. The second row is very spacious and accommodates adults with ease.
On the other hand, the cargo area isn’t that great. Despite its length, its design compromises the cargo volume somehow. The boot space goes between 480 and 511 litres, depending on the version you pick.
Drivetrain and Performance
The good thing about electric cars is that there are usually several versions on the offer - regarding power, battery capacity, range, and so on. This crossover comes in five variants at the moment, so we should start with the most basic version called Standard Range 2WD.
Standard Range 2WD
When it comes to Kia EV6 specs for the most basic version, the power comes from a single electric motor, which puts out around 125 kW and 350 Nm of max torque. The electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and ensures a decent 0-100km/h time of around 8.5 seconds, and the top speed is 185 km/h.
This version comes with the standard battery, which features a usable capacity of 58 kWh. According to the manufacturer, that is enough to ensure around 320 kilometres of range in a combined ride. Of course, we presume that the numbers will be a little bit lower in reality.
As can be expected, the car is equipped with fast-charging options, which allows 80% of the battery to be charged in just 18 minutes.
Standard Range AWD
As the name says, this version uses the same 58-kWh battery but gets an additional electric motor on the front axle. So, the max power goes up to 173kW, while the 0-100km/h time goes around 6.5 seconds. The top speed is also 185 km/h, while the estimated range is 310 km.
Long Range 2WD
The Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD features a bigger, 77.4-kWh battery, which ensures notably better autonomy. In a combined ride, this version can make up to 410 kilometres without recharging, according to the manufacturer.
Like the Standard Range 2WD model, this one also comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor, which is more potent and features a max output of 168 kW and 350 Nm of max torque. As a result, the acceleration is quicker, and the 0-100 sprint takes 7.3 seconds. The top speed is also 185 km/h.
Long Range AWD
This version also features the same 77.4-kWh battery but gets an additional electric motor. So, the total output goes up to 239 kilowatts and 605 Nm of the max torque. So, you may count on pretty serious performance, such as 5.3 seconds for a 0-100km/h sprint.
On the other hand, the max range is slightly shorter and goes around 410 km.
Kia EV6 GT
A high-performance version of this crossover has been confirmed as well. It will come with the 2022 model, and from what we know so far, it will feature the same 77.4-kWh battery pack.
However, it will come with more powerful electric motors, with a total output of 430 kW and 740 Nm of max torque. The company claims 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. The max range will go around 395 kilometres, according to the manufacturer.
How much will the Kia EV6 cost?
The Kia EV6 Australia price is yet to be announced, but considering that the European model starts at around €45,000, we may presume that the Australian model will go around $70,000 (AUD). The EV6 GT is still to come, but we know that the European version will cost approximately €66,000, which would be about $104,000.
By Nebojsa Grmusa