See all Motoring NewsKia has unveiled the all-new EV6, the first car to be based on the brand’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles. The EV6 features a futuristic EV design and it will be available with a choice of multiple long-range, zero-emissions powertrains. 800V charging capability means the EV6 can charge from 10 to 80 percent battery charge in just 18 minutes, while the high performance GT version, can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 260 km/h.
The EV6 forms the first part of Kia’s transition to the new era of electrification under the new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’. Kia plans to strengthen its EV line-up with 11 new BEV models by 2026. The EV6 marks a bold new styling direction for Kia; at the front, Kia’s ‘tiger face’ has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, while the side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is modern, sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually lengthen the profile of the car. The rear displays a sloping C-pillar, a prominent wing-type roof spoiler and a unique rear light cluster.
The EV6 is spacious inside thanks to the flat battery under the floor. Despite the EV6’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900mm wheelbase results in a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs. One of the most striking features is a high-tech curved infotainment screen. The seats are created using recycled plastics that are equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles. The EV6 offers plenty of cabin storage areas, including 520 litres of boot space and an additional front trunk which provides up to an additional 52 litres of storage space for 2WD models and 20 litres for AWD models.
The EV6 offers buyers a choice of multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrains, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) battery packs. The EV6 GT-line is available with long-range and standard-range battery packs, while EV6 GT features the long-range battery pack only. It is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options.
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The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 510 kilometres on a single charge, and with a maximum 605 Nm torque available on the AWD version, the EV6 can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. The 77.4 kWh battery pack is paired with a 168 kW (229ps) electric motor powering the rear wheels, and for AWD models two electric motors, powering the front and rear axles, produce a total of 239kW.
The 58.0 kWh EV6 can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with 605 Nm torque available on the AWD version. The 58.0 kWh battery pack is paired with a 125 kW electric motor powering the rear wheels; AWD models feature two electric motors, powering the front and rear axles and producing a combined 173kW (235ps).
Equipped with 430kW dual motors, the EV6 GT takes electric performance to another level. With a maximum 740Nm torque, the AWD GT version accelerates from 0-to-100 km/h in an eye-watering 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260 km/h.
The car is capable of a high-speed charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on all variations or a top-up charge of 100km of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option. The car’s charging system is more flexible than previous generation BEVs thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The V2L function can supply up to 3.6kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. The system is also able to charge another EV, if needed.
With more than 35% charge left in the battery, the EV6 can tow items weighing up to 1,600 kg. Together with the V2L function, EV6 owners can take everything they need on an outdoor adventure with friends and family and do it all with zero emissions.
The EV6 is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximize driving range. This includes Kia’s latest-generation heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system. This ensures that at minus seven degrees Celsius the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees Celsius.
Also featured is the latest generation of Kia’s smart regenerative braking system, which is operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel so drivers can quickly and easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximize driving range and efficiency. The infotainment system includes 12-inch dual screens. The cluster and infotainment system are connected as if they were wrapped around one body with a reinforced glass.
The EV6 also features an augmented reality (AR) head-up display system, which projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. The system displays alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
The EV6 offers class-leading levels of safety and convenience thanks to its enhanced suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS). Safe Exit Assist (SEA) helps people avoid collisions with a rear side vehicle when exiting EV6. When the occupant opens the door to exit the vehicle after a stop, the system provides a warning if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected. SEA also helps keep the rear door closed through operation of the electronic child lock.
Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps center the vehicle in the lane. When driving, LFA can be switched on and off with the press of a button. Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway and also helps center the vehicle in the lane. In case of an adjacent vehicle driving in close proximity, HDA 2 assists to adjust the EV6’s path, so to avoid any possible risk of collision. Also, with the driver’s hands on the steering wheel and above a certain speed, a click of the indicator stalk will move the car into the corresponding lane. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps remotely park or exit a parking spot with the driver operating EV6 from outside the vehicle.