The new Kia EV6 is a fully electric SUV that has been manufactured since 2021, after being developed under the codename CV. At launch it was the first Kia dedicated electric vehicle and the first model that was developed on the Electric Global Modular Platform as well as the first Kia model to be named under the nomenclature for Kia's line of electric cars which are planned to range from the EV1 to the EV9.
The Kia EV6 is a revolutionary electric vehicle that combines stunning design, impressive performance, and innovative technology. As a leader in the electric car market, Kia has crafted the EV6 to provide a unique driving experience that is both exhilarating and sustainable. With its sleek exterior, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, the Kia EV6 is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and eco-friendly car. The EV6 stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its commitment to a greener future, making it a top contender in the electric vehicle segment.
The EV6 has won numerous awards already including being named the 2022 European Car of the Year, 2022 Irish Car of the Year, 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and Best of the Best in 2022 at the Red Dot Design Awards.
The Electric Global Modular Platform, developed by Kia’s parent company Hyundai, is also used on other models such as the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Genesis GV60. The exciting new design aesthetic is described by Kia: “range is innovated for the electrified era, offering a modern sportiness that is as forward-thinking as it is head-turning.”
The exterior features a fully reimagined front design, with daytime running lights and Star Map graphics that make it stand out from the crowd. The GT-Line model takes this even further with an LED centre light bar that connects the daytime running lights and a solar glass windscreen. Automatic LED headlights, rear signature LED taillights lights, and LED rear fog lights mean that visibility is never compromised.
The overall design of the Kia EV6 offers aerodynamic side details like a sweeping roof profile and a redesigned side sill and garnish. There’s also high impact alloy wheels, which come as 19 inch as standard and complements the character of the Kia EV6 perfectly. The EV6's handling is exceptional, with its lower stance and enhanced suspension and chassis tuning, allowing it to grip well through corners and provide a balanced ride.
The electrically adjustable, folding, and heated door mirrors are finished in a gloss black casing as standard and perfectly complements each of the stunning paint options available on the Kia EV6 alongside rear privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof.
The interior benefits from a completely redesigned steering wheel which is offered in more than one style to complement the rest of the cabin interior. As standard it features bi-colour designs that match the designs of the seats whilst the GT-Line offers a new steering wheel which has a sporty 3-spoke layout with off-white highlights to match the cabin.
There’s also a new infotainment system with a 12.3 inch curved driver display screen which offers high definition across a range of features including satellite navigation, will incorporate streamlined controls, and an overall enhanced driving experience.
The premium relaxation seats allow drivers and passengers to stretch out, offering adjustable settings for enhanced posture and relaxation during drives or while the vehicle is charging.
You’ll also be able to use wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a Bluetooth connection, multiple USB-C ports. Top spec GT-Line S models also have a Meridian Premium sound system with 14 speakers and Kia’s acoustic sound design and a customisable head up display.
Thanks to the flat design of the battery pack, the space in the cabin is unaffected and a full car load of passengers will comfortably fill the space. Kia offers a combination of cloth, artificial leather, and artificial suede fabrics for their seats, model dependent, and heated front seats across the entire range.
Top trim level models also offer heated outer rear seats, and ventilated front seats, as well as premium relaxation seats. Settle in and take advantage of massage functions, electric lumbar support, and body pressure distribution to help reduce fatigue on longer journeys and keeps you in an optimal seated position. There’s also electric driver’s seat adjustment and front passenger seat adjustment available with a memory function, meaning you can guarantee your comfort on every drive.
If you’d like to make it even easier to connect to your drive profile, the GT-Line S model offers Kia’s new fingerprint recognition system situated on the centre console. From here you can also start your Kia EV6 and enter or leave Valet Mode thanks to Kia’s biometric recognition technology. The advanced functionality of the smart key allows for remote parking, enabling automated parking manoeuvres without the driver needing to be inside the vehicle.
Currently, the Kia EV6 is offered with an 84kWh Li-ion polymer battery and two powertrains: a 225BHP rear wheel drive option and 320BHP all wheel drive option. The current model offers a bigger battery size than the Kia EV6 offered at launch, meaning that you get much more from a single charge. The driving range is determined using the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP), which accurately assesses how various factors such as driving style, speed, and environmental conditions can affect the real-life range of the vehicle.
The rear wheel drive model, offering 225BHP and 350Nm of torque, is estimated to provide a combined driving range of 361 miles and a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. Using your standard home charger will give you a full charge in roughly 7 hours 35 minutes and whilst you’re out and about you can use a DC fast charging station up to 350kW to charge 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes.
If you opt for the more powerful all wheel drive model, with 320BHP and 605Nm of torque, has an estimate combined driving range of 339 miles and a 0-62mph time of only 5.3 seconds. Kia offers the same charging times for the all wheel drive model as it does for the rear wheel drive model, meaning that either one will allow you rapid charging.
There are three different trim levels available on the Kia EV6: Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S.
The entry level Air trim level gives you 19 inch alloy wheels, automatic headlight control, heated rear window, electrically adjustable, folding, and heated door mirrors, rear spoiler, exterior flush door handles, rain sensing window wipers, a full suit of LED lights, heated front seats, manual front seat adjustments, functionality heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, auto dimming rear view, a start/stop button with smart entry system, a centre console with storage box, wireless smartphone connectivity, and the 12.3 inch curved driver display screen with satellite navigation.
Stepping up to the GT-Line trim will add GT-Line exterior styling, rear privacy glass, solar glass windscreen, dual LED headlights with adaptive driving beam, high gloss black door garnish with body colour wheel arches, electric front seat adjustment, front relaxation seats, electric lumbar support for front seats, and wireless phone charger
The top level GT-Line S improves even further to add 20 inch alloy wheels, sunroof with tilting and sliding function, outer heated rear seats, front ventilated seats, electric one-touch front and rear windows, smart power tailgate, premium Meridian Surround Sound System, a customisable head up display, Kia digital key, and remote smart parking assist 2.0.
The new Kia EV6 has received a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP. This places is on the same rating as other large family cars such as the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen ID.7, and the BMW 5 Series whilst it out performs the DS 9 and BMW i4.
The excellent rating comes from a very strong set of standard safety features which includes a forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist, speed limiter, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. This set of highway driving assist features make every journey easier for you by providing reassurance and additional support, allowing you to focus on enjoying your drive.
As well as this, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Kia EV6 “Top Safety Pick+”, indicating that it was one of the top performers in their evaluations and became the third Kia vehicle to achieve this.
All Kia models are covered by an extensive 7 year warranty. The Kia warranty covers the components of a new Kia car for unlimited mileage in the first 36 months and up to 100,000 miles between 37 and 84 months from the date of first registration. There are several exceptions which can be found in Kia’s terms and conditions on their website. Once the two free OTA updates are consumed, users must access a designated web page to receive future updates.
At time of writing, the Kia EV6 starting price is £45,575 for the Air trim level and rises to £58,125 for the top trim GT-Line S model with the all wheel drive wheel train. Choosing premium paint options or adding additional equipment and accessories will increase the price from the base price listed, as you would expect. There is also a dedicated web page providing detailed information about models and specifications.
Similar electric cars would include the Audi Q6 e-tron which starts at £60,730, the Volkswagen ID.5 which starts at £41,080 so the Kia EV6 is well priced in its segment and is an excellent option for an all electric SUV.
The Kia EV6 impresses with its eye-catching design, spacious interior, and impressive performance. Reviewers highlight its tech-forward cabin, comfortable ride, and long-range battery options. The EV6's overall package of style, performance, and value makes it a top choice in the EV market.
As the world's third-largest car manufacturer by production (behind Toyota and Volkswagen), Hyundai Motor Group, parent company of Kia, holds significant market influence. Kia itself is South Korea's second-largest automaker. Given this strong foundation, the Kia EV6 is a compelling option when considering an all-electric car.
For more information about the Kia EV6 including details about pricing, finance options, and booking a test drive, contact the team at John Clark Kia Peterhead today.
