The new Kia EV6 is a stylish, spacious, safe and super smart electric vehicle (the clue is in the name) that takes the stress out of driving and puts the fun back in. Its slick and sporty looks belie the fact that this is a mid-sized crossover built with families in mind.
Looks are, of course, subjective, but to these eyes, this car is seriously striking and judging by the heads turning as it passes, I don’t think it will have many detractors.
Taking cues from the 1970s icon Lancia Stratos, the slightly wedge-shaped body sits relatively low to the ground, the C-pillar swoops elegantly towards the boot and the wide haunches make it look athletic and aggressive. It has road presence by the bucket load.
Around the back, there is an eye-catching full-length LED light cluster that extends from one rear wheel arch to the next and the reversing lights look like something out of Tron.
Around the front, you’ll notice the absence of Kia’s trademark tiger nose grille. This is the first model in 15 years not to have the signature front end, but that’s because there is no need for a grille because there is no engine to cool.
Instead, the Kia EV6 comes with a 77.4kWh battery pack that powers a single electric rear-mounted motor that puts out 229hp and 350Nm of torque. This is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive set-up.
As the EV6 is built using a dedicated EV-specific platform, it benefits from an uncompromising approach to technology. One of the most pertinent features for buyers is the 800V architecture, which allows for high-speed charging at up to 350kW. Although not a new feature, 800V is usually only found in cars with a much higher price tag.
With such features, gone are the days when EVs came with short ranges and long charge times. The Kia EV6 has a range of up to 528km (depending on the model chosen) and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes. So, you can theoretically top up by 370km in the time it takes you to nip to the toilet and grab a coffee.
In the real world, of course, the range will fluctuate depending on many factors – driving style, road type and weather. However, having driven the car during a particularly chilly week in November, I have to say, the real-world range wasn’t too far off the claimed range and that was with a mixture of fast motorway driving, twisty back roads and city centre congestion and with the heated seats, heated steering wheel and heating turned up to 11 (it was really cold).
What’s more, thanks to the various levels of regenerative braking I was able to add kilometres back on to the range. For example, I live 28km from Dublin Airport, however, my range only depleted by 24km because of the amount of kinetic energy that braking put back into the battery.
While we are on the subject, driving the Kia EV6 is remarkably easy and relaxing. With no engine noise and good levels of sound insulation, the cabin is practically silent, especially on the motorway. The suspension set-up is tweaked for a slightly sporty feel, meaning it is a little on the firm side but it absorbs bumps well, retains composure through corners and is very comfortable over long distances. The handling is also very well-balanced.
It’s fun too. That instant torque when you put the foot down is exhilarating and grin-inducing. Power is transferred rapidly and smoothly. Such acceleration makes overtaking a breeze and when it launches, you forget that this is a 2,053kg five-seat family car.
The cabin, however, is a constant reminder that this car is indeed ideal for families. Due to the battery position between the wheels and there being no transmission hump, the car floor is completely flat and the Kia designers have made the most of this additional space.
With its well-thought-out and beautifully executed design and considered mix of materials, the cabin is not only functional and spacious but premium and classy too.
The widescreen infotainment system, long dashboard and uncluttered surfaces give the interior an open, airy feel. The anti-glare touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. All the controls, dials and buttons are where they should be and everything is positioned to minimise distraction so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.
There’s a massive amount of legroom in the back and the back seats recline, split 60/40 and fold flat. With the seats folded flat, you increase the already spacious 520L boot to 1,300L. Oh, and in case that isn’t enough, under that lovely clamshell bonnet you’ll find a front boot that holds 52L. Very handy for storing the charging cables.
Back inside the cabin, there are cubby holes and storage bins and pockets everywhere and plenty of cup holders and charging ports including USB, USB-C, 12V and a three-pin plug socket on the back seats. The Kia EV6 also has a 3.5kW power outlet on its charging port. This nifty feature means you can charge up electric bikes and e-scooters and you can bring a microwave and kettle the next time you go camping too.
The Kia EV6 comes fully loaded with a whole suite of high-tech conveniences
But that’s not all. The Kia EV6 is brimming with smart features. Need to recharge while you recharge? The front seats fully recline so you can have a snooze while the car charges. Got your hands full and your keys are in your pocket? Not to worry, just walk up to the car and the handles pop out. Walk to the rear, and the boot opens automatically. No hands needed.
Keeping you and your precious cargo safe on the road, the Kia EV6 comes fully loaded with a whole suite of high-tech conveniences. For example, the cameras on the car are very clever, especially the one that pops up in the instrument display when you flick on the indicators. Blind spots be gone. The head-up display with augmented reality works really well and the remote smart parking assist allows you to get out and park your car.
Yes, you don’t have to be in the car to park. Ideal for getting in and out of tight parking spaces. You’ll never hear that wince-inducing crunch of a curbed wheel again.
Overall, the Kia EV6 makes everything for drivers easy and stress free and does so in a stylish manner. You feel safe and cocooned in the classy cabin and as you glide silently on the roads, turning heads as you go. It’s quite the blast to drive.
Visit kia.com to find out more about the fully electric Kia EV6