Kia has revealed its all-new EV6 long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging, all-electric crossover SUV, Kia’s first car to be based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The EV6 is powered exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of multiple long-range, zero-emissions powertrain configurations. The 800V charging capability means EV6 can go from 10% to 80% battery charge in just 18 minutes, while the GT version can accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 161 mph.
The EV6 is the first dedicated BEV produced by Kia using the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and also begins the mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles to make up 40 percent of Kia’s total sales by 2030, with an annual sales target of 1.6 million units for these eco-friendly models. Kia plans to add 11 new BEV models by 2026 – seven built on E-GMP architecture, and four derivative EVs based on existing models.
“EV6 is the embodiment of the new Kia. It is born to inspire every journey, through bold design, progressive engineering, innovative technologies, and exciting electric performance,” Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO said. “EV6 also represents the beginning of Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, accelerating the transition not only to clean transportation but also products, materials and manufacturing.”
Designed to deliver something different in the crossover class, the GT version of the EV6 offers a distinctive, impactful exterior with high-tech features, as well as unprecedented levels of performance from a Kia electric vehicle, the automaker said.
At the front, Kia’s ‘tiger face’ has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Forming part of this ‘Digital Tiger Face’, daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern, the company said, while a low air intake visually widens the front of the car.
The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches. The rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass. Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s rear light cluster.
A distinct product of the EV era, the interior design benefits greatly from the application of Kia’s dedicated E-GMP platform, the company said. Despite the EV6’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900mm wheelbase results in a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs.
The interior features a high-tech, curved infotainment screen, as well as seats clad in fabrics created using recycled plastics – equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles.
The EV6 offers 520 liters of trunk space with the second-row seats in place. With the second-row seats folded down, stowage capacity increases to approximately 1,300 liters. The car also features a front trunk which provides up to an additional 52 liters of storage space for 2WD models and 20 liters for AWD models.
The EV6 offers buyers a choice of multiple powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. EV6 GT-line is available with both long-range and standard-range battery packs, while EV6 GT features the long-range battery pack only. This is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options.
The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 510 kilometers (316 miles) on a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle. 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 229 hp (168 kW) electric motor powering the rear wheels and for AWD models a 325 hp (239 kW) electric motor powers the front and rear wheels.
The 58.0 kWh EV6 can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a maximum 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 and for AWD models a 173 kW electric motor powers the front and rear wheels.
Equipped with 430kW dual motors, the EV6 GT offers a maximum of 545 ft.-lbs. (740Nm) torque and accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 161 mph. An electronic-Limited Slip Differential software is available on the EV6 GT version only.
The EV6 offers 800V and 400V charging capabilities, without the need for additional components or adapters. 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 62 miles of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.
Inside, the EV6 features a new high-tech infotainment system with 12-inch dual screens. Curved displays applied to EV6 have thin film panels for reducing impact of light. The cluster and infotainment system are connected as if they were wrapped around one body with reinforced glass. Extending from the steering wheel to the center of the car, it displays a digital cluster in front of the driver and infotainment system above the center console.
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 latest version of Kia’s innovative connected car system ‘Kia Connect’, previously named UVO, is included, featuring a range of Kia real-time services and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Accessible through the touchscreen, Kia Connect allows users to find locations and pricing of EV charging points, view their vehicle’s charging status, plan smart charging schedules and check the range radius based on the remaining charge.
A 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system is also available and is equipped with Active Sound Design (ASD), a feature by Kia which provides drivers with audible feedback to the speed that the car is traveling and controlled via a user interface.
