Exclusive: Kia EV6 Review

Kia's first dedicated EV or electric vehicle. The first of many to come as Kia says. So as that brand new electric flagship, the Kia EV6 needed to be very good. And it is. I am driving it today in Germany – where it has already picked up a lot of buyer interest. It is also a nominee for the German Car of the Year - where it has already picked up the prize for the Premium Car sub-category. Built on the Hyundai Motor Group's new electric global modular platform or E-GMP, the Kia EV6 shares a lot with its Hyundai alter ego - the Ioniq 5.

Also Read: Kia EV6 All-Electric Car Specifications Revealed

WATCH: Exclusive: Kia EV6 Review

The flared fenders are inspired by the Lancia Stratos from the 1970s. The overall proportions are generous and the EV6 is a head-turner

Design

Its looks are it's own though. The design team went for a crossover look, and which is why many call this an SUV. To me, it's more a large hatch or yes – a crossover. A modern face, smooth flanks and a rear that is especially expressive. Its proportions are ample though – with a 4695 mm overall length and 1550 mm height. The wheelbase is also generous at 2900 mm. The flared our fenders are inspired by the Lancia Stratos from the 1970s. It has deployable door handles that sit flush with the body.

The EV6 is Kia's first electric model and the first offering to employ the Opposites United design language

Overall this is the first car that displays Kia's new Opposites United design language. And you really see that in the rear taillight housing and styling. But along with the new design language, you still get some familiarity because Kia's 'Tiger Nose' grille is here – though it has been reinterpreted. And it is also the first model to have the new Kia logo right from word go.

The dual 12.3-inch curved screens sport some really nice graphics with the right blend of information

Cabin and Tech

We do know that logo well enough now. The car is just as sharp and modern looking on the inside. Clean cabin design dominated by dual 12.3-inch curved screens upfront. The graphics are very nicely done, and the car gives you the right blend of information you need and a techie cool quotient. Connectivity, head-up display, ambient lighting are a given I suppose. The floating central console is also cool and gives you wireless charging for your phone.

The cabin is made up of recycled materials and there's plenty of tech to keep you hooked for a while

The car's cabin uses many sustainable materials - like recycled plastic bottles in door panels and the carpet. There is no leather option, though you can opt for 'vegan' leather on request. The two-spoke steering wheel looks really nice and houses the paddles to set desired levels of regeneration and another button-down front. On the steering is where you find the drive mode toggle too – which is convenient. 

Also Read: Exclusive: Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV Review

The Sport mode on the Kia EV6 stiffens the steering up a bit and also adds a bit of a sporty sound to go with the performance of the crossover

Performance

You have the usual drive modes, like Eco, Normal, and Sport – and if you long-press that button, you get the snow mode. The names of the modes explain what they do, but I will tell you this about the Eco mode. It also takes into account the car's own onboard cameras for any obstacles along the way and coordinates with the navigation system – even if you're not following a set destination. This way the car knows what sort of topography lies ahead, what sort of roads, and then gives you the most efficient use of the battery and the throttle. put it in the Sport mode, and the character changes dramatically. The car seems to stiffen up, which is also good, though there's no change in damping. You do have a nice and stiff steering in Sport mode, and the EV6 kind of sounds a little bit different too, which I liked. The Sport mode is indeed very responsive. It is pretty much where I stayed the entire afternoon! I had the chance to take the car out on two runs, so I did try the other modes too!

The Kia EV6 handles well and has weighted steering that keeps the drive engaging, especially in the sport mode

Driving Range

The EV6 has a claimed range of 394 to 528 kms for the models sold in Germany. The top-spec EV6 GT with 584 bhp is coming soon. That has the lower end of drive range, but the highest end of the performance. With me today is the GT-Line variant. It has a 77.4 kWh battery, and has a 320 bhp output. Torque is 605 Nm. A 2-motor setup means AWD is standard. The entry EV6 in Germany gets a 58 kWh set up with the same output but reduced driving range. Top speed on both is 185 kmph, though the GT will have 260 kmph. Some markets will get a 225 bhp, rear wheel drive, single motor variant, though not here in Germany. The EV6 handles well, and has a terrific weighted steering. The car feels engaging and keeps you interested all the time. And as I already said, the sport mode keeps all your senses hooked. The battery is covered by Kia's 7-year warranty available here in Germany – as standard.

The Kia EV6 meets the stringent Euro NCAP crash test requirements and comes with plenty of safety tech

Safety

I guess this part does not have to be said, but since the car is on sale in Germany it meets stringent Euro NCAP crash requirements and has plenty of safety features as standard across all variants. This includes ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) like automatic emergency braking or AEB, blind-spot warning with camera views on both sides, cross-traffic collision avoidance, and lane-keep assist. Then there's an electronic stability programme or ESC, stability control Isofix child seat anchors, and more. Front, side and curtain airbags are also standard.

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The EV6 could be Kia's new flagship in India when it arrives but that's still some time away

Will it come to India?

Now being the very first dedicated EV from Kia, this car had to be a flagship. It really had to stand for everything that the company has achieved, in terms of its R&D, in terms of its capability, its technology, and so it's really loaded with everything – from driver assistance systems to safety, and even very fine detail on things like material quality, screens, all of that has been paid a lot of attention to and that's very obvious. By the way, the boot gives you up to 490 litres of space, and there's the 'frunk' upfront that has an additional 52 litres.

Also Read: Kia EV6 India Review: The Rise Of The New Age EV

The big question you are asking is - why should you care? Will the EV6 come to India? The simple answer is yes, but it won't happen for at least 12 months. Kia India is looking at the introduction of an EV model – and we know it will be a born electric car. So that rules out the likes of the Soul EV. The EV6 just makes the most sense from the point of view of shape, size, segment, attribute and levels of luxury and tech. But it will remain a niche flagship, as it starts at over €45,000 even in Europe, making it ideal for only a few.