EV first for Kia that looks the part
Kia's first dedicated electric vehicle is a bit of a looker. It certainly attracted attention and after some pondering, I decided it had the look of a Porsche.
The Panamera more precisely. Not a bad comparison and, of course, it's all in the eye of the beholder.
This brand new model, built on Kia's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) technology, is one of 15 electric vehicles that Kia plans to launch globally by 2027. It is also big on environment preservation, with innovations such as the dashboard containing recycled plastic from single-use plastic bottles.
The look is a little contradictory, at the same time sleek, almost coupe-like, but also featuring muscular curves and bulges and raked windscreen, which put me in mind of the Porsche. But clearly it is a Kia and uses its own unique light signatures to form what the firm describes as a digital tiger face and sits on unique and stylish 20-inch alloys.
This model also features distinctive styling touches like the sequential dynamic light pattern and unique badging. There are three specifications, Air,’ ‘GT-Line,’ and ‘GT-Line S, tested here and two power setups.
Cheap and cheerful no more, but certainly competitive, prices start at just over £42k, with this tested flagship topping £56k.
The 321bhp all-wheel drive model driven here features dual motors on both axles and there is the option of a rear-wheel-drive single motor that produces 226 bhp, both with a 77.4kWh battery.
This model had a dual motor setup; a 165.4kW (222bhp) rear-mounted motor, and a 73.9kW (99bhp) front-mounted motor.
Performance is what we have come to expect from electric cars, blistering acceleration with this model hitting 62mph in just about five seconds. Truly electric performance.
The all-wheel drive also provides extra stability and the car feels sure footed particularly on sweeping corners. It really is an engaging drive.
Range is good. Very good compared to some I have driven recently with a claimed range of up to 328 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined). The official range is 300 miles, which seems a little modest. All of this is aided by smart regeneration braking technology operated via paddle shifters.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes on a 350kW charger. Range anxiety is not an issue here, particularly as the public charging facilities are rapidly increasing.
The interior definitely has an executive feel about it with two curved high-definition audio-visual and navigation screens. They control features like navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity, as well as housing various apps via Kia Connect which uses its own eSIM to retrieve and update live data during a drive, such as live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest and EV charging station locations,
Premium touches include fully adjustable, powered black suede seats that are both heated and ventilated, alloy pedals, premium scuff plates and powered sunroof and boot lid.
It is packed with equipment as has always been the case with Kia, but the electrics and electronics are supplemented by premium equipment like a reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines and rear parking sensors.
In addition, there is a 360-degree around view monitor, and augmented reality head-up display, and an optional heat pump is available on this model.
In practical terms, the E-GMP platform flat floor allows for extra legroom and storage, with a decent 490 litres of boot space, which extends to 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded.
It is packed with safety kit, including a full complement of airbags, stability control, braking and anti-collision systems for both car and pedestrians. As a result, it has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The industry-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty covers the electric motor and battery pack, as well as complimentary 12-month roadside assistance.
Quite a package, the next couple of years should be really interesting.
Kia EV6 GT-Line S
Price: £56,275
Mechanical: 321bhp, twin electric motors driving all wheels via a single speed auto transmission
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Range: 300 miles (WLTP)
Insurance group: tbc
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles
