So much to say and so little space… the Kia EV6 is not just another all-electric car, it is perhaps the next generation electric car as far as the driving experience is concerned.
Kia’s EV6 is built on the same E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) design as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 – and to be fair, the battery electric drive systems are remarkably similar, as are the battery sizes (either 58 or 77.4kWH), the 800-volt charging tech (which allows a fast charge on a 350kW charger, of 10 percent to 80 percent in a claimed 18 minutes) and the option of rear and all-wheel drive.
Other than this however, the two are totally different…
If you like the retro look of the IONIQ’s pixilated light clusters and blocky SUV look, then stop reading.
If, on the other hand, you prefer a long and low profile with a sense of forward motion inherent in its design which hints at being a fastback car, well then, Kia has just what you’re looking for.
The Kia’s wheelbase is longer than the Kia Sorento super-sized seven-seater SUV, which makes the EV6 more than a car and closer to being a crossover.
EV6 is not the most imaginative of names and then the two rear-wheel drive ‘Air’ models and the AWD ‘Earth’ model description doesn’t really help.
The AWD GT-Line (tested) on the other hand, yep, that name works and has the long range 77.4kWh battery and delivers 239kW and 605Nm from its dual electric motors, delivered through a single speed transmission for a maximum stated range of 484km.
The Kia’s interior does look familiar for anyone who has sat in a Sportage, Sorento or Carnival.
It’s modern, though some might uncharitably call it a little spartan, but the massive twin 12.3-inch display screens not only deliver a wealth of information, but they lend an air of Buck Rogers to the otherwise car-like Kia.
Naturally, safety systems are comprehensive, with multiple cameras, smart cruise control with anti-collision systems, intelligent speed control and blind spot collision avoidance, electronic stability control, vehicle Stability management and multiple airbags providing the basis for the five-star ANCAP rating.
We did like the new safety feature which uses the rear sensors to determine if another vehicle is coming up from behind when the EV6 is stopped and then restricts opening the doors to keep EV6 occupants safe.
And then there is the remote parking system which allows the Kia to be driven in and out of parking spots using the remote with the driver out of the vehicle.
Nor are you short-changed with creature comforts, though turning on the seat heaters is a tad too easy, thanks to the cabin ergonomics. The seats are all-day drive comfortable however and the legroom in all seat positions might well serve as a reminder that you are in a larger than average car.
On the intelligent side, Kia uses dual touchscreen commands to switch between audio controls and climate controls. And the augmented reality Head up display with the onboard navigation system is a real winner.
Drive-wise, it’s our humble opinion that the Kia affords a better drive sensation than the IONIQ 5, the Tesla 3 and yes, even Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Better than a Polestar? We’ll let you know in the next edition, but for now, the Kia takes the title of the most driver-friendly plus $100k EVs, and that makes it well worthy of consideration if your fleet is looking to go electric.
