Kia EV6 confirmed for Australia, 430kW GT version boasts supercar performance
Kia’s EV6, the Korean brand’s first ground-up electric car, will arrive boasting supercar performance courtesy of a 430kW/740Nm GT version.
The EV6 has been confirmed for Australia, with production starting in the fourth quarter of this year. That means the crossover should reach Aussie showrooms late in 2021 or by early 2022, with an estimated price tag starting from $65,000.
A Tesla-baiting dual motor all-wheel-drive GT model would cost substantially more, but with Kia promising it will hit 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, it’s sure to pique the interest of those who demand performance from their zero-emissions cars.
This sees Kia enter the rapid performance space ahead of sister brand Hyundai and its recently-revealed Ioniq 5. Kia’s EV6 shares the same E-GMP architecture as the Ioniq 5, similar EV drivetrains and the same 800V electrical system which allows ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes, or 100 kilometres in less than 4.5 minutes.
Kia has already promised it would add performance versions across its range of incoming EVs, and the EV6 GT will be first incredibly quick cab off the rank. The new car, we’re promised, is the first of 11 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from Kia by 2026 – seven built on the E-GMP architecture and four derivative EVs based on existing models.
While the GT steals the headlines, we know the EV6 range will be made up of three grades: entry-level EV6, mid-spec EV6 GT-Line and then the hero GT. The latter is all-wheel-drive only and uses a Long Range 77.4kWh battery; the two other models have the choice of the same Long Range battery or a 58kWh Standard Range version.
2WD EV6 and EV6 GT-Line use a single rear motor good for 125kW and 350Nm (Standard Range) and 173kW/605Nm (Long Range). AWD variants have a motor front and rear and offer 173kW and 605Nm (Standard Range) or 239kW/605Nm (Long Range).
Full specifications aren’t entirely known as yet, but the normal EV6 with AWD and Long Range completes the 0-100km/h sprint in a quick enough 5.2-seconds. A 2WD Long Range version can travel an impressive 510 kilometres (WLTP) on a single charge.
New design direction
Kia says the brand’s distinctive ‘tiger face’ has been reimagined for the digital era. Daytime running lights include a sequential dynamic light pattern, while a low air intake beneath them is there to visually widen the front end.
Inside, the car’s 2900mm wheelbase allows cabin space Kia promises is similar to many mid-size SUVs, despite the EV6 being a crossover small SUV. The cabin’s standout feature is a curved infotainment screen as part of 12-inch dual widescreens running across a large part of the dashboard.
There’s an augmented reality head-up display displaying driving information onto the base of the windscreen, including alerts from the car’s driver assistance system, vehicle speed and navigation instructions.
Advanced safety goodies include Safe Exit Assist – warning if a car’s approaching when you open the door to get out – and Lane Follow Assist, keeping the EV6 in the centre of the lane. A Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps remotely park or exit a parking spot with the driver operating the car from outside.
Seats, we’re told, are made of ‘robust fabrics’ created using recycled plastics equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles.
Cargo space can’t quite match that of its Hyundai Ioniq 5 sister car, but the EV6’s 520L boot with five seats up and 1300L with the rears folded is excellent for this size of car. An extra 52L in the frunk in 2WD cars and 20L for AWD versions are added bonuses.
EV6 promises supercar performance
Kia’s going big with its opening performance EV salvo. The EV6 GT’s dual motors and 430kW/740Nm not only helps perform the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds, but help it on to a top speed of 260km/h. Only the EV6 GT scores an electronic Limited Slip Differential, giving us plenty of hope for its dynamic capabilities.
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car. With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.
Kia EV6 specifications
Price: Starting from $65,000 (estimated)
Due in Australia: Q1 2022
Length: 4680mm
Width: 1880mm
Height: 1550mm
Wheelbase: 2900mm
Boot capacity: 520L (5 seats in use), 1300L (2 seats in use)
Front trunk (frunk) capacity: 52L (2WD models), 20L (AWD models)
Battery voltage: 800V
Kia EV6 model details
Kia EV6/EV6 GT-Line 2WD Standard Range
Motor: 1 rear
Power/torque: 125kW/350Nm
0-100km/h: TBA
Battery capacity: 58kWh
Range: TBA
Kia EV6/EV6 GT-Line AWD Standard Range
Motor: 1 rear, 1 front
Power/torque: 173kW/605Nm
0-100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Battery capacity: 58kWh
Range: TBA
Kia EV6/EV6 GT-Line 2WD Long Range
Motor: 1 rear
Power/torque: 168kW/350Nm
0-100km/h: TBA
Battery capacity: 77.4kWh
Range: 510km (WLTP)
Kia EV6/EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
Motor: 1 rear, 1 front
Power/torque: 239kW/605Nm
0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds
Battery capacity: 77.4kWh
Range: TBA
Kia EV6 GT Long Range AWD
Motor: 1 rear, 1 front
Power/torque: 430kW/740Nm
0-100km/h: 3.5 seconds
Battery capacity: 77.4kWh
Range: TBA
