Automotive

Kia's EV6 electric crossover boasts up to 577 hp or 316 miles of range

Kia's EV6 electric crossover boasts up to 577 hp or 316 miles of range
Kia reveals the EV6 electric crossover
Kia reveals the EV6 electric crossover
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Kia shows the EV6, the first one of its vehicles based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform
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Kia shows the EV6, the first one of its vehicles based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform
The Kia EV6 stands on a 2,900-mm wheelbase
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The Kia EV6 stands on a 2,900-mm wheelbase
Kia gives the EV6 roof and lower spoilers to improve aerodynamic performance
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Kia gives the EV6 roof and lower spoilers to improve aerodynamic performance
When equipped with the dual-motor GT powertrain, the EV6 sprints to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds
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When equipped with the dual-motor GT powertrain, the EV6 sprints to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds
A look inside the EV6 cockpit
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A look inside the EV6 cockpit
The Kia EV6 will launch in the second half of 2021
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The Kia EV6 will launch in the second half of 2021
The EV6 follows Kia's new "Opposites United" design philosophy
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The EV6 follows Kia's new "Opposites United" design philosophy
The EV6 has a curved dual-screen display for infotainment and gauges
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The EV6 has a curved dual-screen display for infotainment and gauges
Kia will offer a 14-speaker Meridian sur
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Kia will offer a 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system as an option
The Kia EV6 will come with a variety of electric drive options, including two battery sizes, rear- and all-wheel-drive and a high-performance GT model
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The Kia EV6 will come with a variety of electric drive options, including two battery sizes, rear- and all-wheel-drive and a high-performance GT model
Kia EV6 GT
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Kia EV6 GT
Kia reveals the EV6 electric crossover
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Kia reveals the EV6 electric crossover
View gallery - 12 images

Based on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia's all-new EV6 becomes the brand's next step into the electrified future. The new e-crossover family promises impressive numbers from bottom to top, including up to 316 miles of range, 577 hp and 800-volt fast charging that adds 62 miles of range in a matter of minutes.

The EV6 wears Kia's all-new "Opposites United" design language, which aims to mimic the contrasts found in nature by juxtaposing smooth, sculptural shapes with sharper cues. This contrast can be readily seen up front, where the sharp wing-like headlamps underpin the voluminous arches of the hood. At the rear, the taillights cut sharply around the corners toward the wheel arches, continuing along the trajectory as character lines that jump the wheels and become thick contrast side sills.

The Kia EV6 stands on a 2,900-mm wheelbase
The Kia EV6 stands on a 2,900-mm wheelbase

The EV6 comes powered by a compelling selection of all-electric options, starting with a 225-hp single-motor rear-wheel-drive that pairs with the 77.4-kWh long-range battery pack to offer the max range estimate of 316 miles (510 km, WLTP). Pair that battery instead with the 321-hp motor drive hooked to both front and rear axles, and the AWD EV6 sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, developing up to 446 lb-ft of torque.

Both RWD and AWD models can also be specced with a 58-kWh standard-range battery. Kia doesn't hazard a range estimate for that battery, but it does say it works with a 232-hp AWD powertrain for a 6.2-second 0-62 mph. The 58-kWh rear-wheel drive puts out up to 168 hp.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 tops out with a 302-hp AWD model with the same 5.2-second 0-62 sprint as the 321-hp EV6, but the latter doesn't call that flagship performance. The range-topping EV6 GT has a pair of electric motors wired up to the long-range battery, combining for 577 hp, 546 lb-ft of torque, a 0-62 sprint of 3.5 seconds and a projected 161-mph (260-km/h) top speed. The GT driver will also enjoy better handling and control courtesy of an electronic limited-slip differential.

When equipped with the dual-motor GT powertrain, the EV6 sprints to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds
When equipped with the dual-motor GT powertrain, the EV6 sprints to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds

Like the Ioniq 5, the EV6 comes with integrated 800- and 400-V charging capabilities, no adapters necessary. Kia says that an 800-V hookup will send the battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes on all EV6 variants, adding 62 miles (100 km) of range to the 77.4-kWh rear-wheel drive model in four and a half minutes. An integrated charging control unit gives the car vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing it to supply charge to another EV or, as an example, power both a 55-in television and air conditioner for over 24 hours. So long as charge remains above 35 percent, the EV6 can tow up to 3,527 lb (1,600 kg).

Between charges, drivers can rely on a six-mode paddle shift-activated regenerative braking system to get the most life out of the battery pack. The system's i-Pedal mode harvests the maximum amount of energy from the brakes, allowing the driver to bring the car to a gentle stop without touching the brake pedal.

The EV6 has a curved dual-screen display for infotainment and gauges
The EV6 has a curved dual-screen display for infotainment and gauges

Inside, EV6 occupants will find a roomy cabin fronted by a curved widescreen that houses two 12-in displays showing gauge info and Kia Connect infotainment. Behind the thin-film panels, the augmented reality HUD puts driver-assistance alerts, vehicle speed info and turn-by-turn navigation right in the driver's line of sight. The EV6 includes a driver-assistance tech suite with highway driving assist, lane following and remote smart parking.

The EV6 will be built in South Korea and offered in markets around the globe, including North America. Pre-reservation is already live in select markets like the UK, where the EV6 base model starts at £40,895 (approx. US$56,200), the EV6 GT at £58,295 ($80,125). UK EV6 deliveries will begin in October, and EV6 GT deliveries will follow in 2022.

Source: Kia

View gallery - 12 images
5 comments
5 comments
Gizmowiz
Tesla beware their catching up!
Daishi
It honestly looks like a pretty nice vehicle but I don't know if I could talk myself into putting down $60-80k for a Kia when Tesla model Y has a better charging network and better specs and holds resale better for $50-60k. I agree with VincentWolf though that the rest of the industry is starting to come around a bit.
SpieroFantasio
Mainly the chinese catch up. The KIA- designcentre is based in Frankfurt, Germany. For export to Israel they should better alter the wheel motif. That shows to much history for my eyes.
ReservoirPup
A premium price for aero side mirrors and good looks.
CDW_in_LV
I saw one of these driving around North Las Vegas today but had no idea what it was until I came across your images in this article. This one was black with no badges and had a Michigan manufacturer plate. You could tell it was at one time disguised because there was tape or Velcro residue just beneath the window on the rear passenger door.
It initially caught my eye because I was just behind and to the right, and I was wondering if it was a redesigned Ford Mach-E or something. The back end really reminded me of a modern-design Pontiac Aztek because of the tall panel between the bumper line and the rear window.
Tonight heading home from work I passed two full-size sedans with heavy disguise on them. I'm seeing more and more sedans and crossovers in disguise driving around North Las Vegas, and I've been tempted to follow them to see where they are all coming from. I can only guess that Kia & Hyundai have a secret garage in one of the warehouses near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.