In discussions about which car has had the most influence on the auto industry in a few years, there will probably be a photo of this machine: Kia’s EV6.
History may well show that it wasn’t necessarily the most affordable electric vehicle, the fastest, most beautiful, or perhaps not even the most popular.
But more than any other, this car has bridged the gap between fossil fuel engines and zero-emission EVs — a bridge many Aussies are about to cross.
The EV6 will be remembered as a car that many modern families could afford and that met their needs: a handsome, smart, and compelling car that almost any driver could adopt without fear or compromise.
Let’s face it – one of the main things that still sends some buyers away from the EV pond is the suspicion that they have to make sacrifices somewhere. But that’s not the case with the EV6.
In a world where electric-powered cars are usually expensive and a little scary, neither is the Kia.
It has combined all the ambition, technology, and imagination of the dazzling Korean automotive industry into one amazing vehicle. Well, two cars. The EV6 and its alter ego, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The two Korean-built cars share most of their base but look very different. They are astonishingly diverse for two nearly identical vehicles in most respects.
The boxy, futuristic shape of the Ioniq screams “EV” and turns heads. George Jetson’s looks are futuristic and unique.
Despite riding on the same platform, the EV6 looks a lot “normal” – muscular and curvaceous – with a sleek profile like the part SUV, part hatchback it is.
While many competing electric models are electrified versions of an existing nameplate, the Kia is purpose-built – most striking when you discover that there’s no space-consuming transmission tunnel running down the center of the cockpit.
Buyers will initially have a choice of three models and two powertrains. The entry-level Air raises the bar at $67,900 plus on-road costs. Switch to the GT line with more fruit but the same single-engine configuration for $74,990.
The GT-Line AWD, as tested, introduces a second motor that powers both the front and rear wheels – resulting in a punchy 239 kilowatts and 605 Nm. The punchy two-motor output converts to smart acceleration from 0-100 in 5.2 seconds. The single motor does it in a lazy 7.3 seconds.
Neither is particularly fast for an EV, but the performance is more than enough for a family machine. A terrifying GT model will arrive by the end of 2022 with a supercar-esque version.
The EV6 has been on the market for much of a year, but due to delivery issues (many people want one), it took a while to come down. Those ordering now have been told not to expect delivery before 2024.
So why has he made so much noise – with dozens of awards for the best car?
Well, it’s as advanced and well-equipped as a German or high-end Japanese rival, but it can be had for about half the price. It’s effortless to drive – with so much speed and space; it swallows people and their belongings.
Styling is striking without being over the top (something Koreans have a knack for). The checkered flag-style motif on the passenger dashboard had the potential to look cheap, but in reality, it seems quite the opposite.
The three EV6 models offer an impressive electric range (between approximately 480 km and 550 km, depending on the model).
It is an experienced and comfortable highway cruiser with a full range of gadgets to ensure correct speed and driving positioning.
It has arguably the best head-up display – the numbers are so vibrant it looks like they’ve been painted onto the vehicle in front.
Likewise, the cockpit is a study in efficiency and modernity – with minimal buttons, except those needed to start the car and select forward or reverse.
The instrument display can be configured in several ways but always shows the remaining range and the percentage of charge used. There is also a small message next to the charging display, indicating how far it is from the next charging point. It’s remarkable how frequent and close together these charging points have become, even in the relative infancy of EVs.
The central infotainment screen is also a touch-and-go affair, with very few buttons or knobs used in the minimalist cabin.
The glove box offers some handy space where the center console would normally be – a good place to stash a handbag or a few shopping bags without using the trunk (electrically opened). There are also a few more storage bins, but they are so low that they are almost unusable (at least while driving the car).
The leatherette seats look neat and offer good support, and in the GT Line, they were heated, ventilated, and electrically adjustable (how could it be otherwise?).
Perhaps best, the small recessed door handles pop out when the car senses the key nearby.
Maybe they’ll be talking about that in a decade.
KIA EV6 GT-LINE AWD
* HOW LARGE: Surprising. From a distance, it looks like a medium-sized hatchback. But those sly lines disguise a car comparable in size to a Holden Commodore (remember them?). Plenty of room for a family of five, plus luggage.
* HOW FAST? This one is quite fast, with its dual motors and grip on all wheels. The high-performance GT model delivers performance in less than four seconds.
* HOW THIRSTY? The EV6 has a range of up to 550 km.
* HOW MUCH? Prices start from $67,000 for the base two-wheel drive model. The GT-Line AWD costs $82,990 plus on-road costs.
