NUMBERS GAME
Kia has limited supply of its new EV6 electric vehicle but demand is strong
The EV6 is more than just another car for Kia. Kia Australia executives describe the new electric crossover SUV as a “new halo” car for the brand. Only 500 EV6S will be imported this year due to limited global supply but its influence will be greater than that.
Unlike the Niro EV that Kia has sold here since 2021, the EV6 is built on a dedicated electric platform, one shared with the Ioniq 5 from sister brand Hyundai.
That Ev-only design allows batteries, motors and other components to be ideally positioned to maximise occupant space.
There’s more room between the front and rear wheels of the EV6 than those of a Toyota Landcruiser. As a result, rear seat legroom is as generous as a large SUV, despite the fact the five-seater feels closer in size to a mid-sizer. A cavernous 10.5-litre glovebox is another advantage of the EV layout.
A high-ish floor means taller adults in the back have their knees higher than they’d like but it’s a rare blot on an impressively comfortable cabin.
Choose the most expensive Gt-line (about $89,500 drive-away, or $520 more for colours other than red) and a sunroof eats into the driver’s headroom. That’s not an issue for the entry-level Air (about $74,000) and Gt-line rear-wheel drive (about $81,000), each of which gets a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. Outputs peak at 168kw and 350Nm, ensuring brisk acceleration with an addictive surge that makes suburban running enjoyable.
The Gt-line AWD adds a motor to the front wheels, taking the combined outputs to 239kw and 605Nm, enough to cover the 0-100km/h dash in 5.2 seconds. Suitably fast, then.
Those wanting more can wait for the GT later in the year with a supercar-like 430kw and 740Nm. For now, the AWD provides plenty of grunt, especially in Sport mode, which sharpens throttle response and steps up the artificial sound, adding some aural excitement.
Eco mode dials back the power slightly in the quest to save electricity.
All models have a 77.4kwh battery, 4.8kwh more than the Hyundai. Claimed range is 528km for the Air, but that drops to 484km for the Gt-line AWD due to stickier 20-inch Continental tyres and additional weight.
The EV6 can accept up to 240kw when charging, enough to add up to 350km of range in as little as 18 minutes. Home charging takes about 34 hours from a regular power point or as little as seven hours and 20 minutes with a wallbox. But the EV6 is a lot more than a fast – and fast charging – electric vehicle. It can tow up to 1600kg, for example.
It’s also filled with technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, smart-key entry, satnav, wireless phone charging and adaptive cruise control. There are seven airbags – including a centre airbag up front – as well as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist.
None yet have the Kia Connect system that allows monitoring and basic controls from a smartphone app, although with the Gt-line you can drive it forward and back remotely from the keyfob. Gt-line models are differentiated with unique bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and additional equipment that includes a head-up display, 360-degree camera, blind-spot cameras, a heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, electrically adjustable seats and heated and ventilated front seats. A vehicle-to-load system allows you to power camping gear, gadgets or even charge another EV from an on-board power point. There’s also a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
That sound system shaves 10 litres off the 490-litre boot capacity of the Air due to a subwoofer sitting below the floor. The dualmotor model gets a slender 20-litre storage cavity under the bonnet compared with the 52litre box for those without a motor up front.
Local suspension tuning has paid off. The EV6 demonstrates has impressive control and comfort over pockmarked country roads. From big hits to smaller imperfections, the EV6 does a good job of controlling two tonnes and cushioning occupants from bumps.
The grippier 20-inch tyres of the Gt-line contribute to sportier cornering, although occasional inconsistency in the weight of the steering takes the shine off the driving experience.
The biggest challenge for potential EV6 buyers could be getting hold of one. Some dealers will get only a single car and there have been 25,000-plus expressions of interest.
VERDICT
Comfy and composed EV promises rewarding driving to those who can afford – and find – one.