Kia unveils full details of EV6 electric crossover, due in Australia soon

South Korean carmaker Kia has revealed full details and specifications of its upcoming EV6 in the UK, giving us a first taste of what to expect when it comes to Australia in the first half of 2022.

The first of 11 new all-electric vehicle models planned by the company that will have a global presence by 2026, the EV6 is built on the dedicated e-GMP platform also used by fellow carmaker Hyundai in its Ioniq 5.

It forms the first flagstone in the carmaker’s goal to sell 40% electric cars by 2030 under its new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’.

The dynamic crossover will first be available in the UK in five variants, all with a 77.4kWh battery in either a single (rear axle) or dual motor drivetrain and the ability to charge at a blistering rate of up to 350kW meaning it can be topped up from 10-80% in just 18 minutes.

As has been reported in Australia, these will later be followed by a GT variant, which will top the range as the EV6 flagship variant.

As a zero-emissions vehicle, the EV6’s eco-credentials are high on Kia’s mind. It says the EV6 features a variety of environmentally friendly components, including PET recycled plastics, floor mats, and seat coverings, with one model containing the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles.

It has also become the first Korean-made vehicle to be awarded a carbon footprint certification and the ‘Carbon Measured’ label by the Carbon Trust, which rates emissions from the extraction of raw materials through to the end-of-life of the product.

“Digital tiger face”

As the first all-electric vehicle to bear Kia’s redesigned logo and branding, the EV6 features the new “digital tiger face” which integrates a low air intake and wide headlights including a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern.

While the low air intake optically widens the front of the car emphasising its high-tech look, it also channels air through and under the car’s flat floor for optimum aerodynamics as part of the front-end airflow optimisation.

Likewise, the vehicle’s profile features a slanting C-pillar at the rear that extends the window glass, designed in part to improve aerodynamics. A substantial roof spoiler sits above this, channelling air down to a raised lower spoiler over the car’s unique rear light cluster.

Inside, spaciousness and minimal design reign. The EV6’s cabin benefits from internal space and functionality, thanks to the flat battery under the floor and reduced front and rear overhangs.

With no central transmission tunnel, rear seat passengers get almost one metre of legroom for great comfort and space, while those upfront get more than one metre.

A seamless high-tech and high-definition touchscreen is one of the most remarkable features of the new interior. Running from the steering wheel to the centre of the vehicle, it gives the driver access to an instrument cluster above the centre console, presenting a clutter-free and relaxing driving experience.

Space also translates into plenty of storage. A large centre storage tray makes it easy to store small bags and tablets, and on the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models an integrated wireless charging pad makes it simple to charge smartphones.

Thanks to a split air-con set up, the glovebox is wider and longer than usual, with a capacity of 10.5 litres. Drink holders in the front and back provide additional storage.

Generous cargo space

The e-GMP architecture’s generous cargo capacity means the EV6 is ready for the next adventure, with up to 490 litres of boot space with the second-row seats in place (480 litres for ‘GT-Line S’ variants, due to the Meridian audio system subwoofer taking up space).

With the seats folded down there is 1,300 litres worth of stowage, as well as a front boot, (or front trunk, or ‘frunk’). This  provides an additional 52 litres of storage space for RWD models and 20 litres for AWD models, with enough space for the vehicle’s charging cable.

New for the EV6 is one-pedal driving, thanks to lessons learned from Kia’s early electric models, the e-Niro and Soul EV. It says the brake pedal in the EV6 has been developed to be highly linear and predictable, merging flawlessly with the regenerative brake system.

All important vehicle to load

The EV6’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) function dramatically improves charging flexibility and is available on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ versions. A simple adaptor that converts the outside charging connector into a power socket allows up to 3.6kW of power to be discharged from the vehicle’s battery.

This converter socket will be market-specific: In the UK, it comes with a three-pin plug, allowing the EV6 to charge anything from household appliances to other electric vehicles.

Inside the cabin, a convenient charging outlet under the rear seats allows passengers to charge their gadgets directly from the vehicle’s battery. If the battery state of charge drops to 20% or below, V2L is at6uomatically disabled.

Those out to “ruin the weekend” will also be suitability impressed bu the EV6’s towing capacity. With the 77.4kWh battery pack, the EV6 can tow up to 1,600kg in both RWD and AWD variants, with capability dependant on the battery pack’s state of charge. Towing capability enhances the performance of electric vehicles, making them ideal for family trips and weekends away.

Technology and safety features include:

• Twin 12.3-inch touchscreens with curved panoramic display standard on all EV6 models
• ‘Connected car’ Kia Connect functionality fitted to all versions
• Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay^® smartphone compatibility as standard
• Augmented Reality Head-Up Display as standard on ‘GT-Line S’
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) now includes sensors for city, pedestrian, cyclists, junction turning on all models, with junction crossing on ‘GT-Line S’
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) fitted as standard on all versions
• Rear parking sensors and reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines fitted to every EV6 model, with front parking sensors on ‘GT-Line’ models and above
• Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA) standard on ‘GT-Line’ models and above
• Remote Smart Park Assist (RSPA) for autonomous parking in tight spaces standard on ‘GT-Line S’
• Meridian premium sound system with 14 speakers and active sound design (ASD) fitted to ‘GT-Line S’
• Enhanced Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) comes fitted to ‘GT-Line S’
• Wireless smartphone charging on ‘GT-Line’ models and above

Five powerful options

The EV6 starts with the entry-level “Air”, which comes in rear-wheel-drive only, while the EV6 ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models are available in  both rear and all-wheel-drive.