Kia EV6 first drive

Zap-Map verdict: ”Stylish, practical, good to drive, plus featuring a long range and short charging times, the Kia EV6 is a first class SUV – electric or otherwise.”

Kia EV6: Range & charging

There are two power outputs and one battery capacity available for the EV6 in the UK. Both can charge the 77.4 kWh (net) at up to 250 kW DC or 11 kW AC.

There are two configurations available:

• • ● Kia EV6 RWD – 168 kW – 77.4 kWh – 328 miles
  • ● Kia EV6 AWD – 239 kW – 77.4 kWh – 314 miles

Range

Kia’s official WLTP driving range for the EV6 is as good as 328 miles on a charge for the rear-wheel drive model – the longest distance available in the line-up. The all-wheel drive range is as good as 314 miles, with the latter featuring dual electric motors.

In the relatively brief real-world driving experiences available on this European launch, the EV6 was comfortably capable of reaching 300 miles on a charge in the RWD version, with little effort. The worst range available was 200 miles on a charge, though this saw extended stints on motorways or climbing into the mountains.

Braking

Kia’s brake energy recuperation system is excellent, with both manual and automatic modes available to the driver. The latter allows even the newest of EV drivers to achieve strong efficiency scores, whilst the former means experienced electric drivers can really make the most of the car’s systems.

There’s a near-coasting option, plus two mid-levels of varying strength, and a final i-pedal ‘one-pedal driving’ setting, as well as auto which will see the car try and take care of things itself. All work nicely.

Charging

Charging is available at up to 250 kW DC, thanks to the 800V system fitted. This sees charging times sit at 18 minutes for a 10%-80% charge off ultra-rapid chargers. AC charging is available at 11 kW, and the EV6 also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, allowing users to use the Kia as a mobile power pack.

The Kia EV6 on the road

Pitched as a sportier model than its platform-sharing sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 is not a sharp car to drive, but it’s certainly agile enough on its tyres. Think Grand Tourer rather than GTI though, as the road manners are far more suitable to long-distance driving and flowing roads than twisty mountain lanes.

It’s capable around town, and the steering is light when required, but this Kia, unusually for an EV, is almost at its best on fast A-roads. It shows off the body control, would suit the stiff-ish suspension, and showcases the Kia’s dynamic qualities well.

What’s the Kia EV6 like to drive?

Performance is quick, rather than rapid, with no real sign of being shoved back into your seat when accelerating hard, unless on a full-bore standing start – and even then only in the AWD model. There’s a GT model due at the end of next year, which will have supercar-baiting performance for those that really want it. Otherwise, a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds (AWD) or sub-eight seconds (RWD) will be ample for most.

Kia EV6: Comfort & Practicality

It’s safe to say that those in the market for a mid-sized EV SUV are getting spoilt for choice. The new EV6 joins the likes of the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV, Audi Q4 e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes Benz EQB, forthcoming Tesla Model Y, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Frankly, of those that have been launched already, there isn’t a poor model amongst them.

The EV6 is a practical model, with a decent-sized boot – not the largest around, but ample still. There is front storage space beneath the bonnet too. The occupants swim about in almost luxurious space, whilst the interior is well built, but there are nicer materials used in the market.

Design and functionality

Kia provides drivers with a nice dual-screen set up, with good quality graphics and responsiveness. There’s a head-up display as well with augmented reality for navigation, and a useful ‘dynamic bar’ that controls different functions depending on what’s selected – one dial will control volume for media for example, and temperature when air conditioning is selected. Other controls fall easily to hand, and the steering wheel is a good size and shape to encourage dynamic driving when the opportunity strikes.

Kia EV6: Tech & Specifications

There are three core trims to the EV6 range. Available across Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S specifications are:


 

1. Meridian audio system
2. LED headlights
3. heated front and rear seats
4. Keyless entry and start
5. Air conditioning
6. Rear parking sensors and camera
7. Digital instrument panel
8. Dual 12.3-inch instrument and infotainment screens

Kia has pitched the EV6 towards the sportier end of the spectrum than the Ioniq 5, and it works. The cars are quite different all things considered, and hold their own in the market.

Kia’s effort is nice to drive and a good all-rounder. Range, performance, charging times are all at the top or rivalling the best in its class, and practical elements such as space, value-for-money, and running costs are excellent too. Personally, I prefer the Ioniq 5, but it really could be as much as a flip of a coin for many. One thing’s for sure, the EV6 is one of the best EVs on the road.

And how much is the road tax on a Kia EV6? Use our Car Tax Calculator to find out.

All information above correct at time of publication. Official economy figures, pricing, and tax rates supplied by the manufacturer. Cost to charge based on 0-100% charge at home on a tariff of 16 p/kWh.