Kia EV6
By Ian Strachan.
The Kia EV6 was the first fully electric vehicle to be launched by the Korean manufacturer. The company promises 15 EV launches between now and 2027, and if they are all as good as this we’ve got a few treats coming.
I test drove th GT-Line S version of this impressive all-wheel drive SUV. Its electric motor develops an exciting 321, has a top speed of 114 mph and will take you from 0 to 60 mph in not much more than five seconds. In addition it gives you engaging and comfortable driving, impeccable road manners and high specification.
The EV6 is a good looker and will undoubtedly turn heads. My test car came in striking gloss black. Its external looks are enhanced with 20-inch alloys, side mouldings, a rear spoiler and body coloured automatic flush door handles.
The interior of the EV6 is modern and well laid out, with a good driving position with high specification and high quality trim materials. The comfortable heated seats are black suede with white faux leather bolsters. The driver’s seat has powered adjustment with memory.
You also get a heated, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, all-round electric windows, dual automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control and powered tailgate.
Satellite navigation and other functions are controlled via a 12.3 inch curved driver display screen. In-car entertainment includes Apple CarPlay with voice control, Bluetooth and a 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system.
Specification on the EV6 also includes front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, 360-degree around view monitor, remote parking assist, head-up display, wireless phone charger and a range of safety technology including lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic alert and brake assist.
Handling on the EV6 is excellent, with sure-footed grip and a suspension which handles the ubiquitous potholes without too much drama.
Published range for the EV6 321 bhp is up to 328 miles, but in reality you’d be lucky to get that, particularly in cold weather. Putting the heater on reduces range dramatically so I tried to avoid it, settling for the heated seats and steering wheel. Charging times are good with a 10-80 percent charge time of 18 minutes with a 350kw charger. A 50kw charger will take around 73 minutes.
This EV6 isn’t cheap, coming in at £56,275 on the road, but you get one of the best fully electric SUVs around with a very high specification and Kia’s industry-leading seven year warranty. The smugness come free.
