The EV6 brings Kia to another level as an EV maker. Jonathan Crouch drives the updated version.

Ten Second Review

Kia's EV6 has long been difficult to ignore in the affordable part of the mid-sized EV segment, but competition has stiffened in recent times, hence the need for this smarter, classier-feeling longer-ranging facelifted model. Can it keep this bold Korean maker on the podium in this challenging segment? We're going to find out.

Background

Prior to the 2021 arrival of this EV6, Korean maker Kia's offerings had been worthy, sensible, good value and, whisper it, rather dull. But that changed with this car's introduction. The idea here was to reinterpret full-electric technology for the affordable part of the mid-sized market in a sporty, desirable fashion. And create a really appealing Korean alternative to established style-conscious segment choices like the Polestar 2 or Tesla Model 3. That was quite a challenging brief for a manufacturer just evolving from budget brand status, but Kia went about it with enthusiasm. A great advantage lay with its access to the Hyundai Motor Group's advanced 800V E-GMP platform, which the EV6 would share with its similarly engineered close cousins the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Genesis GV60. And the design team built on this sure foundation with distinctive looks and surprisingly accomplished handling. By 2024 though, other rivals were fronting up with smarter-looking cabins and better EV mileages, hence the need for an EV6 facelift package that addressed both these things with a smart exterior refresh.

Driving Experience

Very little has changed about the way this improved EV6 drives, though not too much needed to. Perhaps the biggest difference with this facelifted car is one Kia doesn't want to talk about, a largely unexplained 80kg weight increase. No part of which is down to the biggest engineering change here, a new slightly larger-capacity 84kWh battery, which is fractionally lighter than the old 77.4kWh unit but, more importantly, boosts driving range by a very useful amount - from 328 to 361 miles in the base 225bhp rear-driven version. This makes 62mph in 7.7s (nearly half a second slower than before thanks to that extra weight). As before, there's also the option of having your EV6 with an electric motor on both axles, rather than just one at the rear, creating the AWD model we tried. With this, the extra little 74kW motor at the front boosts total output to 320bhp, which provides for 62mph in 5.3s and nearly twice the amount of pulling power - 605Nm - on the way to the 114mph top speed that all versions of this Kia share. Range with an AWD EV6 is up to 339 miles - up from 314 miles before. This isn't one of those EVs that hurls itself away from rest or catapults itself at the horizon, which for us is a good thing, the delivery of torque and speed here being pleasantly linear and combustion-like. If you want an EV6 that does kick you in the back away from rest, Kia will attempt to sell you a top GT model with a twin motor output uprated to 641bhp if you select GT mode. But you don't really need that GT model's manic speed - rest to 62mph in just 3.5s en route to 162mph; and you don't really need its standard adaptive damping system either because the passive 'frequency selective' mechanical springs that feature on standard EV6s (which can't be upgraded) combine with the multi-link independent rear suspension to produce an actually very well judged quality of ride over poor surfaces. There are three drive modes ('Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport'), none of which improve the rather gloopy feel of the steering. But the six available brake regeneration settings (most operable by the steering wheel paddle shifters) are effective and careful use will get you somewhere near the quoted combined cycle drive range figures.

Design and Build

If you happen to be familiar with the original version of this EV6, then you'll probably notice the changes made to the distinctive 'Opposites United' styling of this updated model. At the front, Kia's 'tiger face' has again been re-interpreted for the digital era; the smarter adaptive headlights are inspired from those of the larger EV9, part of a nose made more aggressive by expanded front grilles. The sportier theme is continued at the rear where the contrasting gloss black panel is now split into three distinct segments, all with sharper edges. Kia's also made the B-pillars thicker, strengthening the body for extra crash safety. As before, above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car's unique rear light cluster. And the side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette and a character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the profile of the car. Wheel sizes are either 19 or 20-inches. There aren't many cabin changes: the pair of 12.3-inch screens now sit in a new surround, the steering wheel's been redesigned, there's a new dash pad and some of the plastics on the centre console have been updated. Oh and the infotainment system now offers a wireless version of 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'; that's about it. As before, the 'Relaxation' seats you get above base trim (which recline right back almost flat) are slim, lightweight and contemporary, and clad in modern, visually interesting and robust fabrics created using recycled plastics - equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles. Thanks to a relatively long 2,900mm wheelbase, cabin space is similar to many mid-size SUVs. There's comfortable space for two adults on the rear bench and out back, there's a decently-sized 520-litre boot, extendable to 1,300-litres with the rear backrest folded. This is added to by a front trunk beneath the bonnet which provides up to an additional 52-litres of stowage space for 2WD models and 20-litres for AWD models.

Market and Model

As before, all EV6 models feature the same battery, now 84kWh in size. And there's a choice of 'Air', 'GT-Line' or (as in this case) 'GT-Line S' trim levels. Prices start from around £45,500 for the base 'Air' model, with £3,000 more necessary to graduate to 'GT-Line' trim and around £8,000 more needed for the top 'GT-Line S'-spec - costing from around £54,000 upwards as we filmed. Avoid base trim and your dealer will offer you the opportunity of spending £3,500 to get the AWD drivetrain. As before, the wild 641bhp flagship EV6 GT continues at the very top of the range, but you'll need a £65,000 budget for one of those. As you'd expect from a Kia, all models come with quite a lot of kit - dual 12.3-inch curved screens, full-navigation with Kia Connect media services, full-LED headlights and lots of camera safety technology. 'GT-Line'-spec gets you a sportier body kit, plus suede upholstery, LED ambient lighting and power operation for the driver's seat. Mid-range 'GT-Line' trim adds special styling, Dual LED headlights, rear privacy glass, powered front seat adjustment, full faux leather upholstery and front 'Relaxation' seats which recline right back so you can take a snooze whilst charging. 'GT-Line S'-spec further adds 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, artificial suede upholstery, a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Sound System, a Digital Key, a Head-up display, all-round parking sensors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree surround view monitor, a powered tailgate, extra drive assist tech and the option of a heat pump. All EV6 models come with plenty of safety kit; including lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Smart Cruise Control.

Cost of Ownership

You'll want to know about range capability and the answer is that this car's new long-range 84kWh battery can take the rear-driven version of this car up to 361 miles between charges. It's a best of 339 miles for the AWD version - or 324 miles with 'GT-Line S' spec. It's just 279 miles for the top GT. What about charging? Well as before, the EV6's E-GMP platform allows for 800-volt capability, so (unlike most of its rivals) this car can power up using the new breed of super-powerful ultra rapid DC chargers that are springing up around Europe (but remain rare in the UK). In this updated form, the EV6 now accepts a higher DC rapid charging level of up to 258kW (up from 239kW before). If you're able to public charge in this fashion, your EV6 will be able to accept a 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes (to give you some perspective, most rivals need about half an hour to do the same thing); 62 miles of extra range can be added in only four and a half minutes. With a lesser 50kW DC charger, a 10-80% charge would need 1 hour 16 minutes. AC charging from home using a typical 7.4kW garage wallbox needs 12 and a half hours; it'd be 7 hours 35 minutes if you could use a three-phase 11kW AC charger. The EV6 is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. At the top of the range, this includes the option of Kia's latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump (standard on the GT), which scavenges waste heat from the car's coolant system. This ensures that at minus 7 degrees Celsius, the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees Celsius. Also featured is the latest generation of Kia's smart regenerative braking system, which is operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel so drivers can quickly and easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximise driving range and efficiency.

Summary

In its original form, this EV6 took the technology that had impressed us with smaller Kias and evolved it to a level appropriate for a customer looking for a faster, bigger, better quality kind of mid-sized EV. The result was the Korean brand's most accomplished car to date and a model which today looks almost as appealing as it did at launch, thanks to this well-judged package of mid-term updates. True, it's not quite the stand-out contender it was back in 2021; this segment's evolved considerably since then and you'll now find slightly faster, more efficient and more comfortable rivals that can match this Kia's quite accomplished handling repertoire. As an all-round package though, the EV6 still remains very difficult to ignore, aided by the bigger battery, shaper looks and slightly better quality cabin provided by this facelift. Even if you're about the sign for something in this class with a premium badge, we reckon this Kia's well worth a look. In terms of quality, style and technology, we think you'll be surprised at what you find.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Rear privacy glass

One touch electric front/rear windows

Rain sensing front wipers

Automatic defog system

Solar glass windshield

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic stability control

Dynamic brake control

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Multi collision brake assist

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Vehicle stability management

Regenerative braking paddle shifter with iPedal functionality

Communication

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

E-call

Bluetooth connectivity

Wireless apple car play/android Auto

Driver Aids

Reversing camera

Front parking sensors

Lane keep assist

Emergency stop signalling system

Rear parking sensors

Driver attention warning

Power assist steering

Smart cruise control with stop and go functionality

360 degree around view monitor

Blind spot collision avoidance assist

Parking collision avoidance assist (PCA)

Safe exit warning (SEW)

Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

Highway Driving Assist 2 with hand-on detection (HDA2 w HOD)

Terrain mode select

Remote Smart Park Assist 2.0 (RSPA 2.0)

Side parking sensors

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) 2.0 - City/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction turning and junction crossing

Drive mode select (Eco, normal, sport and Mydrive)

Lane Following Assist 2.0 (LFA) with hands-on detection

Driver Convenience

Smart power tailgate

Voice control

Fingerprint recognition

Driver Information

Blind spot monitor

Customisable Head Up Display

Low washer fluid warning

12.3" Curved driver display screen

12.3" Curved touchscreen navigation

Kia connect

Over the air updates

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Gloss black door mirrors

Electrically folding/adjustable/heated door mirrors with LED indicators

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls

2 USB-C charge ports in rear

USB port for connection of a media device

Meridan premium sound system with 14 speakers and active sound design (ASD)

2 x USB-C charge port on front seats

Exterior Body Features

Rear roof spoiler

Body coloured side sills

High gloss black beltline

Body colour exterior door handles - flush auto

Panoramic sunroof with tilting and sliding function

Rear side wing doors

GT-Line exterior styling

Frunk

High gloss black door garnish with body colour wheel arches

Exterior Lights

High level LED brake light

Automatic headlight control system

LED daytime running lights

LED rear combination lights

Sequential indicators

LED rear fog lights

Dual LED headlights with adaptive driving beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Cloth headlining

Rear centre armrest with cupholder

Heated steering wheel

Alloy pedals

Luggage net with hooks

Front and rear door storage

Interior door lock/unlock function

Electric steering wheel adjustment

Luggage area load cover

Luggage board

Metal paint interior door handles

1 x Luggage compartment 12V socket

Ski through

1 x Front 12V socket

Suede/Artificial leather bolsters upholstery

GT-Line Interior Styling

3 spoke GT Line artificial leather steering wheel

3 Pin power socket

Centre console with storage box

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

LED luggage compartment lighting

Front cabin LED light

Rear cabin LED light

Frunk LED lights

Customisable ambient lighting

Safety

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Side airbags

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Rear airbags

Front passenger airbag cut-off switch

Seatbelt reminder warning

Front airbags

Front seatbelt pre-tensioners

Dual shell horn

Seats

Heated front seats

Ventilated front seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

All-round height adjustable headrests

ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings

Outer 2nd row heated seats

Front seat back pockets

60:40 split remote folding rear seats

Electric front lumbar support

Single front passenger seat

Front relaxation seats

Driver power adjusted memory seat

Front passenger power adjusted seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Visible vehicle identification number

Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry System

Digital key

Rear occupant alert

Manual child locks

Smart key with motion sensor

Customisable automatic door locking

Customisable automatic door unlocking

Thatcham category 1 security alarm and immobiliser with interior protection

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated LED vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

5m Type 2 to type 2 charging cable

Vehicle to load adaptor

Charging port door opening button with a small light inside the door

Wheels - Alloy

20" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2080

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 455

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 76

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 18

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 350

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 84

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 668

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 521

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 13.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 415

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 324

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 350

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: GT Line S

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 40E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 64

NCAP Safety Assist %: 87

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 320

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.3

Top Speed: 116

Engine Power - BHP: 320

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 239

Engine Power - RPM: 4600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 446

Engine Torque - NM: 605

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Engine Torque - MKG: 61.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4695

Width: 1890

Wheelbase: 2900

Width (including mirrors): N

Height: 1550

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2165

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2600

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Loading Weight: 435

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 480

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Paint - Solid

Solid - Runway Red

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Midnight black

Premium paint - White pearl

Premium paint - Wolf grey

Trim - Leather

Suede/Artificial leather bolsters - Black/white