KIA EV6 2023: AN ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCE COMBINING STYLE AND TECHNOLOGY
(Article published in L’Automobile Mechanic magazine, December 2023)
By Isabelle Havasy
Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6 redefines standards with its unique combination of avant-garde styling, performance and innovative technologies. It boasts a modern design by Montréal stylist Karim Habib. Built on the E-GMP platform it shares with its Hyundai first cousin, the Ioniq 5, the EV6 embodies the brand’s future.
At the heart of this electric machine, a 77.4 kWh extended-range battery supplies two motors that relay power to all four wheels. Thus equipped, the EV6 unleashes 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, and has a towing capacity (with brakes) of 1,043 kg. According to the manufacturer’s data, the car should cover up to 441 km on a single charge, but during our test, the instrument cluster never showed more than 433 km. Nonetheless, the EV6 offers ample range along with impressive recharging speed. When plugged into a 100 kW terminal, it recovers 80% of its energy in less than thirty minutes, a considerable asset when travelling long distances.
Comfort and Technology
On board, the EV6 unfolds its charm with suede upholstery and a deluxe Meridian audio system that delivers an immersive sound experience. Passengers in both rows enjoy heated seats, but only the front positions feature air cooling. Augmented-reality head-up display and vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology enhance the state-of-the-art equipment list. The dashboard encompasses a curved panoramic panel housing a duo of 12-inch high-definition screens dedicated to the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Revealing a volume of 690 litres, which can be increased to 1,322 litres by lowering the seats, the cargo space adds to the crossover’s versatility.
Minor Drawbacks
Pleasant over long distances, the EV6’s quiet operation and ride significantly reduce driver tiredness. However, the cabin is noisy during periods of heavy rain. The sound of water expelled by the tire grooves echoes through the wheel arches, as if only a thin layer of metal separates the passengers from the outside elements. A sudden downpour also highlights the safety risk associated with the touchpad. With their eyes riveted to the road, drivers must blindly juggle between audio and climate controls if they are to regain adequate visibility if the windscreen fogs up quickly.
Despite a few challenges, such as a noisy cabin in extreme weather conditions and a perfectible touchpad, the Kia EV6 2023 GT-Line AWD has a lot to offer. Its spacious interior, pleasant ride, impressive performance and futuristic design are just some of the features that make it an electrifying proposition!
TEST MODEL: Kia EV6 2023 AWD long-range with GT-Line 2 package
PRICE: $63,495
