Kia has launched the all-new EV6 GT, an all-electric high-performance crossover created for the new sustainable mobility era. As Kia’s most powerful production car to date, the EV6 GT combines exhilarating performance; first-class long-distance travel capabilities that fuses outstanding refinement with premium comfort; ultra-fast charging tech; and a highly impressive real-world driving range for effortless cross-country touring.
The EV6 GT’s expressive exterior design features a series of sporty touches and aesthetic enhancements that hint at the vehicle’s performance attributes. Step inside and occupants are greeted with a focused yet comfortable space that features all the tech a driver and their passengers could need, further enhancing safety, connectivity and infotainment to protect and engage at every stage of a journey.
Based on Kia’s advanced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV6 GT delivers segment-defining performance and touring credentials, ensuring halo status within the reborn Kia brand. The EV6 GT combines a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h with a 424 km driving range and the ability to charge from 10-80 per cent in just 18 minutes.
While drivers can be assured of spirited performance, the EV6 GT also delivers dynamic ride and handling characteristics for a truly connected feel out on the road. Performance-enhanced brakes, optimised steering and tailored suspension increase control and confidence, while an updated Drive Mode Select system allows drivers to customise and fine-tune the driving experience for optimum control in different conditions.
Jason Jeong, President of Kia Europe, commented: “As Kia continues its mission to become a leading sustainable mobility solutions provider, the new EV6 GT is the clearest sign yet of how all-electric cars can offer truly unparalleled levels of engagement and excitement behind the wheel. Here is a crossover that expertly combines the power, performance and agility of a sports car with the comfort, range and ultra-fast charging capabilities befitting of a modern-day GT.”
The Kia EV6 GT is available to order now, with production commencing in September and European deliveries set for the end of 2022. The EV6 GT is available to order in the UK for £59,995 on-the-road, with first customer deliveries starting towards the end of 2022. UK specifications will be confirmed soon.
Muscular exterior
The EV6 GT’s design delivers something different in the crossover class, with a distinctive, impactful exterior complete with high-tech features, as well as unprecedented levels of performance from a Kia electric vehicle (EV). At the heart of the EV6 GT’s styling lies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. The philosophy ‘Power to Progress’ design principle perfectly suits the GT’s sporting character by realising dynamic power and speed with contrasting elements resulting in a truly innovative shape.
At the front, the EV6 GT instantly creates a lasting visual impression. Kia’s signature ‘Digital Tiger Face’ includes adaptive LED high beam headlights and dynamic sequential turn indicators, while muscular fenders and a clamshell bonnet featuring strong character lines lend the EV6 GT a powerful look. A new front bumper, unique to the GT, helps to emphasise the vehicle’s width for a stable, planted feel.
The EV6 GT’s aerodynamic side profile features a set of prominent character lines that add strength and definition, while the fast roofline and sloping C-pillars create a sleek crossover silhouette. The vehicle’s high-performance credentials are communicated via a set of 21-inch alloy wheels, while striking neon brake callipers signal the GT’s stopping power. At the rear, an aero spoiler, statement LED taillights and a unique bumper and diffuser complete the GT transformation.
Driver focused interior
The EV6 GT features a cabin that combines sporting intent with comfort and practicality. Occupants are greeted by a set of suede-trimmed bucket seats that provide both support during spirited driving and long-distance comfort for extended journeys. Metal inserts inscribed with the ‘GT’ moniker and green piping add to their contemporary and technical appearance. The interior of the EV6 GT is finished throughout with premium materials, while sports-inspired touches create a dynamic feel. A striped motif adorns the upper fascia and front centre armrest, while ambient lighting across the GT’s door panels, centre console and dashboard delivers a soothing glow during night-time driving.
Dual curved 12.3-inch infotainment displays deliver all driving, connectivity and entertainment functions in pin-sharp clarity. The simple form language of the wide screen and dashboard give the interior a high-tech feel. An ergonomic two-spoke steering wheel includes a dedicated GT Drive Mode selector, enabling drivers to easily access and customise their driving experience.
The interior design benefits from the application of Kia’s dedicated E-GMP platform. Despite the EV6 GT’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900mm wheelbase and flat floor results in cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs, providing exceptional long-distance touring capabilities. The EV6 GT offers intelligent and flexible interior packaging and an abundance of cabin storage areas, including 480 litres (VDA) of trunk space with the second-row seats in place. With the second-row seats folded down, stowage capacity increases to 1,260 litres. The car also features a front trunk which provides an additional 20 litres of storage potential.
High performance drivetrain
The EV6 GT’s high-performance, state-of-the-art all-electric dual-motor powertrain has been specifically engineered to deliver a powerful and progressive driving experience. A front-mounted 160 kW (218 PS) motor works in tandem with a rear-mounted 270 kW (367 PS) sibling to deliver a combined power output of 430 kW (585 PS) and 740 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels ensuring enhanced dynamic capability in even the most challenging conditions.
The power and traction afforded by the EV6 GT’s drivetrain ensures scintillating yet refined performance. The GT can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in an eye-watering 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260 km/h. An electronic-Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) ensures this performance is not lost by enhancing traction and stability when cornering by automatically shuffling torque to the wheels with most grip. A highly responsive braking system enhances the feeling of confidence and security behind the wheel. Front (380mm) and rear (360mm) ventilated disc brakes provide exceptional braking performance, while a linear pedal feel adds further reassurance.
The EV6 GT’s 77.4 kWh long-range battery pack and 800V fast charging capabilities enables drivers to benefit from a 424 km driving range and the ability to charge from 10-80 per cent in just 18 minutes*. The combination of sports car performance, long range and ultra-fast charging means the EV6 GT is a truly exciting and capable GT for the electric era.
Dynamic driving experience
The all-new EV6 GT delivers a dynamic driving experience with the quiet and refined nature associated with the very best GTs. At the heart of the GT driving experience lies a new dedicated GT Drive Mode, accessed via a conveniently located paddle behind the steering wheel.
Alongside existing Eco, Normal and Sport drive settings, GT Drive Mode automatically optimises the vehicle’s e-motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems into their most dynamic settings for a highly engaging driving experience. Drivers can also tailor each system to suit their individual driving preferences by accessing the My Drive Mode.
In its most focused setting, the EV6 GT’s steering system has been specially calibrated for dynamic driving by maximising steering wheel sensitivity for improved and immediate responses. The GT’s Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) system provides agility and comfort thanks to its continuous damping control. The main focus for Kia when fine-tuning the suspension was to deliver a true GT in character by combining fine high-speed comfort with the ability to drive quickly. As a result, the EV6 GT’s ride remains flat at all speeds by controlling roll when cornering, squat during rapid acceleration, and dive when braking.
In Eco and Normal drive modes, body roll from steering inputs is already low for an EV, while the vehicle’s nimble responses are further enhanced by a communicative steering set-up that builds weight progressively as speeds increase. Should the driver select Sport or GT Mode, body roll is reduced further and the ride becomes firmer for a more engaging feel. Despite this, Kia’s engineering team have ensured the ride remains comfortable in whichever drive mode the customer chooses to select, with even GT Mode remaining compliant, safe and stable on long, high-speed journeys.
While supremely comfortable, the EV6 GT puts the driver in complete control for truly exciting experiences. Drivers can deactivate the vehicle’s ESC system for added oversteer potential, while a dedicated Drift Mode sends a higher proportion of power to the rear wheels for true grin-inducing sideways action.
Ultra-fast charging
The EV6 GT makes it quick and convenient to cover long distances with easy access to a dedicated charging network. Kia’s investment in IONITY, Europe’s comprehensive high-power charging network, means drivers can look forward to a carefree charging experience. With access to over 400 charging stations powered by 100 per cent clean energy across 24 European countries and a charge point at every 120 km of the European highway network, drivers can enjoy the freedom and convenience associated with regular, reliable and sustainable fast charging. Kia’s partnership with Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) also gives drivers access to over 320,000 further charge points. Users can easily manage tariffs and payments for both IONITY and DCS providers via the easy-to-use Kia Charge App.
Further enhancing usability, the EV6 GT’s Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle’s battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. The system is also able to charge another EV, if needed.
