The KIA EV6 has become a common sight on Irish roads over the last 12 months and rightly so. The Irish ‘Car Of The Year’ is a fantastic piece of kit and one we have already reviewed here in DoneDeal both on our Blog and YouTube Channel. What you probably haven’t seen is the new performance version of the EV6, which has finally arrived on Irish shores. The EV6 GT combines crazy performance, first-class long-distance travel capabilities, ultra-fast charging tech, and that famed impressive real-world driving range for cross-country touring. It is also KIA’s most powerful production car to date. Based on KIA’s advanced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), its all-electric dual-motor powertrain delivers 577 bhp and a whopping 740 Nm torque. Like the normal EV6 it still has the high-tech 800V ultra-fast charging and crossover styling that has been taken one step further. The high-tech 800V charging capability means EV6 can go from 10% to 80% battery charge in just 18 minutes and blast from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds continuing to propel you up to 260 km/h. This is proper performance car stuff and not since the KIA Stinger have we been so excited to drive a car from this brand!
Features
Opening the driver’s door reveals a cockpit with purpose. The lightweight sports bucket seats with neon yellow beading look supportive and inviting. Like the regular EV6 front passengers are greeted by a stylish, minimalist dashboard architecture that gives the cabin a remarkable sense of space. There is no need to house a central transmission tunnel so the EV6’s flat floor provides rear-seat passengers with 990mm of legroom for exceptional comfort. Sitting in the drivers seat the two curved 12.3-inch high definition widescreens, which have thin film panels that utilise new structures work great and leaves everything within easy reach. The steering wheel features a neon yellow GT button for activating its ‘GT’ mode. This automatically optimises the vehicle’s e-motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD and Electronic Stability Control systems for their most engaging settings and a more spirited drive. You can also tailor the car’s ride, handling and performance characteristics to you’re your individual preferences by selecting the ‘My Drive’ mode. It just feels very premium and ready not just for the road, but possibly the track!
Power
The Kia EV6 GT is equipped with 430kW dual motors to help it take electric performance to a level above the normal EV6. With a maximum 740Nm of torque, the AWD GT version accelerates from 0-to-100km/h in a torso wrenching 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260km/h. With the addition of electronic-Limited Slip Differential software to the EV6 GT version only, drivers will enjoy confident control and dynamic ride and handling even you do fancy a trackday in Mondello Park.
Safety
It’s no secret that the standard EV6 along with this GT model offer class-leading levels of safety and convenience thanks to its enhanced suite of driver assistance systems. They help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving, protecting occupants and other road users on every journey. Safe Exit Assist helps people avoid collisions with a rear side vehicle when exiting EV6. When the occupant opens the door to exit the vehicle after a stop, the system provides a warning if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected. SEA also helps keep the rear door closed through operation of the electronic child lock. Lane Following Assist helps centre the vehicle in the lane. When driving, LFA can be switched on and off with the press of a button. Highway Driving Assist 2 helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a motorway and also helps centre the vehicle in the lane, even through a curve. In case of an adjacent vehicle driving in close proximity, HDA 2 can adjust the EV6’s path, so to avoid any possible risk of collision. Also, with the driver’s hands on the steering wheel and above a certain speed, a click of the indicator stalk will move the car into the corresponding lane. Remote Smart Parking Assist is also a trick system that helps remotely park or exit a parking spot with the driver operating EV6 from outside the vehicle.
Costs
The EV6 GT pricing has still to be finalised but it is estimated that we are driving an €85,000 KIA. Not cheap we know but in comparison to other performance vehicles producing this type of power, it does offer value! Regular prices for the EV6 start at €52,000 for the EV6 Earth including SEAI Grant. Step up to the EV6 GT Line for €54,345 again including the SEAI Grant. It is also worth noting KIA’s partnership with part-owned IONITY will give EV6 customers access to over 400 high power charging stations across 24 European countries including the 6 currently operational in Ireland.
Summary
So it’s all very well having stunning big 21-inch rims, performance neon calipers and that aggressive look, but how does it actually drive and more importantly, can it mask two tonnes of weight on a twisty back road? Well the answer is yes! With thanks to near perfect weight distribution between the front and rear, the car feels stable and planted! The high-speed electric motors are placed where a regular engine would be and the batteries are low in the floor pan for better centre of gravity. Turning sharp at pace over the Wicklow Gap works the five-link suspension system that has been fitted with the worlds first mass-produced integrated drive axle. It feels safe but conditions are good and the ground is bone dry! KIA stated that this GT model has been engineered to offer improved cornering performance and driving stability at high speed and we tend to agree. How would it feel on track, we are not sure? It’s only then you would get to see how the GT really performs under pressure but as there is currently only one in the country, we weren’t afforded that opportunity! Watch this space though… The fastest KIA ever made is here to prove a point.
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Power
Design
Interior
Against
Do you really need more power?
