New Kia EV6 revealed with 528km range

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Kia reveals more specs for its bespoke electric car, with the EV6 offering long range and an 18-minute 80 per cent rapid recharge time.

Kia has confirmed more specifications for its new EV6 electric crossover, with the bespoke electric car to offer a maximum of up to 528km of range from a full charge.

Kia EV6 prices start from the equivalent of AUD$75,000 in Europe with first deliveries expected to arrive in October, while the range will consist of three trim levels of two drivetrains. Models come with either a long-range 77.4kWh battery or entry-level 58kWh unit.

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The rear-drive Kia EV6 can travel up to 528km according to official WLTP testing. It features a 167kW electric motor. Inside, buyers get heated front seats trimmed in black vegan ‘leather’, a heated steering wheel, an ambient lighting system, automatic air-conditioning and two 12.3-inch screens – one for the digital instruments and one to handle the car’s infotainment functions.

A sportier EV6 GT-Line can be specified with either the 168kW rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor, four-wheel drive 239kW powertrain. The latter set-up generates 605Nm of torque and will accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds. Due to the extra performance, claimed range drops to 505km according to WLTP testing. However, both official range figures are improvements on Kia’s original targets.

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The most expensive version of the EV6 is the GT-Line S. It comes with the same exterior styling pack and is also available with either the rear-wheel drive motor or four-wheel drive electric powertrain, although it comes with more standard equipment.

Buyers get 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-operated tailgate, remote smart parking assist and a panoramic sunroof, which both tilts and slides. Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system is also included, which allows the EV6 to assume control of its steering, brakes and throttle when on the freeway.

Inside, there’s a pair of heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and an augmented reality head-up display system, which projects information on the car’s speed, navigation and assistance technology onto the windscreen.

Thanks to the new E-GMP underpinnings, which features the latest 800-volt electrical architecture, the EV6 can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes, while maximum DC rapid charging capability stands at 239kW.

As a world first, the EV6 also has the capability to transform a power feed from a more common 400-volt rapid charger to 800 volts thanks to a clever motor and inverter set-up, allowing the EV6 to charge at its maximum capacity.

To help boost range the EV6 features six different regenerative braking settings. This includes completely off, modes 1 to 3, ‘i-Pedal’ – which allows maximum energy harvesting and brings the car to a stop without touching the brakes, allowing one-pedal driving – and an auto setting.

We’re still waiting on the flagship, Porsche Taycan-baiting EV6 GT. Kia says it’ll go on sale in 2022. It’ll be powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 430kW. Kia says the system drops the crossover’s 0-100kph time to a sports car-rivalling 3.5 seconds, while increasing its top speed to 260kph. However, the extra performance means claimed range falls to 404km.

In keeping with the car’s performance brief, the GT-Line S car’s heavy panoramic sunroof is also removed, while the standard car’s sports seats are swapped for fresh bucket seats, trimmed in black suede with neon green piping.

Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development for Hyundai, outlined the Kia EV6 GT’s brief, saying: “The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car. With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance.”

Sean Carson

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