New Delhi: Electric cars are coming in fast and the latest one is from Kia- a car-maker which wants to start its electric car innings with a bang. The EV6 is its first all electric SUV/crossover and is based on its EV only E-GMP platform. Having a specific platform is crucial to any electric car as that means a longer wheelbase and futuristic styling since you do not have to worry about stuffing various engine components. In many ways, EVs are a level playing field since after driving the EV6, we think it can compete with the best of the EVs from the luxury car-makers. Here's why.
It all starts with those gorgeous looks as while it looks interesting in photos, when you first see it, the EV6 shocks you with its stunning looks and its size. The EV6 is not small and is the size of a large midsize SUV but is low-slung and looks different from other cars. Being built on an EV platform means a cab forward stance and that combines neatly with the sloping roofline while the SUV coupe-like rear along with the full length tail-lamps makes it a unique design. It will turn a lot of heads when seen on the roads. The sleek front-end gets a slim version of the Kia Tiger nose grille while the big 19-inch wheels further add to the muscle. The rear spoiler is also not just a design feature but increases the aerodynamics plus the flush door handles adds a layer of simplicity.
The interior meanwhile, is also quite premium and well built while being loaded with all sorts of tech. It looks and feels completely different from any Kia and the unique steering wheel design plus the centre console being detached looks rather cool as well. There is a huge amount of storage space while the air cabin brings in a further sense of space. Interestingly, the dashboard is made from recycled materials and is environmentally friendly- which is a novel idea. There are two 12.3-inch panoramic curved displays including a massive driver display and a touchscreen. The digital instrument cluster is huge and is configurable too while the touchscreen in traditional Kia fashion is nice to use. There is a heads-up display as well with augmented reality.
The features list is huge and India gets the fully loaded models with the equipment list consisting of a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, 64 color ambient lighting, ventilated and powered seats plus there are the 'relaxing seats' which enable you to recline more when your car is charging! Other top features include ADAS, surround cameras, sunroof, connected car tech, 8 airbags and a lot more! Within the short time that we had with the car, we did check out the rear seat and here it is surprisingly roomy despite its coupe SUV like exterior. Again that is due to the EV specific platform which means a longer wheelbase. Space is excellent at the rear though the rear seat is placed a bit low. Headroom is sufficient plus the boot space is on par with other more expensive EV SUVs too. It even has a small front boot or 'frunk'.
Kia offers the EV6 in either dual motor form with AWD or a RWD single motor variant. We drove the dual motor GT Line variant which develops 325 PS and 605 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is around 5.2 seconds and being let loose with it on India's F1 track BIC we did manage to experience that acceleration. It is no doubt quick and effortless along with having that instant surge which a fast EV brings. When pushed with the sportier modes, the EV6 is sports-car quick and while we would have liked to push the EV6 more on the track, it is not a track car but a big SUV! However it does not feel so from behind the wheel. The EV6 has a sports car like driving position while the shift by wire drive selector is a convenient rotary knob. Around corners, the EV6 feels composed and does not have the massive body roll which an SUV normally has. There is a good amount of grip while the steering though light feels responsive.
Yet when you want it to, the EV6 can become more relaxing too being easy to drive and feeling like a smaller car. The EV6 is big and heavy but does not feel so. The ground clearance of the EV6 is rated at a modest 178mm so it is not an off-roader but it will most likely clear our roads and obstacles. In terms of range, the WLTP figure is well above 500km and that makes it one of the most efficient EVs while you can easily expect 350-400 km at worst. A DC fast charger can also juice it up from 10-80 percent in 18 minutes while its 77.4 kWh battery pack is clearly the star of the show here. The EV6 gets six regen modes and that can be accessed via steering paddles including doing one pedal driving for maximum regen. That is not all as V2L and V2V charging is also available where the EV6 can help charge your home appliances or even another EV!
We clearly like the EV6 and it brings Kia right to the top in the EV game since its range, styling and driving experience stands out. India will only get 100 units at the start and with being CBU only, it will not be cheap. But there is enough here to tempt the premium EV buyer.
What we link- Stunning looks, features, performance, handling, space
What we do not- Limited availability, CBU means premium pricing
