Kia unveils the brand new EV6 all electric SUV

Kia has officially unveiled the all new EV6, a pioneering crossover SUV that is Kia's first car to be based on the company's dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

It also begins the mid-to-long term strategy for BEVs, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles to make up 40% of Kia's total sales by 2030. The EV6 is the first of 11 new BEV models from Kia by 2026 - seven built on E-GMP architecture, and four derivative EVs based on existing models.

This pioneering crossover - the first dedicated BEV launched under the new Kia design philosophy 'Opposites United' - displays a future-oriented EV design characterised by high-tech details.

At the front, Kia's 'tiger face' grille has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Forming part of this 'Digital Tiger Face', daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a 'sequential' dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image.

The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is modern, sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the profile of the car. The rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass. Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car's unique rear light cluster.

A distinct product of the EV era, the interior design benefits greatly from the application of Kia's dedicated E-GMP platform. Despite the EV6's compact exterior dimensions, its 2,900mm wheelbase results in a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs.

One of the most striking elements is a seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen. The simple form language of the wide screen and dashboard give the interior an open feel. The high-tech infotainment system includes 12.0-inch dual screens. Extending from the steering wheel to the center of the car, it displays a digital cluster in front of the driver, and infotainment system above the center console.

The EV6 also features an augmented reality head-up display system, which projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver's line of sight. The system displays alerts from the car's Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

The EV6 also offers intelligent and flexible interior packaging and an abundance of cabin storage areas, including 520 litres of trunk space with the second-row seats in place. With the second-row seats folded down, stowage capacity increases to approximately 1,300 litres. 

The EV6 offers buyers a choice of multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. The EV6 GT-line is available with both long-range and standard-range battery packs, while the EV6 GT features the long-range battery pack only. This is Kia's first electric vehicle to be available with two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. 

The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 510km on a single charge. With a maximum 605Nm torque available on the AWD version, the EV6 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds. The 58.0 kWh EV6 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a maximum 605Nm torque available on the AWD version. The GT version, engineered to inspire consumers with exciting driving performance, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 260km/h.

The EV6 offers 800V and 400V charging capabilities, without the need for additional components or adapters. The car is capable of a high-speed charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes on all variations or a top-up charge of 100km of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.

The car's charging system is more flexible than previous generation BEVs thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle 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.

The EV6 also introduces a suite of technologies that enhance safety, connectivity and infotainment. They are designed to make travelling safer, easier and less stressful.

The latest version of Kia's innovative connected car system 'Kia Connect'. previously named UVO, is included, featuring a range of Kia real time services and over-the-air updates. Accessible through the touchscreen, Kia Connect allows users to find locations and pricing of EV charging points, view their vehicle's charging status, plan smart charging schedules and check the range radius based on the remaining charge.

The EV6 also offers class-leading levels of safety and convenience thanks to its enhanced suite of driver assistance systems. 

Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway and also helps center the vehicle in the lane, even through a curve. In case of an adjacent vehicle driving in close proximity, HDA 2 assists to 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.

Safe Exit Assist helps people avoid collisions with a rear side vehicle when exiting EV6, while Lane Following Assist helps center the vehicle in the lane. When driving, LFA can be switched on and off with the press of a button. Remote Smart Parking Assist helps remotely park or exit a parking spot with the driver operating EV6 from outside the vehicle.