2022 Kia EV6

Paywall:

Driving Kia's first electric car in SA: UK has its own problems, but local EV ownership isn't bad


Oh it’s finally here.

I’ll wait for the cars.co.za review and skip the paywall.

Which spec and how much? Originally it was meant to be GT only but that looks like a standard one.
 
Oh it’s finally here.

I’ll wait for the cars.co.za review and skip the paywall.

Which spec and how much? Originally it was meant to be GT only but that looks like a standard one.
Nope, its not here. There are like 1 or 2 units brought in by Kia SA for testing. Still no formal announcement it is coming here. I feel it is not, for a long time at least.
 
Updated Kia EV6 is coming with refreshed looks, longer range

The Kia EV6 blazed onto the scene in 2021 as one of the most stylish and desirable electric crossovers on the market. Now, Kia's teasing an update to the EV6 that promises to make it even more compelling, with sharper styling, the latest in Kia tech, and an increased range sure to please EV buyers everywhere.

Let's start with the most noticeable change: the face. Kia's designers have replaced the EV6's original headlights with slimmer, more aggressive designs. The new "Star Map Signature" daytime running lights complement a reshaped front fascia incorporating Kia's modern 'Tiger Nose' design. Out back, the EV6 retains its full-width taillight bar but with a cleaner, less fussy lighting signature. We expect to see even more updates when the refreshed EV6 hits the showroom.


 
Ooh, here’s your first look at the facelifted Kia EV6

Cleaner design, more tech and a bigger battery come together for the compact crossover’s mid-cycle refresh

The Kia EV6 has been around for a few years now, but despite its obvious success, it’s due a facelift that drafts in the Korean marque’s latest design and tech upgrades. So, if you hadn’t already guessed, that’s exactly what Kia has planned.

Let’s begin with the ingredients sitting underneath the new face. In Korea where the facelift has been shown, there's a bigger battery (up from 77 to 94kWh) that’ll result in a range increase from 295 to 307 miles.

You’ll also get to choose between a 226bhp single-motor, rear-wheel drive powertrain, or a much zestier dual-motor, four-wheel drive alternative which puts 321bhp to the ground through a revised set of variable shock absorbers. We'd assume all updates will make it to Europe and the UK in time, but there's no official confirmation just yet.

 
Kia EV6 facelift brings new styling and a bigger battery

Kia's popular electric crossover, the EV6, is getting a mid-cycle refresh designed to keep it at the forefront of the rapidly evolving EV market. With a subtle facelift, updated interior technology, and a larger battery promising more range, Kia hopes to solidify the EV6's position as one of the most popular EVs in its class.

On the outside, the EV6's futuristic design has been subtly enhanced with angular headlights that bring it closer to its larger sibling, the EV9. The GT-Line trim adds a front light bar for a more aggresive look. Both standard and GT-Line models come with redesigned bumpers, and buyers can choose from new 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the EV6 is largely unchanged, but gains a fresh three-spoke steering wheel and an updated frame for its dual-screen setup. Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the addition of a fingerprint authentication system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and an optional digital rearview mirror.

Kia also made several harder to spot improvements to the body. The EV6 now boasts thicker B-pillars for improved structural rigidity, and second-row side airbags enhance passenger safety. Kia's engineers have also reduced motor noise and tweaked the suspension for a more comfortable ride. Additionally, extra sound insulation around the rear motor aims to further minimize cabin noise.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the EV6's larger 84 kWh battery, replacing the previous 77.4 kWh unit. Based on local testing procedures, this larger battery promises to boost the EV6's range to an estimated 494 km from 475 km on the outgoing model, when comparing the matching rear-wheel-drive Long Range models. The new battery can also charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes when using a 350 kW DC charger.


 
Kia has confirmed there will be hot GT versions of pretty much all of its EVs

We’ll see a monster EV9 GT soon, plus there will be twin-motor variants of the EV3 and EV5

Kia first unveiled the 577bhp EV6 GT way back in 2022, and it has now confirmed we’ll get similarly bonkers versions of every single one of the EVs it launches over the next few years. Yep, the all-wheel drive performance EV trend isn’t going to slow down any time soon.

“The GT variant is designed to be that halo product – to build more desire and to turn heads a bit more,” said Kia Europe marketing boss David Hilbert.

“That's what EV6 GT did, and there will be an EV9 GT coming very, very soon. I think we’ve confirmed an EV5 GT too.”

Blimey, Kia really is going all-in on the GT train. The EV9 is already available with a twin-motor powertrain that makes 378bhp, so what on earth will this 2.6-tonne family bus be like when it gets well over 500bhp?

“For EV3, that’s coming in 2026. That will be an all-wheel drive GT variant. The GTs are never going to be the big volume sellers because they’re niche, and let’s be honest the performance of our standard EVs is pretty good anyway,” said Hilbert.

 
Kia EV6 GT will receive the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's fake transmission later this year

Kia's EV6 GT and Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N are built on the same platform shared by both brands (just like the non-GT EV6 and non-N Ioniq 5), and so it might not be that surprising to hear that the EV6 GT is set to receive the Ioniq 5 N's fake transmission at some point later this year. This might arrive with the EV6 GT's refresh, but we're hoping it's going to be issued as a software update to the already on sale EV6 GT.

The Ioniq 5 N launched with a "simulated" seven-speed transmission to emulate the feel of a true gas powered hot hatch, along with fake exhaust sounds (you can currently pick between three of these). The EV6 GT has been on the market for longer but so far has none of those.

According to a new report today, the simulated transmission is coming, but the EV6 won't get all of the Ioniq 5 N's "goodies" since it's "intended as a GT car" and doesn't want to provide the craziest hot hatch experience of any EV like the Ioniq 5 N.

With one press of a button on the Ioniq 5 N's steering wheel, you can enable the simulated seven-speed transmission complete with fake paddle shifting. Kia is readying a refreshed EV6, with new daytime running lights at the front and a battery upgrade from 77 kWh to 84 kWh.

 
Kia EV6 refresh brings sleek redesign and extended range

Kia's EV6 has undergone a subtle yet impactful facelift, hoping to hold on to its position at the forefront of the electric SUV segment. With a focus on enhanced design, improved range, and cutting-edge technology, the 2024 EV6 is here to recapture the spotlight amidst a growing sea of competitors.

While not a radical departure from its predecessor, the refreshed EV6 has a cleaner and more refined aesthetic. A full-width light bar, redesigned headlights, and a tweaked splitter grace the front, aligning the EV6's visual language with Kia's flagship EV9 SUV and the new EV3, and the upcoming EV4 and EV5 models. Though subtle, these changes contribute to a more purposeful and modern look.

The most significant upgrade lies beneath the surface. The EV6's usable battery capacity has increased from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, granting the most efficient model an impressive official range of 581 km. This places the EV6 comfortably among the longest-range electric crossovers available. Additionally, charging speed has received a boost, with a maximum of 258 kW enabling a 10-80% charge in 18 minutes.

Inside the cabin, subtle yet noticeable changes enhance the EV6's appeal. The center console's glossy black plastic has been replaced with a more sophisticated matte finish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally make their debut, eliminating the need for unsightly phone cables. The steering wheel now offers motorized adjustment, and a fingerprint scanner adds a layer of security while allowing for personalized seating and climate settings.

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X