Slim, muscular, sporty: the new one Electric sedan Let's EV6 would cause a stir even if it had a conventional drive. But it offers much more than an unusual shape: it includes the completely newly developed E-GMP platform, which is designed for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and, with its flat floor and short overhangs, offers designers an unusually large amount of freedom.
Originally, the EV6 should be based closely on the Imagine study that adorned the Kia stand at the Geneva Motor Show two years ago. But group chief designer Luc Donckerwolke thought that was not enough. He gave the designers a retreat at a location in Bavaria - and presented the team with a model of a Lancia Stratos as inspiration. The result is a much more interesting car than the Imagine: The EV6 is not only very sporty in proportion, it also stands out from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is on the same platform, with the Kia with a slightly shortened wheelbase.
New modern interior
Interestingly, the Koreans do not rely on an SUV concept, but on a relatively flat body with a visually low center of gravity. Most German manufacturers prefer the SUV approach.
The interior is also unusual and modern. It is characterized by a floating center console and slightly curved screens. The unusual materials and the two-spoke steering wheel prove that Kia maintains its own style instead of orienting itself towards conventional aesthetics. Just like Tesla. But in contrast to the Californian vehicles, the Kia EV6 is perfectly processed.
Can be used as a power source
The EV6 comes onto the market with an extremely diverse drive portfolio: it includes rear-wheel drive versions with 125 kW (170 PS) and 168 kW (229 PS) as well as all-wheel drive versions with 173 kW (235 PS) and 239 kW (325 PS). Another top model with an almost unbelievable 430 kW (585 hp) will follow next year.
With the appropriate infrastructure, the 800-volt charging system ensures record-breaking charging times; on the other hand, the EV6 can also function as a power source. This is an argument that should not be neglected wherever one relies on regeneratively generated fluttering electricity.
The assistance and infotainment systems no longer have to fear comparison with German premium brands. This applies in particular to the premium audio system from Meridian, but also to the large-scale head-up projection with augmented reality elements.
Fast on the way
Our trip with the 239 kW (325 PS) four-wheel drive variant with the large 77,4 kWh battery exceeded expectations. The EV6 is light-footed and agile, the two-tonne curb weight and 470 cm outer length are not noticeable. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes a sports car suspect of 5,2 seconds, and the speed limit of 185 km / h is unusually high for an electric car of this class. The recuperation rate, with which the delay when lifting the accelerator pedal is determined, can be regulated, as can the simulated sound, which can also be completely dispensed with.
The Kia EV6 is not cheap: Prices start at 44.900 euros for the 170-hp entry-level variant. But there is a lot on offer - especially a sporty approach that is more reminiscent of California than Wolfsburg.