The Kia EV6 is a battery-electric compact crossover from Kia. It is the very first electric vehicle the South Korean brand has produced and is also the first model developed to utilize the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The Kia EV6 is also the first vehicle to be named under Kia’s new nomenclature designated for a line of Kia electric cars, which will range from EV1 to EV9.
The Kia EV6 boasts a modern and sleek exterior design that complements its cutting-edge electric powertrain. Its low and wide stance gives it a sporty appearance, with a sloping roofline that slopes down towards the rear, giving it a coupe-like silhouette.
In the Philippines, the Kia is offering the EV6 GT-Line Long Range model of the EV6. This specific model of the EV6 has an output of 226 hp and 350 Nm of torque and a large 77.4-kWh battery. The EV6’s batteries can take the EV6 up to 528 km based on its U.S. EPA test.
Charging the EV6 can be as fast as 7 hours and 20 minutes on an 11kW AC system from 10 percent to 100 percent. Fast-charging DC systems, however, can see the battery level go from 10 percent to 80 percent at a 50 kW of charging rate in just 73 minutes. With the use of a 350 kWh charger, the EV6 can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on the plug.
Launch
Kia launched the EV6 in South Korea on August 2, 2021, with other countries like the U.S. and India following soon after. A year later, Kia unveiled a sportier variant, the EV6 GT which could go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
Here in the Philippines, the Kia launched the EV6 on March 21, 2023, with a single variant. The variant that Kia is offering here in the country is the EV6 GT-Line Long Range model. This variant had the sporty capability of the EV6 GT and a high-capacity battery for longer journeys. At launch, the Kia EV6 GT-Line Long Range is priced at P3,788,000 and is available in five colors: Moonscape, Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Yacht Blue and Aurora Black Pearl.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The EV6 rides on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) shared with other electric vehicles like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the Genesis GV60.
Powering the EV6 is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) mated to a 1-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. Providing energy to the vehicle is a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery capable of an EPA-tested range of 528 km.
The Kia EV6 can charge its batteries normally using a 240-volt AC charger which takes around 7 hours to recharge from 10 to 100 percent. Fast-charging DC systems can charge the EV6 from 10 percent to 80 percent in 73 minutes. If a faster charging time is what you’re after the EV6 can also charge from 10 percent to 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes via a 350 kWh fast charger.
Chassis
Class
Compact Crossover SUV
Body Style
Five-door Crossover SUV
Platform
Layout
Rear-wheel drive
Platform
Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
Powertrain
Engine
Permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor
Power Output
226 horsepower and 350 Newton Meters of torque.
Transmission
Single-speed Automatic Transmission
Technology Features
Being the first EV that Kia has produced, the brand has made an effort to provide the car with an abundance of tech features. Kia has equipped the EV6 with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display that is intuitive and easy to use. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system, in addition, a wireless charging pad is available on the center console.
The car also has power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a push-start button, and a surround sound system developed by Meridian consisting of 14 speakers placed around the interior.
On top of that, the EV6 also features a surround-view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
Exterior
The front of the Kia EV6 is characterized by a modern and futuristic design that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. One of the most notable features is the vehicle's distinct front grille, home to a unique geometric pattern that gives the EV6 a high-tech and sophisticated look.
Flanking the grille are sharp and angular LED headlights, which provide excellent visibility and contribute to the vehicle's overall sporty and aggressive aesthetic.
The front bumper is also designed to be aerodynamic, with a sleek and streamlined shape that helps reduce wind resistance and improve the vehicle's overall efficiency. Moving to the bottom of the front bumper, there is a large air intake that channels air into the vehicle's battery cooling system, helping to keep the electric powertrain running efficiently.
Moving along the sides, the EV6 has clean lines that run from the front to the back, with a unique C-pillar design. Large wheels and flared fenders give the EV6 a muscular and athletic look, while the rear of the vehicle features a full-width LED light bar that stretches across the back, connecting the taillights.
Interior
Inside the Kia EV6, you’ll find a spacious and modern cabin that is designed to provide both comfort and functionality while keeping it simple and recognizable. One of the most noticeable features of the interior is the large panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light for the cabin. The seats are designed to be comfortable and supportive, with a range of adjustment options available for the driver and front passenger at the push of a button.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display that serves as the vehicle's infotainment system which can support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The cabin is functional and has lots of storage space and cubby holes for storing your items. The cargo area of the EV6 has 500 liters of space which can be increased up to 1,300 liters if you fold the rear seats down.
Safety
The car is fitted with a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system that uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. Additionally, the EV6 features a Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist system that monitors the car's blind spots and alerts the driver if there is another vehicle in the way. The Lane Keeping Assist system uses cameras to monitor the vehicle's position on the road, and if the car begins to drift out of its lane, it will provide an audible and visual warning to the driver to correct their steering.
Other safety features of the EV6 include a Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist system, which warns the driver of vehicles approaching from the side when reversing, and a Safe Exit Assist feature, which alerts passengers if they are about to open their doors into oncoming traffic.
Top Agents
Connect with the top Kia sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
The Kia EV6 brings electric mobility closer to everyday driving. Packed with features and practical design, it’s worth exploring for anyone considering an EV.
The Kia EV6 won us (mostly Jack) over when it first launched. He went head over heels for this sultry electric five-door. Now, that the model is a year or two older since its Philippine launch, we finally got a chance to review it. A lot of people seemed to like it a lot when it first landed on our shores, and so did we when we did a walkaround. Now, the real question is, "are first impressions forever?" Or was Jack a bit too excited when he first saw the car? Find out on this episode of Behind the Wheel.
