Road test with Mark Slack: Kia EV6 – practicality, quality and distinctive styling

Road test with Mark Slack: Kia EV6 – practicality, quality and distinctive styling

Road test with Mark Slack: Kia EV6 – practicality, quality and distinctive styling. Image - Kia

Initially, the advent of electric cars saw existing combustion engine models adapted to become EVs. Now we see cars specifically designed as EVs becoming more common, and one of the most recent is Kia’s EV6. Although sharing corporate underpinnings with Hyundai and Genesis it feels completely different and has more sporting credentials. It’s a large car too, so it’s no surprise that the interior offers lots of space even though it feels more intimate.

It’s a car come crossover and works well, although to some the rear styling is unconvincing. ‘Pop-out’ door handles are a stylish feature and the charging socket on the rear corner is much more convenient than those positioned on the wings.

Kia are not newcomers to EV technology and this shows, the EV6 is a smooth and refined drive with definite sporting pretensions. It looks and feels a quality machine and in basic form comes pretty well equipped with auto lights, LED lighting, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, smart cruise control, navigation and much more.

Priced from €48,557/£41,695 there’s a choice of rear or all-wheel-drive, three trim levels and a 77 kwh battery that offers a potential 328 mile range in rear drive or 314 miles in all-wheel-drive. Opt for slightly less range, but more grip, and the EV6 will get you to 62 mph in a whisker over 5 seconds, in rear drive that stretches to a still impressive 7.3 seconds. The only thing marring proceedings on the road are the overly fussy bings, and bongs if you step outside the lane keep or other such parameters.

The EV6 can charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, unfortunately you’ll struggle to find a 350kw charger to achieve this undeniably impressive time. The much more common 50 kw chargers will do the same job in just under 1.5 hours, even more common 22kw or 7kw chargers between 7.5 and 9.5 hours. Therein lies the EV problem, which must frustrate manufacturers, the UK’s charging infrastructure is poor unless you’re in London or the southern counties. A home charger is a must and makes commuting and slightly longer journeys, where thanks to the EV6’s range you can get back home without the need to charge, much more viable.

The EV6 is another example of Kia’s ability to hit the mark in terms of practicality, quality and distinctive styling that so often sets their cars apart from the mainstream.

Facts at a Glance

  • Model: Kia EV6 GT-Line S AWD
  • Engine: Lithium 77.4 kwh kwh battery – 321 bhp
  • Gears: Automatic
  • Performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5.2 seconds/Maximum Speed 186 km/h (116 mph)
  • Range: up to 300 miles
  • Emissions: 0 g/km (WLTP)
  • Price as tested: €61,368/£52,695

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.


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Written by

Mark Slack

If you're a petrol head you're in good hands with Mark Slack, whose expert take on the latest car releases will help you make your next purchase.

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