Both Tesla and Volkswagen are afraid of this car. Kia catapults straight to the current peak of the emerging electric era. The EV6, especially in the GT-line version that we tested, will amaze you with its design, acceleration and, above all, trouble-free operation. Forget about anxiety about the range or long times spent on chargers. This car charges up hellishly fast and dispels your preconceived notions just as quickly. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 Kia EV6 looks very innovative. Although she gave up her “tiger nose”, she still has a full “tiger face”. The daytime diodes of the matrix lights evoke the eyes of this beast. Not so long ago, we had the electric Kia e-Niro in the editorial office for a long-term test. Although it was based on the Niro model range, which also offers a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version with a combustion engine, this car already showed that Kia can build a usable electric car. However, the new EV6 “teleported” right away to a new galaxy. It probably best documents the speed at which electrification is progressing. After all, it has an 800 V electrical architecture, like the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT or Rimac Nevera. We tested the most powerful version of the GT-line. The brutal GT with a power of 430 kW will not arrive on the market until the beginning of next year. But this will be an offer for true connoisseurs, while GT-line is simply a more “massive” variant. Although again not for everyone. He cannot hide the price of technology so easily. The unreserved futurism of the Kia EV6 looks extremely compact, but it’s a decent piece of car. It has a length of 4,685 mm, a width of 1,880 and a height of 1,550 mm. With a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, even the big Sorento outgrows it. The designers chose a crossover body for their revolutionary electric car, built on a completely new E-GMP platform. And this is a great solution, because unlike orthodox SUVs, such a “crossover” has a chance for better aerodynamics. It will definitely happen with electric cars. At the same time, there is a slightly higher ground clearance, which brings more durability and versatility. Aerodynamic lines have been transformed into a truly futuristic design. With the coupe-evocative EV6, you’ll quickly become the center of attention. The “tiger face” front grille, which consists of new matrix LED lights, with shadow carving for the first time, attracts like a magnet. Equally innovative is the hood, which replaces the classic fenders. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 With a length of less than 4.7 meters, the EV6 has a wheelbase of up to 2.9 meters. This gives this crossover very sporty proportions. The floating roof and the dynamic line that rises from the front fenders to the taillights are interesting. In profile, the descending line of the “floating” roof, ending in a spoiler with side wings, against which the sills rise up to the taillights, as well as giant 21-inch wheels with aerodynamic inserts, attract attention. At the back, the EV6 is definitely not far behind. The lights surround the spoiler of the rear lid, and the turn signals are formed by an incredible “diamond” structure. Under the bumper, you will find another gadget in the form of salt shakers integrated into a kind of “equalizer” structure. Simply, the designers won with every detail. Unlike its sister Ioniq 5, the EV6 has a much sportier flair. Well, the GT-line version adds shiny black decorations, black wheels, a matte background of the lights and, in our case, a matte “frosty” Interstellar Gray paint, which gives the EV 6 GT-line a distinctly premium touch. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 The rear part with connected lights is literally futuristic. And especially aerodynamic. Turbulence behind the vehicle is reduced by a large roof spoiler and a tear-off edge under the window. The digital cockpit also has its drawbacks. The cabin is another contact with the future. Compact electrical technology made it possible to create a new ergonomic concept. The generous wheelbase gave the EV6 airiness and a completely horizontal floor. The dashboard seems to be inserted into an arch under the steeply inclined front window. Its volume was reduced by moving part of the air conditioning system under the front hood. It carries a pair of 12.3-inch curved displays covered with common glass. They have the role of instrument panel and infotainment. We appreciate the brilliant resolution, but it’s a shame that the instrument panel doesn’t offer a classic analog display. At the same time, Kia has perfected it in several conventional models, including plug-in hybrids. The display of some kind of 3D waves may be effective, but reading the speed from the numbers is not pleasing. It’s better to focus on the big head-up, with which the EV6 can compete with BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 The cabin does not resemble any current Kia. It has a slim dashboard that carries a large curved display. Control elements have been radically reduced. The electronic gear selector has a circular shape. It floats together with the center console. Read more Kia EV6 GT: The final data of the electric ‘beast’ is breathtaking. This is important for the trouble-free operation of electric cars. But it takes practice, because the classic hardware buttons have disappeared after all. Entering the main branches of the menu was solved by Kia in an original way. The EV6 has a strip under the display with dual functionality. Capacitive buttons display either air conditioning functions or main menu items – navigation, radio, media or quick access to the settings menu. But there is a catch. Functionality is switched with tiny capacitive buttons, which distracts attention while driving. The retention of two analog controls on the edges is nice. They are used to set the temperature in the air conditioning function and the volume of the audio system in the menu functions. But if you confuse the function, which can easily happen, you will adjust the temperature instead of the volume, or vice versa. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 Infotainment has a great resolution and nice graphics. It works with a bar with a dual-functional bar. The two-spoke steering wheel is also new. We appreciate that the cruise control, on-board computer and audio system buttons have been taken over by Kia from conventional models, so those who know Kia will have no problems. The new center console literally floats between the seats, along with the “gearbox” rotary control, the start button, but also two cup holders, an armrest and a perfectly placed inductive smartphone charger. There is still room under it for a giant box for other items, which will undoubtedly come in handy. You can charge other devices here – there is a USB and a USB-C port. However, the console has a beauty flaw. When working with infotainment or the mentioned bar, you often inadvertently turn on the heating of the seats, their ventilation or the heating of the steering wheel with your palm. It is precisely at the end of the console that there are very sensitive capacitive buttons without any haptic response. And believe me, it happens often. The cabin excites, the trunk not so much. You will be satisfied with the seats. At least in terms of comfort. We would expect something more sporty for a car with the letters GT in its name. And in addition to higher backrests, we would also accept an extendable knee support. But the great thing is that not only the height but also the inclination of the seat can be adjusted. Although you sit a little higher behind the wheel than in regular cars, the EV6 is far from the vertical position typical of SUVs, as the floor is raised due to the batteries. You feel more like in a coupe. This atmosphere is enhanced by the futuristic headrests, the black ceiling and the choice of innovative materials, as well as the ambient lighting, which changes color from turquoise to blue to cyclamen depending on the selected mode. However, even the EV6 did not avoid the chronic disease of new cars – too wide front pillars, behind which you can safely hide an entire truck at an intersection. Assistance systems are supposed to help, but – seeing is seeing. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 A flat floor and a long wheelbase means a lot of space in the cabin. At the back, however, the descending roof line is the limit. Read more Test: New Sportage – with this SUV KIA really ‘hit the mark’ You won’t complain about the space, you have enough space for your legs, overhead and shoulder width. It’s a little different at the back. You get in through the wide doors and there are enough centimeters for your legs, perhaps with the exception of the feet, but since the seats are mounted higher than the front ones and the roof goes down, you won’t find much headroom. The sister Ionoiq 5 is more generous in this regard. However, it helps to adjust the inclination of the backrests in approximately 15 degrees. With the most comfortable one, a few millimeters will be added above the head. Of course, at the expense of the trunk. And that is probably the weakest point of EV6. With a volume of 520 liters, it is not very close to such a Škoda Enyaq iV and is a few liters behind the Ioniq 5. It loses mainly because the floor is relatively high due to the drive and there are still some liters for the cables under its part. The volume is also reduced by the steeply sloping back cover. You pay for beauty. Photo: Lubos Pilc Kia EV6 – test 2022 There is an average of 520 liters for luggage under the rear lid. Access is facilitated by the electric rear lid. You will also find space for cables under the floor. But the effort to extract every liter from the geometry of the trunk is clear when you look at the maximized space around the inner fenders. We also appreciate the backrests divided in a ratio of 40:60, which, when folded down, creates an almost horizontal bed surface without a step. After that, 1,300 liters should fit in the EV6. An opening for skis is available for this. And watch out! The EV6 has one more trick that gives most competitors a hard time. Its front hood opens, even with the help of two gas struts, and under it there is another 20 liters for small accessories. For example, for another charging cable or a first aid kit. The RWD versions, i.e. with rear-wheel drive, can even handle up to 52 liters of cargo in the front. So, in total volume, the EV6 will eventually catch up with rivals from the VW concern workshop. It’s just arranged a little differently.