The EV6 arrived three years ago to generally rave reviews, doing wonders for perceptions of the Kia brand as well as proving a seriously impressive EV. Now – with Kia’s EV range rapidly expanding to include the likes of the seven-seat EV9 and compact EV3 – the EV6 has been brought up to date with a mid-life facelift. Cosmetically, the main feature of this is what Kia calls its ‘star map’ signature lights – the DRLs which wrap around the headlights. New front and rear bumpers are among the other design tweaks.
Drive and performance
Looking at pictures of the EV6, it’s easy from the coupe-type styling to forget it actually has crossover SUV dimensions. And in fact, this is also easy to forget from behind the wheel, due to the quality of the driving experience, with its immediate steering response, and balance and agility reminiscent of a sports saloon thanks to the rear-wheel drive platform. Ride quality is impressive too – maybe not pillow soft, but with the edge nicely taken off all but the biggest ruts and bumps.
The main mechanical update to the facelifted EV6 is the fitting of a bigger battery, with capacity up from 77.4kWh to 84kWh. This comes with a choice of two motor configurations – the 225hp, single-motor RWD, and the 320hp, dual-motor AWD. Depending on spec, WLTP ranges of up to 361 miles and 339 miles respectively are now available (a few miles less for the top-spec GT-Line S equipment grade tested here). Kia has also upgraded the EV6’s maximum charging speed, from 239kW to 258kW.
The RWD offers fairly rapid acceleration, which will surely be sufficient for most drivers. That said, the extra performance of the AWD, delivered with additional traction, is certainly impressive. It is fun in a childish sort of way, although its handling feels a little more understeer-biased and therefore less satisfying – presumably due to the extra weight of the second, front-mounted electric motor (a GT-Line S EV6 AWD weighs 105kg more than the equivalent RWD model).
ADAS assessment
While driving, Kia’s blind spot view camera system on the driver display (standard with GT-Line S spec) remains a useful feature, augmented here by red proximity warnings when a vehicle is in your blind spot, in the manner of the radar systems on racing video games (part of the blind spot collision avoidance assist system which is standard from GT-Line). Engage the Highway Driving Assist 2.0 system (standard with GT-Line S) and you also get representations of vehicles around you displayed as blocks. We imagine it would technically possible to drive just by watching this display and never looking out of the window, though we wouldn’t advise trying it.
Sticking with ADAS, it’s indicative of how the now EU-mandated (and ubiquitous on new UK-market cars) speeding warning noises are being received that Kia highlights in its press notes for the EV6 that these can be turned off via a single steering wheel shortcut button. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple to switch off audible notifications when the speed limit changes, which this writer finds even more annoying, with this requiring delving into touchscreen menus – though at least this noise itself isn’t as obtrusive as on some cars.
Speaking of niggles, we also found the lack of a rear windscreen wiper annoying on our damp test drive.
Interior
Inside, our test car came with white-coloured trim, which added visual interest, as did a distinctive hatched dashboard material. Overall, the interior looks very cool and modern, while also boasting an impressive amount of stowage space.
A pair of 12.3in screens work well, and ventilation controls are nicely integrated both below the infotainment screen and on the floating centre console/armrest.
The EV6’s rear seats offer a more reclined sitting position than most cars, presumably to maintain headroom with that coupe roofline. This should be fine for all but the tallest adults, and legroom is plentiful, while USB charging is neatly integrated on the backs of the front seats. The boot entry point is a little high, but the space is good.
We’re yet to receive full running cost data for the updated EV6, but from what we know so far it doesn’t look overpriced compared with rivals. An equivalent Hyundai Ioniq 5, based on the same platform, would be slightly cheaper, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the coupe element to the EV6 swing many in the Kia’s direction.
Positive: Great to drive, stylish, impressive technology
Negative: No rear windscreen wiper, Hyundai Ioniq 5 slightly cheaper
Standard equipment: 12.3in driver display, 12.3in touchscreen with sat-nav, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, electric folding adjustable and heated door mirrors, all-around LED lights, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat lumbar support, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, reversing camera, smart cruise control with stop-and-go function, intelligent speed limit assist (with mute shortcut function), driver attention warning, lane keep assist and lane follow assist.
Engines: Electric: 225hp, 320hp
Equipment grades: Air, GT-Line, GT-Line S
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Kia EV6 GT-Line S RWD |
| P11D | £53,620 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,355 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 347 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £18/£36 |
| Luggage capacity | 480 litres |
| Battery size/power | 84kWh/225hp |
| Score | 9/10 |
