Considering what we already knew about its sister, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it wasn’t really a surprise that the Kia EV6 was a great EV – after all they share the same E-GMP underpinnings. What was interesting was how different the two cars were in character – with the Kia, in our opinion, the sportier of the two. 

We got a brief drive in a RWD version at the international launch in entry-level ‘Air’ spec, but took the opportunity for a longer drive in a UK car in the sportier GT-Line equipment grade. 

Outside, the only obvious difference over the GT-Line S AWD we reported on for the first-drive back in November is the smaller 19in alloys. We say smaller, but you hardly notice the difference, as the range-topper on 20in wheels is only one size bigger and the giveaway is the different design. 

Elsewhere, the EV6’s distinctive styling somehow looks more ordinary in the wet UK than it did in sunny Spain. That’s not taking away from the fact that this Kia has an attractive modern look, it just means it draws your attention to the parts of the design that you like the best. For us, it’s the rear spoiler, the way the rear light bar curves around the rear window line, the sharp-edged wing mirrors, and the flush-fitting door handles.

Inside, the EV6’s interior retains its minimalist feel with the steering wheel on the right. The 12.3in curved screen feels very much of the moment, especially as BMW’s iX and i4 feature a screen of similar design. Elsewhere, there’s the infotainment and the clever centre control panel that can switch between navigation and heating controls. Plus, the interior is as spacious as it looks, and well finished, although we still feel the driving position is a touch too high. 

All EV6 models have the same 77.4kWh battery and 88-volt charging capacity, making it possible to charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, and because there’s just one motor to power, the range is a very impressive 328 miles. The EV6 also benefits from a year’s subscription to the Ionity charging network. 

Even with a single motor, performance at 225hp and 0-62mph acceleration at 7.3 seconds is plenty quick enough. The lack of all-wheel drive only affects the traction slightly. Plus, although the wheels look smaller, the benefits, like with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, are a more resolved ride. Although, with that heavy battery in the floor, there are still occasions where you wish for more refinement. 

Elsewhere, the Kia’s keen driving set-up shines through, with precise steering and tight body control. There are three driving modes, although this EV6 is happiest in Normal mode, with the only difference with the Sport and Eco modes being the sensitivity of the throttle. 

Annoyances are small, but the interior heating had an issue that meant the windows took some time to clear. We understand this is an isolated issue that affects early cars and Kia already has a solution. Plus, we wish the large rear screen had some form of wiper to clear the road muck, and those pop-out door handles, which were power-operated on the range-topping GT-Line S, weren’t on this GT Line spec car, and are fiddly because of it. 

The Kia EV6 is still one of the best EVs available and is very deserving of the awards it’s already receiving.

Kia EV6 GT-Line 77.4kWh RWD 

P11D: £43,890

Residual value: £19,032

Depreciation: £24,858

Fuel: £2,328

Service, maintenance and repair: £1,701

Cost per mile: 48.14p

Range: 328 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (1%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £7/£15

Luggage capacity: 520 litres

Engine size/power: 77kWh/226hp