Reviewing the Kia EV6

Our review of the Kia EV6

When Kia confirmed they were going to be producing a more premium / prestige EV to compete against the Volvo XC40, Tesla Model Y plus premium German products like the Mercedes EQA and the Audi Q4, some of the UK thought this was an over ambitious reach. Could Kia really put their product into the luxury segment of the electric car industry?

True to recent form, the South Korean brand have done exactly that with this SUV, which has been so popular in 2022, that lead times have been pushed to 6 and 12 months, specification and option dependent. Kia have managed to do something which only Volkswagen have been able to do, in that they have been able to offer both volume (by November 2022 the Niro was a top-10 seller with 23,000 registrations) without compromising their brand or quality reputation.

As we mentioned in our recent Kia Niro EV review, the robust 7 year warranty, growing dealer network and affordable proposition has served as an amazing catalyst for Kia. The icing on the cake has very much been the EV6, which pushes Kia into a more attractive and potentially lucrative aspect of the UK’s leasing market. As at November 2022, nearly 225,000 electric vehicles were registered in the UK, which is 38% more than 2021.

So for many manufacturers this isn’t some fictitious social responsibility or “green approach”; battery technology is crucial to the long-term financial health for every car brand in the UK. And with more competition due, the product needs to deliver.

The move to a more SUV-focused platform is a sage move by Kia, with the UK very much being a nation of 4x4, crossover and SUV fans. The EV world has certainly followed suit, with many brands launching at least 1 or 2 types of these vehicles within the battery fleet market. And for Kia, the EV6 is not going to be the end point, with a bigger SUV platform due to launch in 2023 - the Kia EV9.

This will be a Kia Sorento (or Hyundai Santa Fe) type of vehicle, and is aimed to offer more substantial load and volume capacity for those families with an array of kids, pets and so forth! In the meantime, UK customers can still enjoy their EV6 which is available in a number of different battery and drive train configurations, including:

•  EV6 Air RWD - from £45,245 the entry model includes 19” alloy wheels, 12.3” touchscreen navigation display, vegan leather, navigation-based smart cruise control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, high gloss black door mirrors, start/stop button, lumbar support, 6-speaker audio system.

•  EV6 GT Line RWD - from £48,245 for the standard option and £49,145 for the heat pump this model includes 19” alloy wheels, 12.3” touchscreen navigation display, 12.3” curved driver display, V2L, driver and front passenger premium relaxation seats, black suede seats, wireless phone charger, dual LED headlights GT Line styling, body coloured door handles, driver power adjusted memory seats with 2-way lumbar support, alloy pedals, deluxe scuff plates, front parking sensors and parking collision avoidance;       

•  EV6 GT Line AWD - from £51,745 for the standard option and £52,645 for the heat pump, this model has the same specification as per above, with the key difference being the drive train and battery performance;  

• EV6 GT Line S RWD - from £52,745 for the standard option and £53,245 for the heat pump included, this top-spec model includes 20” alloys, 12.3” touchscreen navigation display, 12.3” curved driver display, smart power tailgate, augmented reality HUD, blind spot collision avoidance, panoramic sunroof, Meridian 14-speaker sound system, remote parking assist, flush door handles, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and 360 degree around view monitor;    

•  EV6 GT Line S AWD - from £56,245 for the standard option and £57,145 for the heat pump, this model has the same specification as per above, with the key difference being the drive train and battery performance; and     

•  EV6 GT - from £62,645 the “muscular and bold designs” are clear with this EV-performance car. This is the EV6 for those customers who prioritise sporty aesthetics, blistering 0 - 62 times and a more exciting drive. While you can only choose White Pearl or Midnight Black, the specification is somewhat robust with 21” alloy wheels, electronic controlled suspension, 12.3” curved driver display, 12.3” touchscreen navigation display, suede bucket seats, neon green brake calipers, GT exterior styling, heat pump, rear privacy glass, solar glass windshield, dual LED headlights, front and rear heated seats, smart power tailgate, V2D (vehicle to device), Meridian premium sound, reversing camera, wireless phone charger, augmented reality HUD, front parking sensors, 360 around view monitor, blind-spot monitor, forward collision avoidance, highway driving assist 2, electronic limited slip differential. 

For the options, other than the elite GT, choose between the Runway Red (solid paint), White Pearl, Midnight Black and Yacht Blue premium paint. Options are very much dealer-fit focus with the detachable towbar at £609, tow bar wiring at £188, front mud guard kit for £40  and the 12S plug harness for £128.

But is the Kia EV6 worth the money and is it a good EV - what is the range and charging time?

For customers prepared to wait the current 6 - 12 month lead times (as at December 2022), they need to carefully choose their battery based on their needs and requirements. BEVs are different to combustion for a number of key reasons but simplifying this with our “living with your …” tools ensure you, the driver or the fleet managers get the information you NEED to know about your new EV.

Our unique tools and data are not just designed to reduce mis-selling but to enhance the customer experience. In particular, the e-car team understand that many first-time EV customer have plenty of questions and queries which need answering. For the EV6 your decision will focus around the different elements which pertain to an EV - range (in all weathers), charging times, cost to charge point, charge point installation etc

•  Long Range 2WD - the usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.3 seconds, 115 mph top speeds and 168 kW (or 225 hp). This model is a RWD crossover. Expect a combined winter range of 215 miles (180 miles on a motorway and 250 miles in urban conditions) with warmer weather allowing for 290 miles (230 miles on a motorway and 370 miles in urban conditions.) On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 233 kW DC maximum allowing an incredible 16 minute 10 – 80% times. This medium-sized SUV will have a cargo volume of 480L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 139 mpg. The EV6 EV can tow up to 1600 kg (braked);
•  Long Range 4WD - the usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.2 seconds, 115 mph top speeds and 239 kW (or 321 hp). This model is a AWD crossover. Expect a combined winter range of 210 miles (175 miles on a motorway and 245 miles in urban conditions) with warmer weather allowing for 285 miles (225 miles on a motorway and 360 miles in urban conditions.) On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 233 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% times. This vehicle has a fuel equivalent of 137 mpg; and
•  GT - the usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.5 seconds, 162 mph top speeds and 430 kW (or 577 hp). This model is a AWD crossover. Expect a combined winter range of 195 miles (165 miles on a motorway and 225 miles in urban conditions) with warmer weather allowing for 260 miles (205 miles on a motorway and 330 miles in urban conditions.) On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 233 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% times. This vehicle has a fuel equivalent of 126 mpg. This is one of the quickest EVs to lease in 2022 / 23!  

And what does the automotive press and media think about the EV6 - what are the pros and cons?

The support and accolades for this SUV are palpable. With awards like - What Car? Best electric large SUV, Best electric car from Autocar, Best of the Best from Red Dot Design awards and automobile / design award from iF Design awards, it is suffice to say this is a popular model.

And with 5/5 from What Car? 4.5/5 from Auto Express, 9.10 from Top Gear and 9/10 from CarWow the reviews are incredibly positive. The Pros are the sharp handling, ample space in the cabin, class-leading DC / rapid charge times and accurate battery. The Cons of the EV6 are the small cargo volume compared to rivals, the price tag (which does make it unaffordable to a large demographic in the new car market) and the long lead times from order to delivery. 

In terms of the car shown, the Kia EV6 Electric Estate 166kW GT Line 77.4kWh 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following:

•  Runway Red Solid Paint
•  Suede/Vegan leather - Black/white
•  19"" Black alloy wheels 

What is the range of the Kia EV6?

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the Kia EV6? 

How long does it take to charge the Kia EV6?

Where can I charge the Kia EV6?

What is the company car tax on the Kia EV6?