Car Review: Kia EV6 – The Ultimate Electric Vehicle?

Following its global success, the Kia EV6 is set to make its debut in the Vietnamese market this year. Let’s discover what foreign experts have to say about this electric car.

Kia EV6: The epitome of a compact car!

First and foremost, it’s crucial to highlight that the Kia EV6 is an appealing, enjoyable, and practical vehicle. Its range per charge and fast charging capability are impressive, making it an absolute necessity for an electric car. Despite some conservative consumers finding the car’s design unconventional and quirky, along with the fact that the Kia EV6 is not a budget-friendly option, it remains a highly reasonable electric car overall.

When discussing the Kia EV6, it’s impossible not to mention the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both cars are based on the Hyundai-Kia group’s E-GMP platform. In fact, they also have a luxurious sibling, the Genesis GV60. In Vietnam, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has already been introduced to consumers by the distributor, Thanh Cong.

A superior driving experience compared to its Korean counterpart, the Ioniq 5

The Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 all belong to the category of electric cars with hatchback-like SUV designs, or more accurately, “high-performance SUVs.” All three Korean cars are developed based on the 800V electric architecture, incorporating various modern operational technologies, useful features, and a range of over 400km (for the 58 kWh battery version) and nearly 500km (for the 77.4 kWh battery version) on a full charge.

Despite having a slightly shorter wheelbase than its counterparts, the Kia EV6 still delivers an enthralling driving experience, with its modern and youthful interior emphasizing a sporty spirit and encouraging control.

Real-world driving experiences with both vehicles reveal that the Kia EV6 offers agile handling, responsive steering, and superior body control compared to the Ioniq 5. Switching the dial below the steering wheel to the sport driving mode instantly elicits a spirited response from the Kia EV6 to every throttle input, with the steering wheel becoming firmer. Simultaneously, the screen transitions to red, and the car produces simulated sounds, creating a more thrilling sensation.

Of course, the acceleration of the Kia EV6 may not match that of neck-snapping sports cars like the Porsche Taycan, but in comparison to other mainstream vehicles, the power of the Kia EV6 can be considered formidable, particularly for the version equipped with two electric motors.

In the UK market, four versions of the Kia EV6 are available: standard (featuring a rear axle motor with 225 horsepower and a range of over 520 km), GT-Line and GT-Line S (equipped with two more powerful motors producing 320 horsepower, all-wheel drive, enabling 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.4 seconds but with a range of only 480 km), and the top-of-the-line GT version (boasting two extremely powerful motors with a configuration of 584 horsepower, attaining 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds, comparable to a supercar, and a range of over 400 km).

Summarizing its performance, the Kia EV6 shouldn’t be construed as a sports car. Instead, it represents an exceptional everyday vehicle: quiet, comfortable, and not to mention its exhilarating acceleration, akin to a supercar.

A welcoming, contemporary design

Unlike the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with its sharp, flat cuts, the Kia EV6 boasts a more refined and conventional appearance, albeit with a modern twist.

The curves are beautifully crafted, while the front grille, although minimized, retains the familiar tiger-nose design seen across the Kia lineup. The stunning full LED headlights resemble those found on European cars, and the front lower bumper is reminiscent of high-performance vehicles.

The highlight of the rear of the Kia EV6 is the striking brake light cluster. This cluster runs horizontally across the back of the car, dividing the upper roof section and lower trunk section into two distinct layers. The curved rear of the Kia EV6 evokes similarities to the British supercar Aston Martin DBX.

Sharing the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 offers a remarkably spacious interior compared to conventional cars of similar dimensions. All passengers can enjoy ample seating comfort across all five seats, with excellent legroom, backrest recline, and headroom.

Spacious interior, modern convenience, eye-catching features

Both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 utilize PET plastic made from recycled bottles to create an aesthetically pleasing interior, featuring a modern dashboard and seats upholstered in eco-friendly faux wool.

In contrast to the minimalist, spacious, comfortable, and serene ambiance of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 boasts a neatly organized interior. The beautifully designed gear shift knob, resembling an actual gear, offers a superb tactile experience with its rubber construction.

Two 12.3-inch screens are horizontally positioned on the dashboard, featuring user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate and operate. The climate control area is equipped with two buttons and haptic feedback features, providing vibrations upon touch. All details contribute to convenience and familiarity, ensuring any passenger can quickly adapt within minutes.

The car is equipped with the ADAS driving assistance technology package, along with a large HUD screen, significantly enhancing its safety performance. Additionally, the Hyundai-Kia group’s 800V E-GMP electric architecture allows the car to supply reverse power to peripheral devices, effectively acting as a power station, proving particularly useful for camping trips.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)

Source: TopGear