Review: With blistering acceleration, good looks and fast charging, Kia’s all-electric EV6 GT really appeals

Published on 1 January, 2023

Overview

When Kia launched the Stinger in 2017, it was unlike anything made previously by the Korean carmaker. Having built a reputation on keenly priced hatchbacks and well-equipped SUVs, the maker transformed public perception of the Kia name by making a high-performance rear-wheel-drive sports saloon. But as time moves on and the pace of electrification intensifies, the Stinger has given way to the all-electric EV6 GT, the most powerful production car Kia has made. It’s our test car this week.

At first glance, it doesn’t look that different from the regular EV6 but this track-ready GT version does have a more aerodynamic side profile while the roofline and sloping C-pillars create a sporty silhouette. Unique to the GT version is a set of five-spoke 21in alloy wheels while the striking neon brake calipers are a clue to its potency.

Sliding into the suede-trimmed front bucket seats of the GT is a joy and the cabin is finished throughout with premium materials. As in the regular EV6, a dual curved 12.3in infotainment screen puts all of the driving, connectivity and entertainment functions right at your fingertips. Despite the EV6 GT’s compact exterior dimensions, there’s plenty of space in the back and boot for five passengers, plus a front boot that provides an additional 20 litres of storage.

The EV6 GT has two electric motors: a front-mounted 160kW (218hp) one that works with a rear-mounted 270kW (367hp) motor to deliver a combined output of 430kW (585hp) and 740 Nm of torque. It can catapult from 0 to 100km in 3.5 seconds so is phenomenally fast and yet on the road it manages to be both grand tourer and full-blown sports car. While it never quite matches rivals in terms of ride quality, it’s such a fun car to drive, whether slipping silently to the shops or battling the M50, it’ll put a smile on your face.

But you do pay for all that power and the cost is its range in kilometres. According to the WLTP, the EV6’s 77kWh battery means you can travel 528km on a single charge but you’ll only coax 424km out of the GT version. Most impressive is the charging speed of the EV6: at an Ionity charging point, it happily refilled to 80pc charge in just 18 minutes. While that should alleviate range anxiety there are, however, not that many chargers capable of such speed across the country, so you may not be going that far very fast after all.

When tested by the Euro NCAP, the regular EV6 was awarded a maximum five stars for safety so this version should be no different.

The EV6 GT is priced from €85,000 and targets the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53+ (€135,475), Audi RS e-tron GT (€145, 360), Porsche Taycan 4S (€110,135) and BMW i4 M50 (€84,625).

Blisteringly fast, the EV6 GT is a comfortable and refined cruiser that will certainly appeal. While it shows how far Kia has evolved, for most motorists the regular EV6 (€54,300) offers a fine compromise between performance and range. So can you really justify a price premium of more than €30k? Well, when you consider just how much power you’re getting for your money, the EV6 GT is actually a bit of a bargain.

Star rating: 4/5