Kia EV6 (2023 - 2024)

It seems hard to believe that it’s already time for Kia to give it’s EV6 electric model a facelift, but almost three years after landing on UK shores, here we are with a new-look, better-equipped car that boasts an increase in driving range too.

It now goes further and charges quicker thanks to a new fourth-generation 84kWh battery that sees an increase of 8.5 per cent compared to the outgoing car. And with it being compatible with fast charging, it can be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes.

There is a revised front end that delivers a futuristic look, new interior with improved ambient lighting, fingerprint recognition technology, along with extensive safety upgrades.

Customers have a choice of two powertrains, a 225bhp rear-wheel drive model or a 320bhp all-wheel drive version, and the 2024 EV6 is available in three generously-equipped trim levels called Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S, with prices starting from £45,575.

We opted for the range-topping EV6 GT-Line S with all-wheel drive for our test drive. 

Kia has built on the dynamic appeal of the current EV6 and given the 2024 model additional eye candy that’s guaranteed to grab the attention of onlookers.

There is a new-look front end that features sleek daytime running lights introducing new Kia Star Map signature lighting for a quite space-age look, along with a wing shaped bumper. This Star Map lighting can also be viewed at the rear and there is a centre light bar on the top-of-the-range GT-Line S models. Other design cues include a rear spoiler, privacy glass, model-specific badging, a sunroof with tilt and slide action, plus striking 20-inch alloys.

Moving inside, the interior cannot fail to impress. It is classier than many premium brands but for a far more attractive price-tag. The black artificial suede upholstered seats feature white artificial leather side bolsters and they look amazing, especially with the light-coloured steering wheel which is all-new and a nod to the EV6’s larger sibling, the EV9.

The seats and steering wheel are power-adjustable. The front seats can be heated or ventilated, the steering wheel can also be heated, along with the outer rear seats.

All gloss black shiny trimmings have been replaced with a brushed, textured finish so there will be no more fingerprint smudges and the ambient lighting has been enhanced too.

Two 12.3-inch screen merge seamlessly behind a single curved pane of glass for all infotainment needs. The left screen is the access point to the multitude of on-board features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, sat nav, Bluetooth and a pitch perfect 14-speaker Meridian sound system. The right screen shows all the vital driving stats such as range, battery charge levels, speed, drive modes and regenerative braking settings.

There is a customisable head-up display and all the climate control functions are controlled via a separate panel with haptic feel buttons for added convenience.

The new Kia EV6 has a larger 84kWh battery and buyers can select between rear or all-wheel drive. The single motor RWD versions have 225bhp and 350Nm of torque and can deliver 361 miles between charges (Air and GT-Line) or 347 miles (GT-Line S).

Both the GT-Line and GT-Line S can be specified with two motors, one on each axle, for all-wheel drive. This results in quite a power hike with 320bhp and 605Nm of torque, but the range is slightly less between charges at 339 miles for GT-Line and 324 miles for the GT-Line S.

But that extra power brings with it some pretty nifty performance figures. Our test car could sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds and maxed out at 116mph.

So, fair to say the EV6 is quick out the starting blocks and with its low centre of gravity, it’s exceptionally well-grounded and balanced when firing through twisting country lanes. 

It can eat up motorway miles for fun, cruising effortlessly at 70mph and, then in busier traffic with lots of stop-and-go driving, the regenerative braking comes into force. There are six levels to choose from, including an auto and i-pedal setting, with steering wheel paddles that can be used to easily increase or decrease the strength on the fly.

In addition, drive modes called Normal, Eco, Sport, My Drive and Snow are accessed via a button at the bottom of the steering wheel. These change the dynamics of the car with Sport adding an extra edge to the handling.

Refinement levels also impress with barely a sound filtering into the cabin and the highly-efficient suspension system smooths out all but the most severe bumps and dips along the way. 

The Kia EV6 looks dynamic when approached from any angle stretching 4,695mm in length, 1,890mm across (1,880mm for EV6 Air), 1,550mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,900mm.
The cabin is spacious and there is bundles of room up front for a couple of six-footers to sit comfortably. Space in the back also impresses and the flat floor means the middle passenger isn’t left straddling a large transmission hump. You could fit three adults across the back seats, but ideally it’s best suited for a trio of youngsters, especially on longer journeys.
The boot has a powered tailgate which opens nice and wide with quite a low loading lip. Capacity-wise, GT-Line S models can swallow 480 litres of kit, which is 10 litres less than other versions due to the positioning of the Meridian stereo’s sub-woofer. But drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and that capacity increases to a generous 1,300 litres. And there is a front trunk that can hold an extra 20 litres of kit. - this is also larger at 52 litres on the rear-wheel drive, single motor versions.
Throughout the cabin a number of practical storage compartments can be found, including a large glovebox, a huge centre storage area, seat back pockets, a central cubby, door bins, front and rear cup holders and a charging pad. 
And while we are on the subject of charging, the EV6’s 84kWh battery can be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent via a 350kW fast charger in just 18 minutes. The same charge can be achieved in 1 hour, 16 minutes using a 50kW unit, while an 11kW wallbox will take 7 hours, 30 minutes to go from 10 to 100 per cent.
 

The 2024 Kia EV6 line-up starts from £45,575 for the Air version with rear-wheel drive and increases to £57,175 for the GT-Line S model with AWD, as tested. If you want to add a heat pump to this particular model, it will cost an extra £950.
So, this Kia is not exactly cheap, but it is very high quality throughout and the company has an excellent reputation for reliability. That is backed up with one of the industry’s best warranty packages of seven years or 100,000 miles, increasing to eight years for the battery and motors. This warranty is also fully transferable if the vehicle is sold on.
And with zero carbon emissions, owners do benefit from a number of financial incentives too. For example, the road tax is free and the car is exempt from Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone fees. There is also no penalty for purchasing a vehicle costing in excess of £40k which owners of ICE cars are subject to. 
But, and it’s a big but, these financial incentives will all be cut back or withdrawn completely next year.
However, the EV6 boasts a very attractive Benefit in Kind tax rating of two per cent for any company car drivers out there who need a large family vehicle.
 

The Kia EV6 scooped a hat-full of awards when it first launched three years ago, but the clever designers and engineers have managed to improve the vehicle without any radical changes to scare off its loyal fanbase. It looks more muscular and sportier in its styling, the battery has improved and with that comes an increase in driving range, along with superior performance.
The cabin has been given a subtle, but quite significant makeover with the introduction of new sustainable materials to improve its eco-friendliness. It has a premium feel to it and the wealth of on-board technology is nice and intuitive without any overcomplicated procedures. We also like the short cuts to turn off the safety warning sounds with ease from the steering wheel.