2022 Kia EV6

By Alex Forrest

The EV6 stands to significantly change the way Kia is regarded as a manufacturer.

For an EV of its size, range and performance, the EV6 is relatively affordable, a trait that promises to give competitors such as Tesla something to think about.

Unlike other EVs such as the Hyundai Kona EV and Volvo XC40 Recharge, the EV6 has been designed from the ground-up as an EV. Its underpinnings don’t have to allow for a combustion engine or other mechanical parts, and its interior space can be optimised.

There’s no bump in the floor for the middle rear passenger to negotiate, the wheels are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle, and the batteries can be lower in the vehicle.

There are only two equipment grades, being the entry-level Air variant ($75,480 drive away) and the top-spec GT-Line (from $82,930 for the rear drive). An AWD GT-Line will be $93,150.

All EV6s have a 77.4kWh battery pack weighing 477kg.

That’ll take AWD versions 484km according to the regulation test. RWD EV6 GT-Line models go 504km in the same test, while the entry level Air variant went 528km thanks to having lower electrical loads from fewer extras.

It was no surprise that even the rear-drive EV6 we drove had no shortage of performance. However, it was astonishing just how well this large, 2000kg crossover vehicle handles and rides.

Kia is in the habit of tailoring the suspension and steering of its vehicles for the Australian market, and the EV6 is the first mainstream brand to use a new damping technology called Selective Damping Control.

Put though challenging dips and curves, the EV6’s grip and handling control was astounding given its size.

The EV6 is one of the best EVs on the Australian market, however that’ll be theoretical for many, given long delivery times being faced by the EV6.