Test: Kia Ev6 100% electric, the Korean Tesla?

Kia Ev6: the electric turning point

With 3.6% market share in 2021, Kia is placed as one of the manufacturers of the French top 10!It is therefore natural that the Korean manufacturer continues its conquest of the European market by deploying its strategy of electrification of its models.

Besides, the observation is there!Boosted by CAFE regulations and government aid, Kia notes a constant sales evolution of its electric vehicles. With 32% (en 2021) contre 16% des ventes Kia en 2019, il est clair que le thermique connait des heures compliquées.

First model of a new era!

"We aim to imagine the physical experience of our brand, and creates electric vehicles that are both daring, original and ingenious.[…] The Kia Ev6 perfectly embodies our start orientation "Movement that inspires" (from the movement comes inspiration) as well as our new philosophy of design.It has been designed to make the way to make an exceptional moment, by offering our customers an experiencein and natural experience intended to improve their daily lives, while hungaling a simple, intuitive and integrated functionality.»This is the promise of Karim Habib, senior vice-president and Dudesign manager of Kia worldwide.

Electric vehicle: a new name

As you understood, the EV6 has been designed and manufactured to embody Kia's new brand signature.

It is in this dynamic that the brand adopts a new name strategy for its 100% electric vehicles.Their names will start with the prefix "EV" (pronounced in English "I-Vi" in France), which will allow customers to identify them very easily.This prefix will be followed by a number corresponding to the position of the model in the range.

Ev6, a new dedicated platform

Concretely Kia Ev6 is the first model of the brand benefiting from the brand new E-GMP platform specially dedicated to electric vehicles of the brand.Thanks to this platform, the proportions of the vehicle are optimized: a larger wheelbase and reduced overhang.

And it is also felt in road performance, we will see this in detail afterwards.It's time to go to design ...

A new design, a new group strategy

After an overhaul of the logo in 2021, Kia reinterprets her stylistic codes to give them a more modern, more futuristic dimension.

This strategy will define the style of all future models of the brand.The Korean manufacturer clearly takes a new turn to establish its position in the hard jungle of electricity.No delay is allowed, the electrification race is raging and pushes brands to reinvent.So that's what Kia does with the Ev6 crossover.

Kia Ev6: reinvented stylistic codes

"What a concept car look!""This is my reaction when I saw the Ev6 for the first time.The design is avant-garde and assumed.And if I believe it on the road, I can tell myself that he really stings the curiosity of people.

"Tiger nose" grille 3.0!

The famous "Tiger nose" grille that can be seen on the Kia Xceed, gives way to the "Digital Tiger Nose".The goal is to transpose design into the electricity era.Marketing promise you say to me, except that a gap is clearly crossed by the Korean brand.

An aggressive front side

The front front is aggressive, the hood is plunging and the ribs give a curved effect that widens the front wings.The grille reduced to its minimum ends with stretched lights extending upwards the front wheel ark.Besides, daytime lights in the shape of a tapered boomerang come to strengthen the dynamism of the car.It also gives it a very specific light signature.

A smooth and elegant profile

In profile, the observation is simple, the fleeting roof line of the Kia Ev6 is completely inspired by a coupe.The style is simple, no brittle body lines, everything is in the elegance.The output handles even make the flanks of the EV6 "smooth".The gaze is guided subtly towards the back of the vehicle by the stylistic line of the side skirt.It starts behind the front wheel and ends on the start of the rear lighthouse.

An amazing rear

What to say about the back of the Kiaev6?Design is more marked than the front and especially that what the usual.Risk -taking is there.For once, he does not leave indifferent.

Rear lights already seen!

We find the famous headband of rear lights which has returned to fashion on the new models.The marchs gave themselves the word and sport it almost all.Small of this side.I expected a greater originality from Kia.

A subtle design

It is nonetheless successful.The rear light line forms a stretched diamond with the indicators and the chrome that dresses the trunk.Yes because scrolling indicators are not integrated into this red light line.They are subtly "hidden" under a part of the chrome effect.This is the subtlety of design and that is what makes this rump unique.

Muscular back and aileron

The rear fin really brings a sporty look to the Ev6.The large rear wings come to give a muscular side almost "mastoc" to the vehicle.Besides, this is perhaps what is disturbing: the different proportions between the tapered front and the "bulky" rear.

Kia Ev6: stylistic audacity!

Anyway, we can only salute Kia's stylistic audacity.Dynamic and innovative, this could summarize the design of the Kia Ev6.Level dimensions The Kia Ev6 displays 4.7m long, 1.8m wide, 1.5m high, and 2.9m of wheelbase.The new E-GMP platform has enabled designers some stylistic freedoms.Finally Kia claims the fact that the Ev6 is an elegant coupe line, sedan dimensions, while offering SUV habitability.Besides, what does the interior give?

Ev6: an interior designed for the user

With its 2.9m wheelbases and its flat floor, the Kia designers were able to give free rein to their imagination to dress the interior.

The double curved screens of (12.3 '' each), the floating central console, the steering wheel with two branches, the front seats and their atypical headrests, the multiple storage, all this embeds the occupants in a very minimalist atmosphere and"Spatial".

A serious upright

Assemblies and finishes really breathe quality.The interior has been developed with sustainable materials.Moreover, the seats fabric comes from recycled plastic and a total of 111 bottles of plastic plastic water have been reused for the entire Kia Ev6 cabin.

Space optimization

I was quite surprised by all the storage solutions.They are numerous and ingenious in the EV6.The bottom of the central console alone allows you to house a handbag and bottles of water, perfect not to annoy your passenger!The glove box offers a volume of 10.5 liters, and the front and rear cup holders can be used as additional storage.

Smart orders

I found the commands well thought out.The infodivement display is simple and effective.Use is reactive and intuitive.On the technologies side, no great evolution on this side, Kia is setting up on market standards: head-up display in augmented reality, display of alerts and navigation instructions, display of dead angles by camera (which appears directly onthe main screen).

Small disappointment on the rotary report selector which lacks originality.In addition, its location might suggest that it is a navigation selector for the main screen.

On the other hand, a real crush on the instrumentary bar.The design is futuristic and the most beautiful effect.The keys switch from the multimedia interface to air conditioning in the blink of an eye, it's really smart.

Rear passengers treated like ministers!

There is no need to say, the rear seats offer a really optimal and comfortable space for passengers: a very good roof guard and a very large leg spaces (99cm).For addicts to their smartphone or tablet, they will be able to connect them with the USB-C ports located in the front seats!

With a total of 510L of trunk (490L of chest + 20L for the AWD version), the KIA EV6 is more positioned in the average against its competitors on the market.

Behind the wheel of the Kia Ev6!

Enough about design, it's time to get into serious things.I was able to test two versions due: propulsion (RWD) in 229ch, 350nm of torque and the 4 -wheel drive (AWD) in 325hp, 605nm of torque.FYI, the GT version of 585hp and 740nm will be available in early 2022.

Kia Ev6: AWD version 325ch

I started my trial with the AWD 325ch version.To tell the truth, with more than 2 tonnes on the scale, I did not know what to expect ... I tell you right away, at no time did I feel the mass of the beast, and even in RWD version229ch!

Optimized architecture

Thanks to the E-GMP platform, KIA engineers positioned the pack of flat batteries on the entire floor surface.This has the effect of ensuring better distribution of the mass (53/47) and optimizing road qualities.Thus the center of gravity of the EV6 is particularly low for a 100% electric SUV.

A real driving pleasure: zero defect!

I found the Ev6 truly, reassuring and balanced on all types of roads.The estreactive direction, he does not have a cash movement, he does not undergo, even in behaviorsportive.He is really of disconcerting agility.

With a 605NM torque the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal is immediate.In sport mode, the EV6 makes a sound of American V8 ... not at all, I wanted to see if you followed!In sport mode, no radical change but there are even more watts!So be careful not to have too heavy foot.

On the highway, we will still note non-negligible air noise.Surely due to its large mirrors!It’s not really annoying but I admit I looked for the little beast to find a negative point.

And the RWD 229ch version?

Well it’s the same driving pleasure.I expected to really feel a real difference, but no.Of course, he undergoes his mass more but the 229ch make the job largely!The propulsion version has the same level of agility and balance as the 4 -wheel drive version.The only difference really lies in the right pedal.Besides, this version should be the best sold.

An almost perfect comfort

The suspension is firm but not rigid and the 20 ’rims do not make the Ev6" Tape ass ".In general, the Kia Ev6 perfectly absorbs road defects with great serenity!I found the comfort on board really very good, as much driving as a passenger.Only small shadow on the board, the lateral maintenance of the seats during the chain of turns.

Effective energy recovery

The Kia Ev6 is equipped with energy recovery technology at deceleration.This aims to maximize its autonomy.The palettes located behind the wheel allow you to adjust the desired recovery intensity.Finally, driving an electric car becomes a fun game.Indeed, we learn to optimize the deceleration of the vehicle to draw the best possible regenerative energy.I assure you that we are getting caught up in the game!

"I-Pedal" mode to optimize braking

The "I-Pedal" mode ensures the recovery of a maximum amount of energy to the braking and the smooth stop of the vehicle without the need to crush the brakes.This technology becomes the standard because it is essential in an electric vehicle.In addition, I find that it allows you to create an engine brake when driving in town or in the winding roads.

By having energy, and autonomy then?

A high autonomy battery of 77.4 kWh allows it to reach, in theory, up to 528km of autonomy, in 2 -wheel drive.Result: he is not condemned to wander only in town!

On a route mixing highway, city and countryside (with an eco -friendly driving), with air conditioning, ventilated front seats and infotainment in office, telephone on the induction charger, the Kia Ev6 (AWD 325hp) consumedAbout 24kWh per 100km.Or an autonomy of around 320km, far from the 528km announced.

A dedicated charging offer

Like any self -respecting manufacturer, the Korean brand offers its customers a specific price offer in partnership with Ionity.The Ionity Power subscription (13 euros/month) allows customers to benefit from recharge at 0.€ 29 per minute instead of 0.79 €.Kia thus puts everything in place to seduce her future customers.

The KIA EV6 also offers load capacities of 800V and 400V, without having to use additional components or adapters.Thus in ultra-fast recharge in 800V (maximum power accepted 239 kW), the battery can recharge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes.

Kia Ev6: advanced driving aids

The KIA EV6 offers a wide range of advanced driving aid systems including in particular (depending on the finish) Active level 2 driving at level 2 depending on finish, the cruise control coupled with navigation and help inremote intelligent parking.The Ev6s that I tried were both in GT-Line finish and over-equipped.So I was able to test the efficiency and relevance of these aids.You should know that many equipment is available as standard on EV6: Multi-collision braking system (MCB), autonomous emergency braking system with detection of pedestrians and cyclists (FCA) and crossing function, Active assistance to theDriving in traffic jams (LFA), recognition of limitation panels with speed regulation (ISLA).

And when faced with competition, what does it give?

Crossovers, electric SUVs start to invade the roads.How to make a place in the face of such harsh competition?The Kia Ev6 takes out the big game: punchy and innovative design, high equipment service.The Korean brand has put the package to launch its new electrification strategy for its vehicles.Not completely comparable to Tesla, the American manufacturer is still in interest to closely monitor the KIA advance on the electric market.

Size competitors

Apart from the Tesla leader, the Kia Ev6 confronts competing competitors.In particular at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (from € 43,600), at MG Marvel R (from € 39,990) and at the Ford Mustang Mach-E (from € 48,990).In 2 -wheel drive version the Kia Ev6 is offered from € 47,990 and in 4 -wheel drive from € 51,990.

In total, 4 finishes are available: Active, Air Design, Gt-Line and the famous GT.The first finishes are already very generously endowed, but if you want to offer the GT-Line version in 4-wheel drive, the one tried, you will have to make a check for € 59,790, excluding options.The Kia Ev6 offers for the moment a very good value for money but above all one of the fastest charging times on the market.

Ev6 assessment: Kia strikes hard!

The Korean manufacturer already had a foot in the electric car with in particular the E-Niro.There with the Ev6, Kia launches body and soul in the electric.The new strategy initiated by the brand aims to be daring and in total harmony with the well-being of the occupants.A bit as if the machine was one with humans.No, it's not the synopsis of a science fiction film, I reassure you.The facts are there.Kia's new philosophy shows a real renewal of the brand.Kia offers an electric crossover of the future, both by style and by technologies.The Ev6 is really successful, efficient and secure.No or few negative points blacken the table.Will he meet the success he deserves to customers?Isn't the price a bit high compared to the KIA brand image?The future will tell !

The Kia Ev6 in figures!

You will find below the technical characteristics of the 100% elere KIA crossover, the EV6 AWD 325ch, GT-Line finish.Length: 4.695 Master: 1.880 Mhauer: 1,550 Turnover: 2,900 Mvolume Box: 490 LPOIDS: 2,200 kgpiper: 325 hp Post: 605 Administrative nmputoring: 6 CVNNAL DEPOGRUCTION: Euro 6D-Temptype Battery: lithium-ioncapacity: 77.4 kwhtempsEstimated recharge (10 to 80%) on DC fast charging station (350 kW): 18 min (Max power.Accepted 239 kW) WLTP electrical autonomy: 528 km0 at 100 km/h: 5.2 SVIISTE MAX: 185 km/h

Test: Kia Ev6 The 100% electric crossover

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