The wait is finally over, KIA EV6 is here, but only for 500 people.

The delectable EV6 has been rolled out across world markets to many, many gongs. Along with its IONIQ5 sibling, it is much awarded and awaited. So, was it worth all the hype?

So often seeing a car in person leads to many tears cast soporifically into one’s soup, but not in this case. The exterior is a symphony of lines, sculpting and delicious lighting arrays, even in the base mode “Air”. GT-Line has the extra gear, but one of the few “AIR” tell-tale-base-model signs is the drab grey wheel arch moldings. GET.IN.THE.BIN. And, that’s all I’ll say on the matter.

I love a gadgets, so it seems a little mean Air’s door handles don’t pop out when unlocked as they do in the posh models. You have to push the leading edge to make the trailing edge pivot out. It isn’t a deal breaker, luckily.

It may surprise you to learn EV6 has a wheelbase similar to that of the much larger Palisade from Hyundai. That is a full-size conveyance with a body like The Hulk. EV6 is all slinky and sexy, and in the matte grey, begs you to caress it like a Da Vinci marble.

The swoopy bonnet holds an angry set of LEDs to light the way ahead, and like all BEVs, aims to be as slippery as possible. Although technically an SUV, EV6 feels and looks more like an executive hatch, and I like it a lot. It is striking without being so weird that people run from the room. The obvious comparison is the Segment king, Tesla. Without wanting to comment too much on the American contingent, EV6 is properly put together, and promises to stay that way, backed by a 7 year warranty.

If you squint just the right way, there are hints of other KIA’s present, such as the concave rear end similar to the new Sportage. The rump manages to look both simple and complex at the same time. The lighting array sweeps up in a single glorious line from the front wheel arch, up and across the back door, broken briefly by the rear wheel arch. It then continues a diagonal line up and across the hatch and back around to the front wheel on the other side. Lines in this kind of automotive design celebrate a new kind of freedom afforded by the green ethos of EV-ness.

Above: This Week – 2022 KIA EV6 (Australian Launch) Review

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ABOVE: 2022 KIA EV6

A “fan” of LEDs form an arch right across the rear, with indicators dissecting the lower hatch. It looks beautiful during the day, but really comes to life at night.

The coupe-style roof is quite low, normally spelling disaster for rear seaters. I was stunned to sit in the back to find a ton of head room, and no less than 20cm of knee room.

Pricing is a bit is a surprise, with AIR starting at 67grand. GT-line is $74,990 for Rear wheel drive, and $82,990 for the dual motor AWD. This is starting at a much lower bar than Hyundai’s IONIQ5, and a very clever marketing strategy by KIA.

All 500 units of the first run have been sold.

Download Specifications HERE: KIA_MY22_EV6_Spec_Sheet_

Accessories brochure HERE: EV6-Accessories-Brochure

Inside:

The cabin is an absolute triumph.

Some overseas reviewers say that inside doesn’t match the outside, and they are wrong. KIA eschews the rampant Chanelism of “Less is More. Coco said, “before you leave home, take off whatever was the last thing you put on.” Balderdash. Take it all with you, and more. In the automotive world, more is still not enough. After all, you might be sitting in your cocoon for a very long road trip. Can you do a road trip? More about that later.

A purpose-built EV has the luxury of a flat floor, meaning punters can stretch out, and designers can let their pens run free.

Starting in the boot, you get a nice flat 490L (in AIR) of space that increases to 1270 if there are no freeloaders in the back seats. The one drawback of EVs, especially those with front and rear motors, is there is little space for a spare tyre, so a wretched repair kit is your lot. I hate them. They are the work of the devil and must be banished.  KIA says tyre technology has moved on and flats are rare, but I’ll be the judge of that thanks very much. No, it is a much better idea to take advantage of the kerbside assist by getting an attractive technician to come to your aid, on his white steed.

I’ve covered the rear seats, but it is so good, we’ll do it again. Space has the capaciousness of a Bracknell handbag. You could easily enjoy a champers and canape there, while watching a film. Your tablet might be powered by the in-seat USB. Although I couldn’t find a KIA accessory, I’m sure there is an after-market holder somewhere abouts.

Finally, rear vents are in the B Pillar, meaning you’ll get air in your face, not up your frock, a disappointment to some I’m sure.

The front seats really are the place to be.

GT-Line is the top model and comes in rear or all wheel drive. AWD models have a rather forgettable sunroof. Let’s face it, you’ll not open it because EVs are more efficient with everything shut. Gay buyers like something classy, or something cheap, and little in-between. EV6 feels solid, well made, and beautifully designed. It is no wonder it is so well awarded.

The curving dash is two 12.3” tablets, with the centre one having touch input. I just adore sloppy finger marks on my nice clean surfaces.

There is an HUD too, and that’s something you cannot do without once you’re used to it.

Heating and cooling a human is most efficient when done at close quarters. To that end, seats are heated and cooled, and your pinkies are kept toasty by a heated steering wheel. There is no engine to heat water, so all cabin heating is from an electric element that drains your battery. It’s a bugger, but there it is. You can have just the driver’s side climate operating if you wish.

The centre console is a work of art. The organic form rises gracefully from the flat floor, and has a spot for your bag, as long as it is a Glomesh clutch and not a postie’s satchel. USBs-aplenty adorn the cabin, with 4 type C and a type 1 to be had. 12v power X 2 in the boot and front tray, and a nifty household style socket in the rear.

Gadgets:

Driver and safety aids are as per many other KIAs, including active lane control, and AEB. Smart cruise takes the worry out of highway travel and as I say in the film, you almost don’t need to be there. As always, these are aids only, not substitutes for good driving.

During our day out in Canberra, KIA put on coffee at one of the rest stops. The cart was powered by an EV6 with its VTL adaptor fitted. So, you could power your laptop inside, then when you get where your going, plug it in outside. You might even power your campsite, which is the bomb if you’re an outdoorsy type.

Best of all, you could rescue your better half should his/her EV be stranded. The vehicle-to-vehicle transfer is a bit of a game changer, but this is not bi-directional charging as such, so EV6 won’t be part of a micro grid. That is not to say your EV6 could not be used to store your excess solar at home.

The Battery/Charging

The 77.4kWh unit is the only one KIA is offering. When asked about recycling, KIA said there is limited option for anything other than repurposing. In due course, all batteries will be dismantled and harvested for remanufacture.

Companies like ChargeFox have committed to providing 100% renewable charging, with 50kw  units often being free of cost. Slower charging is almost always free, and Ultra fast around 40c a kWh.

The Drive:

EV6 is a peach. Its killer looks transflates to excellent road manners. That’s hard to do in a car weighing 2,000kg, with that hefty 77.4kWh battery pack under the floor. With softer damping, ride can be a bit flollopy, but Graeme Gambold, who is KIA Australia’s suspension expert, says the balance between ride and handling is as good as he can get it.

Ride is limousine-esque on the 20” wheels. It would be even better if buyers didn’t demand rims the size of a small moon. Low profiles are great for better handling, but just, why? Most of us can’t drive like Rosberg, and there is no point pretending we can. That always ends up like a rhino in a china shop.

In fact, the vast majority of us drive in and around big cities and larger rural centres. Roads can be unkind, especially around construction zones. In traffic, EV6 feels nippy, yet substantial, and the steering varies with drive mode.  While Sport mode is fun, normal modes afford plenty of zip and decent range.

Importantly, you get a regal experience fit for a queen.

239kw/605Nm of combined output is good for a 0-100kph of 5.2 seconds. Regenerative braking captures lost energy which extends range very slightly, and the rate of regeneration can be set by using the “gear paddles” on the steering wheel. Around town, you can set the system to “I-Peddle” which all but eliminates the use of the brake pedal. It may sound awkward but takes only a jiff to get used to.

You’ll get up to 528km of “are we there yet” depending on the model, and after 4 hours of driving we still had plenty in reserve. Having said that, Canberra is a bit light-on for fast charging. In fact, there is none.

Although 50kw chargers are better than nothing, trying to find one can be a chore.

Closer to home, a 350kw ultra-fast ChargeFox is close-by.  You can monitor your range easily, which is something never far from your mind. The NSW Government has committed to ultra fast charging along well travelled routes, meaning an intercity road trip becomes easy. Not only that, it is cheaper than even the cheapest ICE trip.

There is remote parking as seen in our Genesis video HERE

With this rather clever feature, you set automated parking up by pressing search and waiting for the car to find a space. You then have the option of getting out and pressing the button on the key fob. EV6 will then guide itself into a kerbside space, or a 90o space like that in a shopping centre. It is a thing to watch but is a gadget that will probably see little use. It is quicker to park yourself.

Acceleration for rear wheel drive models is 7.3 seconds to 100kph.

Conclusion:

As Big Kev used to say, “I’m excited.”

It is hard to overstate just how good EV6 is. It does everything it says on the box, and more. It has maximum safety ratings, and a long range battery. Best of all, it isn’t weird. It is a perfectly normal car that runs on the sun and the wind, not little bits of long dead dinosaur.

It gets top marks from me.

Price: $82,990

Motor: dual electric

Power: 239kw/605Nm (combined)

Range: 484km (528 for AIR)

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