Review of the Kia EV6 GT: Bang for buck that is ‘better than a Tesla’
Sledgehammer acceleration in the EV6 GT propels Kia into a new performance stratosphere.
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When making performance claims against the likes of Porsche and Ferrari, you’d need to be beyond confident.
When Kia started marketing the performance version of its electric car it made some bold comparisons. In a 400m drag race, Kia pitted its star EV up against the Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-AMG GT, McLaren 570S, Porsche 911 Targa 4 and a Ferrari California T – only the McLaren was quicker.
The fastest Kia produced is also the most expensive. Drive-away you’re looking at more than $100,000.
It’s been a meteoric ride for Kia over the past decade, which has grown from the bargain basement to performance penthouse.
Our family sampled the new arrival to see how it coped with daily duties.
WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
KEL: The EV6 is an arresting looking vehicle no matter which model, but the GT takes things up a notch.
GRANT: Neon green brake calipers and big 21-inch alloys wearing sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are the key design cues to showcase its something special. And it’s an absolute weapon.
KEL: Fresh from an overnight charge I saw it had a range of just above 400km.
GRANT: That’s not bad from a performance model. The base model EV6 Air starts from about $76,700 and has a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 185km/h. Spend another $35k and this bonkers EV will make the same trip in 3.5 seconds on its way to 260km/h.
KEL: Insanely fast, not that most people would get anywhere near those figures on public roads.
GRANT: No, but it’s always nice to know you can. Sporty features are not restricted to mechanical, with front bucket seats made from a combination of suede and man-made leather.
KEL: Our test car was finished in the matte grey and it looked brilliant.
GRANT: Other options in the GT include red, blue, pearl white and black.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE?
KEL: Space is a massive upside with electric vehicles. The EV6 has an awesome area below a floating centre console where I can place my gear for the gym or handbag.
GRANT: Finishes across the surfaces you touch most feel high quality and the cabin looks cool – the “go fast” GT button on the steering wheel and the stitching on the seats also matches the neon green on the outside calipers.
KEL: When you pumped the stereo it sounded impressive.
GRANT: Meridian provides the stereo, which also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is also available for phones, although for the smartphone mirroring to work it has to be plugged into the USB-A slot.
WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?
KEL: Given the price I would have expected electronic adjustment of the front seats.
GRANT: Power adjustment is available in the GT-line but the bucket seats are designed to hug you into place when the going gets twisty. Also manual is the steering wheel adjustment.
KEL: We’ve raised it before in other new Kias as well, and that’s the requirement to toggle between infotainment and aircon controls on the dash. It’s fine once you get used to it, but it just adds an additional click.
GRANT: Our Cerato has a faster setup with dials for the aircon and quick access to the stereo via the touchscreen.
HOW WAS THE DRIVE?
KEL: Despite being a performance model, daily duties were still easy and simple.
GRANT: Once you press the GT button things get real. The acceleration is nothing short of brutal.
KEL: It’s crazy fast. The last EV I remember feeling that quick was the Porsche Taycan.
GRANT: Not as quick as the Turbo S which can achieve from standstill to 100km/h in less than three seconds (it also has a price tag of $366,000), the feeling is still rollercoaster quick.
KEL: Undertaking a city trip, I thought it was one of the best safety packs I’ve experienced in terms of changing lanes. You could use the radar cruise control with confidence and it didn’t jam on the brakes aggressively when it wasn’t required.
GRANT: The GT also has automatic campers which adjust the suspension according to the road conditions and how quickly you are travelling. It hangs on beautifully in the bends … a genuine driver’s car and not only good for straight line performance.
KEL: While the range of more than about 400km is fine, that would still cause many people anxiety.
GRANT: Depending on how much you exercise the ability it can quickly drain capacity and real world driving is more likely in the high 300km realm.
WOULD YOU BUY ONE?
KEL: My favourite EV remains the Genesis GV60 which costs similar money. I still love the EV6 but I wouldn’t use the GT’s power, so I’d happily save some money and take the GT-Line version for about $80,000.
GRANT: Bang for buck doesn’t come much better than the EV6 GT. It’s supercar-like performance at a fraction of the price. Plus it looks better than a Tesla and with better exterior design.
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Originally published as Review of the Kia EV6 GT: Bang for buck that is ‘better than a Tesla’
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