The Hyundai Motor Group is not wasting any time rolling out its E-GMP dedicated electric car platform as after the Ioniq 5 unveiled a few weeks ago, the Kia EV6 is now making its official debut. Featuring the company’s updated logo, the zero-emissions crossover ushers in a new design language for the South Korean brand, dubbed “Opposites United.”
Kia says it was inspired by the contrasts found in nature and humanity, but marketing speak aside, the EV6 is quite the looker. It looks like no other Kia model before it, featuring a massive clamshell hood as wide as the vehicle along with a gently sloped roofline reminiscent of coupes. Pop-out door handles have been installed, and we’re noticing the pillars have been blacked out to give the sensation of a “floating roof.”
To further separate it from Kia’s conventionally powered cars, the designers have given the new EV6 unique LED daytime running lights with a sequential light pattern as an integral component of the so-called Digital Tiger Face. It’s a reference to the corporate “tiger nose” front grille the automaker’s models equipped with combustion engines feature.
You can’t see it, but the EV6 has a completely flat floor to enhance airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency. What we can easily observe is the dramatically sweptback windshield, while the prominent character line running across the bottom of the doors before curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches makes the electric crossover seem longer than it is.
Moving at the back, the arched taillights meet in the middle courtesy of a full-width LED light bar making the EV6 appear wider and more imposing when viewed from behind. The roof-mounted spoiler is more than just for show as it serves a functional purpose by pushing air downwards to the integrated spoiler of the tailgate.
Kia has also published revealing images of the cabin, which much like the exterior, is significantly different from the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s even though the two ride on the same E-GMP platform. We do notice some similarities, such as the side-by-side fully digital screens and the continuous air vent design. Below the touchscreen of the infotainment system are the climate controls, which consist of touch-sensitive buttons providing haptic feedback.
The lower center console integrating the start/stop button and some other controls has a floating effect and there’s a dedicated storage area right below it, complete with dual USB charging ports. The two-spoke design bearing Kia’s new logo further separates the EV6’s interior from other models, as do the slim seats upholstered using fabrics made from recycled plastics.
The full debut is scheduled to take place before the end of the month during a dedicated online event, and while Kia isn’t sharing any technical specifications today, we do have some preliminary info previously announced by the company. Expect impressive performance as the EV6 will do 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, presumably for the range-topping version with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 supports ultra-fast charging, with 62 miles (100 kilometers) of range after just four minutes of charging. From 10% to 80%, the battery can be replenished in 18 minutes, while a full charge will be enough for a range of more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle.
By benefitting from a platform exclusively engineered for EVs, it means the Kia EV6 will have a completely flat floor, short overhangs, optimized weight distribution, and a low center of gravity by mounting the battery low. The cheaper versions will likely make do with a single electric motor mounted at the back for a RWD setup, and there’s a good chance buyers will get to pick from at least two battery sizes.
Following its world premiere within the next two weeks, the Kia EV6 will go on sale this summer. It’s widely believed Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury brand Genesis is putting the finishing touches on an electric crossover based on the same E-GMP platform. The official reveal could take place before the end of the year and the vehicle is likely going to be called GV60.
All three Korean brands are preparing a wide array of EVs to be offered in various shapes, with crossovers taking priority since the segment is still very much booming. Sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and even sports cars are in the offing, allowing Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to cover the most important segments of the market while the automotive industry gradually switches to purely electric propulsion.
Source: Kia
