Introducing the 2022 Kia EV6, Kia’s newest electric vehicle (EV), and the first real glimpse of the future for Kia EVs. Using their sister company Hyundai’s new E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), Kia created an elegant, futuristic vehicle that delivers SUV dimensions with sedan styling for a unique crossover appearance.
As pre-orders of the first generation have sold out, Kia prepares for the second wave of sales they expect to be high. As a result, we agree and put together this overview of the Kia EV6. If you’re ready to elevate your Rochester, MN commute with one of the best EVs to hit the market, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Interior Features
*GT interior shown. Delayed availability.
Kia created the EV6 cabin, including many comfort and technology features not found on prior Kia EVs. Also, the EV6 ranks a cut above other top-tier Kia models. The 12-inch instrument cluster joins with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display behind a single sheet of black glass. Using one sheet of glass presents what appears to be a single, seamless, expansive display.
The display curves slightly toward the driver for easy viewing and operating in its center. The instrument cluster uses virtual technology for displaying critical driving data, and you can customize the information you wish to see. Blue light-filtering reduces eye strain and user fatigue. In addition, Kia adds an augmented reality head-up display that projects advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) alerts, speed, vehicle information, lane guidance, and more to the windshield before you.
A stylish two-spoke steering wheel features black with white trim and a flat bottom for sport-inspired handling. Matching trim on the center console adds a sophisticated touch. Even the sound system captures cutting-edge technology. Kia installed a 14-speaker premium Meridian audio system with Intelli Q speed-sensing volume that adjusts sound output to compensate for road and other ambient noise.
UVO Link, Kia’s remote operations platform, enables EV6 owners to access connected vehicle applications. Functionality includes smart speakers for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, stolen vehicle recovery, and Kia Pay for retail purchasing at participating outlets. Also, UVO Link enables remote start, lock, and unlock capability.
Exterior Features
The EV6 presents a bold fascia from the front with boomerang-shaped headlights and daytime running lights with a moving light pattern design. The hood, set low in the front, slopes upward, meeting the windshield, which in turn angles back for improved aerodynamics.
Along the side of the body, you’ll notice the DRLs end where the bulging wheel arches begin. The thin silver beltline runs below the black side rocker panels before sloping up toward the rear, rising sharply at the C-pillar and flared rear wheel wells. The EV6 roofline gently slopes to the back before angling sharply down. This design element gives the EV6 a sedan-type style without compromising interior headroom for rear passengers. The flush door handles add to the futuristic exterior, while the signature alloy wheels come in various styles at 19, 20, and 21-inch sizes.
Engine & Performance
While the EV6 has no engine, you have multiple powertrain configurations. You can choose between two battery pack configurations, two drivetrains, and four different outputs. The base EV6 comes in a Standard Range setup using a 58 kWh battery or a Long Range version using a 77.4 kWh battery. You get a 125-kW rear electric motor in the Standard Range that produces 168 horsepower. The Long Range version comes with your choice of a 225 horsepower rear electric motor or two electric motors, one for the front and another for the rear that produces 320 horsepower combined.
Coming in the latter part of 2022, the Kia EV6 GT model will rival other top-tier models in the power and speed departments. The EV6 GT travels from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds in testing. In addition, the top speed of 162 mph puts it on par with the fastest EVs available today.
Battery charging speed remains a top priority for drivers, second only to battery capacity. The faster you can recharge your battery, the quicker you get back on the road and on to your destination. When recharging speeds reach refueling speeds on gas-powered cars, the actual takeoff begins for EVs. The EV6 gets close with a multi-charging system supporting 400-volt and 800-volt direct-current charging.
With DC fast-charging, the EV6 recharges at rates between 50-kW and 350-kW. As a result, you can add 70 miles of range in less than 5 minutes. The EV6 can recharge up to 80% capacity in less than 18 minutes using ultra-fast charging, which translates to 210 miles of driving range.
The base Standard Range EV6 battery recharges in 6.3 hours using a Level 2 charger. On Long Range models with rear-wheel drive, Level 2 charging takes 8.7 hours to recharge and 8.4 hours for the AWD models.
How Much Will the Kia EV6 Cost?
Kia offers the EV6 at a surprisingly reasonable $45,000 for the first edition orders. After that, the price goes up to around $54,000 on the higher-end models. Kia hasn’t released pricing information yet on the EV6 GT set to debut in late 2022, but you can expect pricing to climb as high as $70,000 with premium options.
Can I Order a Kia EV6?
Kia has closed pre-ordering on its First Edition EV6 models, selling out at their 1,500 unit limit. Kia expects delivery to occur in the first quarter of 2022. Even though you can’t pre-order the EV6 any longer, you can sign up to stay informed on the next production run. Kia plans to launch showroom sales in all 50 states simultaneously, probably early in the first quarter of 2022. Buyers can expect a limited number of vehicles to hit showrooms, and you can custom-order your EV6 once this effort launches.
At Tom Kadlec Kia, we’re excited about the newest Kia EV. Our team eagerly awaits the first EV6 models to arrive on our lot soon. If you’re interested in experiencing the new EV6, we invite you to contact us. We’ll add you to our EV6 list and keep you abreast of its arrival.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.