Kia has upgraded the big-selling EV6 electric car (currently the fifth-best-selling EV in Ireland) with new styling and a bigger battery.
What’s new about the styling?
The most obvious changes to the EV6’s styling are the new headlights, which have a similar slim-outline look to those of the bigger EV9. Those lights also get Kia’s ‘Star Map’ running light signature, which gives them a little more character.
The bumpers - front and rear - are new, and the ultra-slim wrap over the rear lights also gets the ‘Star Map’ detailing. GT-Line versions will get sportier bumpers and exclusive alloy wheel designs. All in all, the EV6 looks a little smarter and sharper, but without spoiling the lines of one of the more handsome EVs on the market.
Any changes to the interior?
Yes, but the changes are quite subtle. There’s a new steering wheel with a redesigned centre and an updated console between the seats, which now includes a fingerprint scanner that can work as a starter button, so you no longer need a key. The wireless phone charging pad has now been upgraded to 15-watt power, and, again, GT-Line versions come with unique interior details and trims.
There’s also an upgrade to the infotainment system, which, of course, gets over-the-air software updates and a new connected car navigation setup. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is a digital key (which allows you to use your mobile phone as a key). The ADAS safety systems have also been upgraded and now feature a new hands-on-wheel detection system, improved lane-keeping, remote parking, and collision-avoiding braking that works when you’re reversing into a parking space. Oh, and there’s a 12-inch head-up display, too.
Tell me more about the extra range
The EV6 was originally available with a 77kWh (net useable) battery, but that’s now been expanded to 84kWh (net useable). On one charge, that stretches the EV6’s range to 582km, up from 504km previously). The maximum charging speed of the battery has also increased and is now up to 258kW from a sufficiently powerful DC rapid charger. That means the EV6 can now charge from 10-80 per cent power in just 18 minutes or add 343km of extra range in just 15 minutes, charger allowing, of course.
Kia says the extra charging performance is due to a cleverer battery and thermal management system. In spite of the increase in capacity, the battery pack actually weighs 1kg less than the old one.
Anything else?
The powertrains remain the same as before - rear-drive single motor or four-wheel drive dual-motor, with power outputs of up to 325hp (239kW) and torque of up to 605Nm. The high-performance GT model has not, as yet, been given any of these styling and cabin upgrades, which possibly means that it’s in for a bigger upgrade, possibly to the 650hp motor setup of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which, of course, shares the same E-GMP platform as the EV6.
The EV6 has also been given an updated body structure, which is stronger thanks to re-informed B-pillars and a seven-airbag system that includes a ‘bag between the two front seat occupants.
Kia Ireland has confirmed that the new EV6 will arrive in 2025 for the "251" registration plate.