KIA doesn’t hang about. While most manufacturers are still only starting their EV journey, Kia has already pushed out a facelifted model.
The EV6 was the first to use the brand’s cutting-edge 800v e-platform, since adopted by the EV9 and EV3.
It’s fair to say it’s a crucial update for the 2022 to keep things fresh.
We like its family-friendly size – it’s much bigger than it looks on paper.
We like its cosseting interior.
And we love its and impressively fast charging rate.
Its look, however, proved more polarising. The facelift has addressed that with those zigzag headlamps.
It certainly stands out – which is important on a road clogged with clones and derivatives.
too has been boosted. An all-new infotainment system features a panoramic screen, remote smart parking, horizontal ambient lighting and higher spec wireless phone charging.
Oddly, a fingerprint scanner has also rocked up to swap between different drivers’ settings. Not sure why.
The battery has taken a useful upgrade, growing from 77kWh to 84kWh, which results in an improved 361-mile range in the cheaper 225hp rear wheel-driven version.
A 320hp dual-motor option with all-wheel drive offering 324 miles is the range-topper . . . until the ballistic GT version with some 576hp is unleashed.
Although it ostensibly drives much the same as it ever did, the EV6’s on-road manners have been lightly re-tuned with more precise steering and softer suspension which pairs beautifully with super-comfy seats on a long haul.
It’s available in three trim levels. Entry-level Air comes with 19in alloys, black cloth and pleather seats, black wheel arches and parking sensors.
For three grand more, GT-Line adds two-tone seats, privacy glass, electric lumbar-adjusting seats and body-coloured wheel arches.
For five grand more, GT-Line S trim gets you 20in alloys, sunroof, electric boot, head-up display and a 360-degree camera.
If you want four-wheel drive and the extra horsepower from dual motors that’s another £3,500. Sadly, however, the rather important heat-pump remains a £950 option on all models.
At least mega seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty is standard, though.
The EV6, after its midlife facelift, remains a recommendable EV. But with prices still high, it’s not a bargain one.
Lovely touches including a three-pin plug socket under the rear seats, soft-lined storage compartments, and advanced but intuitive tech do make this updated large family crossover an excellent EV proposition to live and live well with.
