Introduction
I had the opportunity to take a Kia EV6 out for a 24-hour drive for work purposes. At Bonnet, we were testing out our app integration with the GeniePoint network and needed a car to do the testing.
To date, I had tried many small EVs such as the Vauxhall E-Corsa, the Honda E, and the Renault Zoe (check out my reviews for those), but I hadn't tried a larger EV. I had my reservations about the sheer size and weight of the thing, I mean I very much doubted it could feel any good with it weighing in at around 2 tonnes thanks to that massive 77.4kW battery on the AWD GT-Line model.
I must also confess that I am a Kia fanboy at heart. My first car was a measly 80bhp Rio and then graduated to a diesel guzzling Sportage a few years after that. I'd had my fair share of cheap plastic interiors, so it was nice to jump in the driver's seat and feel what I can only compare to what you see in the luxury German brands.
The trim lighting and the infotainment screens were massive, and you really felt like you were taking the wheel of a spaceship rather than a car, especially a Kia. After driving both the EV6 and its sister car the Ioniq 5, I can say I personally prefer the interior of the Kia. It feels like you're getting more for your money even though they are very similar.
Taking in the experience from the outside is a polarising matter. The car takes on odd proportions in its attempt to break the mould; a very short front end, and beautiful front and rear lights, although the latter seems to be like the marmite in the car world. The wheelbase is very long but doesn’t turn like a bus, it gives me visions of this base being used for a sexy saloon car, much like the new Ioniq 6 that was recently announced.
Looking at the almost 500-litre cavern in the back, I couldn’t imagine struggling to fit anything in there within reason. The shape is also nice and squared off which makes it very useful and easy to gauge.
With all that in mind, it was time to drive it out of the rental garage. Off I went.
Thoughts at 100%
First impressions; that’s a lot of technology. Cameras coming out of your ears. Blindspots show up over your speedometer when you indicate, 200 apps on the centre screen all denoting different features. It was definitely a lot compared to more gentle forays into the EV space, such as the aforementioned smaller EVs. This wasn’t too much for me as I’m rather into my tech anyway, but I can imagine this flustering quite a lot of buyers who are more used to a car than a driving computer.
Of course, the first thing I did, when I was out of view from the lovely people who respectfully gave me their car, was floor it. And I was not disappointed, the acclaimed 5.1s 0-60 time was probably correct, but I couldn’t tell you officially as I was abiding by the laws of the road... Rolling starts in EVs always throw you back in your seat more than a standing start anyway; a small trick if you really wanted to show an EV sceptic how fun they really are. With that out of my system, I took the rental to collect my partner and complete a 60-mile round trip.
This trip took me along the M25 down to Sevenoaks, in which the car demonstrated its confident lane-keeping technology. Before the EV6 the first thing I’d do in any car (aside from the Honda E) was turn off lane-keeping assist, as it felt more dangerous than my driving which is saying something. Not in this car though, it hugged the centre of the lane comfortably and I felt sure the car had it under control, cruise control was also a pleasure.
Getting into town gave me an opportunity to try one-pedal driving, or as Kia calls it, iPedal. I’m sure Apple will be pissed about that one once their rumoured car comes out. Anyway, being able to use your car with one foot around town was undoubtedly one of the best features EVs offer in general, but Kia’s implementation here in the EV6 felt comfortable, and I got used to stopping distances really quick and was able to roll up to roundabouts without causing large pileups. I’m sure I could get used to that if I was to purchase this car, but it was a shame that I couldn’t find a way to turn it on by default.
The day after, I drove the car down to my local GeniePoint charger to allow the tech team at work to test the charging connection between the charger and our app. The charging port on this car is positioned in a similar sort of position to where you're used to the fuel cap being, on the rear driver's side of the car. This is my favourite position as having the charging port on the front really makes it difficult to leave parking spaces, so I always appreciate a car with a rear charging port. Charging is quick as well, if you can find a charger that supports its ridiculous 350kW charging speed, then you could be at 100% from 0% in under 20 minutes. Back in the real world where the only public chargers you'll find are usually 50kW, you can still reliably charge this car from dead in under an hour. You could find time to get your shopping done or get a bike from McDonald’s in the time it takes to charge from 20-80% like most people should.
Thoughts at 0%
While I didn’t get this car down as low as we’d hoped in my testing (0% is the target), it is a testament to the car's efficiency and massive battery. The drive was pleasant and the safety tech was confidence-inspiring. Plenty of things to learn about your car while you’re parked up driving, which you won’t be doing for long thanks to the ultra-fast charging this car offers.`
I had a look at the journey I had done the day before and the one to my closest charger. A total of 100 odd miles at the point I was testing at Geniepoint and still had well over half my charge left. I was averaging above 3 miles per kW, which was perfectly in line with what I was expecting from this car. I’d be confident in seeing this car through around 200-250 miles range in most conditions. If the range is really important and you’re looking for closer to the 300-mile mark, I would not opt for the sporty AWD trim. Where the power is fun and the car feels like a monster, it really isn’t worth the added weight and power draw another motor brings. The standard car comes with all the tech thrills, just not the power, but you do get an acclaimed 10-20 miles of extra range, and you get to keep £6,000 for the privilege.
As for passenger experience in the car, I had given my friend and my partner a lift during the time I had the car. Both reported that the drive was comfortable and that the leg room in the back was absolutely vast, more than they knew what to do with in fact. My friend was sitting in odd positions just to see how much of the space he could use. There are also USB ports in the back of the front seats for the rear passengers to use in a pinch. The front seats don’t benefit from the centre display very much as the display is curved towards the driver, but that’s just an observation, not a dealbreaker. They might have to reach around awkwardly to add a drive-thru stop to the journey.
The Good
Strong confident range at 250 miles and above depending on the spec you pick.
Driving feels pretty good for what is a 2-tonne family car, accelerating can scare your passengers if they aren’t ready.
Ample space in both the boot and the cabin, making both passengers and your luggage feel like they are in first class.
The Bad
Infotainment could be overwhelming if you’re used to a car with an analogue clock in the middle.
It’s very pricey for the GT trims, I think people should opt to keep the £6,000 rather than take the added power and weight.
Looks could polarise, many might be more comfortable with the Ioniq 6, it’s a safer bet looks-wise.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a car that actually does all the things a car does well; big boot, big space, good range, and good peripheries in the shape of tech and screens, then this is definitely the car for you. It does warrant the price difference from their other line up such as the E-Niro, as that car feels like a car that’s been given a battery. The Kia EV6 feels electrified, and it’s proud to show off its valiant effort towards the future of motoring.
Would appreciate If you could cover towing. Not a detailed review, just ask the salesmen for key features and crucially give the braked towing capacity