- Dedicated BEV platform creates class-leading interior space
- High-tech relaxation seats conveniently recline creating a calming interior space for occupants
- Strong focus on ergonomics for an intuitive driving experience
- Clever storage solutions and impressive cargo capacity makes EV6 suitable for a one-car household
- Innovative vehicle-to-load (V2L) function and strong towing capacity heightens scope for adventure
The new Kia EV6 provides a level of usability not seen before in the BEV (battery electric vehicle) segment thanks to the introduction of a series of innovative and high-tech features.
Combined with advanced 800V fast-charging capabilities that enable a 10-to-80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes, the new model offers a potential zero-emissions electric driving range of over 316 miles. Order books for the Kia EV6 are now open, with first deliveries expected across Europe in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Spacious cabin
Based on Kia’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV6’s cabin benefits from class-leading interior space and functionality. Front passengers are greeted by a lean, minimalist dashboard architecture that emphasises the cabin’s remarkable sense of space. With no need to house a central transmission tunnel, the EV6’s flat floor provides rear seat passengers with 990mm of leg room for exceptional space and comfort.
An innovative new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system further enhances front passenger comfort and interior space. By incorporating an HVAC architecture that is split between the inside and outside of the cabin, the size of the interior portion of the HVAC system is reduced by 55 per cent. This layout ensures a slimmer cockpit design and more space for front seat passengers, while securing optimal cooling performance.
Special relaxation seats enable the driver and front passenger to relax in supreme comfort and luxury while the EV6 is parked or charging. At the touch of a button, the seats can lift and recline, optimising posture and body pressure distribution, while allowing occupants to stretch out, read a book, or get some sleep. The seats’ lightweight, slim-line design further enhances the EV6’s interior space.
Premium materials are used throughout the EV6’s cabin for a welcoming feel, while their selection has also been chosen for utmost durability. The cabin is trimmed in a range of sustainable materials, from vegan leather trims to seat fabrics and floor carpet made using recycled plastics, equivalent to 100 plastic 500ml water bottles per car.
All of the EV6’s primary controls are located within easy reach of the driver for an intuitive driving experience. The vehicle’s space-saving Shift-By-Wire selector is conveniently placed alongside the EV6’s starter button on the centre console, while the sleek steering wheel integrates key ADAS switches for maximum operability. Touch-type control switches for the EV6’s heated steering wheel and ventilated and heated seats are also within easy reach for convenience.
Impressive storage space
The EV6’s clever storage solutions cater for all needs. A sizeable centre storage tray provides a convenient space for small bags and tablets, and an integrated wireless charging pad enables users to charge their smartphones with ease. The glovebox is larger than normal thanks to the split HVAC architecture, delivering 10.5 litres of space. Handy front and rear drinks holders provide added storage potential.
Generous boot space afforded by the E-GMP architecture means the EV6 is ready for the next adventure, providing 520 litres (VDA) of boot space with the second-row seats in place. With the 60:40 second-row seats folded, stowage capacity increases to approximately 1,300 litres. The EV6 also features a front ‘trunk’, or ‘frunk’, providing an additional 52 litres of storage space for RWD models and 20 litres for AWD models, with enough space for the vehicle’s charging cable.
Innovative vehicle-to-load and impressive towing
Further enhancing outdoor adventure opportunities is the EV6’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that drastically improves charging flexibility. An Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) enables up to 3.6kW of power to be discharged from the vehicle’s battery via a simple adapter that turns the exterior charging plug into a power socket. The adapter plug will be market specific, featuring a three-pin plug for UK buyers, enabling the EV6 to charge anything from external domestic appliances to other EVs. Inside the cabin, a handy charging port located under the rear seats allows passengers to charge devices from the vehicle’s battery without the need for additional adapters.
Furthermore, the EV6 is designed to tow up to 1,600kg when equipped with the 77.4kWh battery both in RWD and AWD configurations. For customers who opt for the 58kWh battery*, the EV6 offers up to 750kg of towing capacity. Whichever option is chosen, the EV6 provides strong electric vehicle performance for perfect trips away with the family.
The new Kia EV6 starts at £40,895 and is currently available to order in the UK. First customer deliveries will arrive from October 2021.
Images courtesy of KIA