Three years ago, Kia stunned us with the original EV6 GT. At that time, the electric car market was still in its early stages. Kia introduced a car with impressive power and performance, capable of engaging driving enthusiasts. While it showed potential, a deeper road test revealed some room for improvement in its dynamic handling.
Today, with the updated EV6, Kia has introduced an improved version of the EV6 GT. On the surface, it seems like Kia has borrowed a page from Hyundai’s book. The new EV6 GT shares key features with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, including dual motors (223 horsepower at the front and 378 horsepower at the rear), a larger 84kWh battery, and virtual gears. However, these two brands work closely together, and this evolution has always been part of the plan.
Kia EV6 GT: A Grand Tourer with a Sporty Twist
Kia markets the EV6 GT as a grand tourer, focusing on a balance of performance and everyday comfort. This is a bit surprising, as the standard EV6 is marketed as the sportier alternative to the more relaxed Ioniq 5. Regardless, Kia’s tuning options can make a huge difference in how the car feels. With adjustable dampers, steering, a limited-slip differential, and synthetic engine sounds, there’s plenty to fine-tune.
You might simply prefer the way the Kia looks. While the EV6 and Ioniq 5 share many mechanical elements, they look quite different. The GT features updated 21-inch wheels, aggressive bumpers, and a more muscular front end, which some may find striking, while others may consider it too bold.
Interior Design and Comfort
The cabin has also received updates. Many of the gloss black surfaces have been replaced with matte materials and brushed steel, giving it a more modern and refined feel. The dash is coated in fabric similar to the materials used by BMW. While not the most luxurious interior, it’s consistent, well-designed, and feels high-quality, providing a cocooned driving experience.
The bucket seats are supportive and electrically adjustable, although they feel slightly higher than ideal in relation to the rest of the interior.
As expected from Kia, the infotainment system is top-notch. It’s fast, intuitive, and offers all the connectivity you need. While I’m not fond of the multifunctional touch bar for shortcuts and climate controls, it’s better than burying these features in the touchscreen. Physical buttons for heated and cooled seats are a welcome touch.
Performance and Handling
Is the EV6 GT fast? Absolutely. I tested it using the MIRA road procedure, which allowed me to fully explore its performance without risking road safety. With the same motors as the Ioniq 5 N, the EV6 GT performs similarly in acceleration tests.
However, to experience its best performance, you need to adjust settings. In Normal mode, the car feels quick but not extraordinary. In GT mode, the car unlocks full power, but you’ll need to use Launch Control to achieve the advertised 3.5-second 0-62mph time. Without Launch Control, the car still hits 4.5 seconds, which is fast, but not remarkable for a car in this class.
The virtual gear shift adds an interesting feature. It uses a six-gear system and makes an abstract spaceship-like noise, adding excitement to the driving experience. However, the noise is subtle, and even in the loudest mode, it’s hard to hear unless you’re paying close attention.
The brakes are impressive, too. They offer consistent pedal feel and remain fade-free during consecutive stops, providing confidence in performance.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The primary goal for the updated EV6 GT is comfort, and it delivers. Despite the large 21-inch wheels, the car maintains a supple ride thanks to its adaptive suspension. There’s a slight vibration at times, but it’s not a major issue, especially considering the car’s performance potential. The added sound insulation reduces road noise, with the EV6 GT recording 66dB at 70mph, quieter than both the Ioniq 5 N and the previous EV6 GT.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
As for handling, the EV6 GT strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness. Its suspension setup leans toward comfort, but it can still be sporty when needed. In Sport mode, the body control is firmer, and the car maintains a good balance on the road. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires offer decent grip, though the car is more prone to understeer compared to the Ioniq 5 N.
While it doesn’t feel as lively in corners as its Hyundai counterpart, the EV6 GT can still perform well on a track. It lacks the Ioniq 5 N’s power-split adjustments, but the rear axle provides enough support to allow for some fun in GT mode.
The updated EV6 GT comes with variable-ratio steering, but it feels quite familiar. The steering is heavy and a bit stiff at the edges, but it provides clear feedback on the road. It’s not my favorite, but it’s effective.
Range and Efficiency
One area where the EV6 GT falls short is in efficiency. Despite its grand tourer designation, the EV6 GT has the same range as the Ioniq 5 N, offering only 279 miles. I achieved about 2.7 miles per kWh during mixed driving, which equates to roughly 216 miles on a full charge.
The car supports 250kW rapid charging, making it easier to undertake long-distance trips. However, a real-world range of 250 miles would have made the EV6 GT’s grand tourer appeal more convincing.
Conclusion: A Fun, Comfortable EV with Room for Improvement
The updated Kia EV6 GT is a more comfortable and refined version of the original. While it still offers impressive performance, it doesn’t quite shine as brightly as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The balance between comfort and performance is appealing, but Kia could have enhanced the EV6 GT’s range to make it a true grand tourer. That said, it’s still a fun car to drive and provides a comfortable experience for daily driving.
