Kia EV6 GT - the Korean sprinter
The Kia EV6 GT is the most powerful version of the Korean electric model. We have been getting used to its distinctive, futuristic body styling for some time now. The very powerful drivetrain is the new chapter for the Korean EV.
The Kia EV6 GT is powered by two electric motors that together produce 585 hp and 740 Nm, driving all four wheels. The less highly tuned versions offer between 170 and 325 hp.
Bodywork, frunk and sports seats
The EV6 GT has a wedge-shaped body with slim headlights that blend smoothly into the bonnet. Under the bonnet there is an extra storage space, the so-called frunk. Because of the four-wheel drive, it is 30 litres smaller than in the rear-wheel-drive models, at 20 litres. Even so, you can still fit a coiled charging cable in it. Total luggage capacity is 480 litres.
The car has flush door handles, which smooth the airflow slightly, reduce noise and add elegance to the sides of the body. The window line tapers, and at the rear the eye is drawn to a large roof spoiler and the sculpted tailgate. The bodywork modifications have made the car marginally longer (by 15 mm, to 4,695 mm).
Kia has fitted the GT with bright green brake calipers that promise serious performance - they sit behind 21-inch alloy wheels. The same colour theme carries over into the cabin, with stitching in that shade on the dashboard and on the sports seats (with integrated headrests). The seats are very well bolstered and give you a good feel for the car in fast corners. Because of their shape, the gap between the seat and the pillar is very small - at times this narrow space makes it awkward to pull out and fasten the seat belt.
GT mode, cabin space and energy consumption
The car is very spacious and offers plenty of room for passengers in both the first and second rows. Indeed, when you drive gently, it feels more like a comfortable limousine than a supercar. The Kia EV6 GT has several drive modes, the most interesting of which is GT mode, activated by a bright green button by the steering wheel. The other modes are Eco, Normal and Sport. GT mode catapults the car to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. It is worth warning your fellow passengers before you activate this extreme mode - anyone not used to racing cars should rest their head against the headrest and keep their eyes fixed on the road straight ahead. Any other head position will have your brain signalling considerable discomfort.
Energy consumption in town is around 17-19 kWh/100 km, but at 140 km/h it can climb to 29 kWh/100 km, which cuts the range to around 250 km (from a maximum of about 450 km).
The Kia EV6 GT is the latest in a series of electric cars that try to combine ecology with sky-high performance. The Kia's direct rival will be the Ford MACH-E, also in a version badged “GT”. Both cars take on the fastest combustion-engined sports cars while offering four-door bodies and generous, practical space for passengers.
