KIA IS MOVING FORWARD with a great deal of confidence, and its new EV6 electric SUV is making a lot of people sit up and take notice. In fact, the enquiry rate from the reveal of the EV6 at the Kia-sponsored Australian Open has surprised even Kia, with a 75 percent increase over its previous most popular model release.
Even more tellingly, these enquiries are coming not only from a traditional Kia customer base, but also from an entirely new demographic. There is no doubt that the EV6 is a watershed for the brand.
Kia Australia has revealed additional details of the EV6, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) built on the company’s new EV platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform or E-GMP).
Local pricing and an overview of key features have been announced during the Australian Open 2022, of which the Kia brand has been major partner for the past 21 years.
Designed and engineered to embody Kia’s new brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’, EV6 Air and GT-Line trims are within weeks of being available in Australian showrooms.
“Local interest in the EV6 has been extraordinary and we are really pleased it is finally here. The EV6 represents the transformation of Kia and where we are heading – a true halo for the brand,” said Kia’s Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith.
Kia has an exciting twelve months ahead, launching a variety of new and improved models including Sorento Hybrid, all-new Niro, the upgraded Seltos and lastly but certainly not least, the performance eGT EV6 in late 2022 or early 2023.”
EV6 Air and GT-Line bring long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the Large SUV market.
The EV6 will be introduced in Australia with the long-range (77.4 kWh) high-voltage battery pack and will be offered in two grades; the range focused EV6 Air in rear-wheel drive only (RWD) and top trim GT-Line with RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD) options – the latter offering enhanced dynamic capability.
The performance EV6 eGT with follow in late 2022 or early 2023.
The RWD single motor EV6 entry-level Air starts the range off at $67,990 (plus on road costs), producing 168kW power and 350Nm of torque and a single charge driving range of 528km, with zero to100 acceleration being reached in 7.3 seconds on 19-inch alloy wheels.
The RWD single motor is also available as a choice in the GT-Line line-up with 20-inch alloys as standard, a driving range of 504km and priced at $74,990. The optional AWD dual motor really lifts the bar in the GT-Line range, producing 239 kW / 605 Nm and hitting 100km/h from standstill in a startling 5.2 seconds. The AWD comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a range of 484km and a $82,990 (plus on road costs) price tag.
All three trims offer an impressive and extensive list of technology, comfort and safety features:
The EV6 will initially be offered in two trim levels, Air and GT-Line.
The Kia EV6 Air will be available in six colours with one (Glacier White) being new to the Kia pallet and EV6 GT-Line will be available in five colours, including the striking Moonscape matte paint exclusive to GT-Line, also new to the Kia range.
Five hundred units of the EV6 (Air and GT-Line trims) have been earmarked for Australia during 2022 and like all Kia models, the allocation will be staggered throughout the year. Kia Australia is in continuous dialogue with head office about this number with hopes of increasing it albeit not substantially, due to its popularity and high demand globally.
Despite the price, we at seniordriveraus think the initial allocation of just 500 vehicles will quickly sell out.
EV6 will be sold through the Kia dealer network and a fair allocation will be worked out. Over 90 percent of the Kia dealer network is currently set up to sell and service EV6.
A full list of EV6 Air and GT-Line specifications will be released at launch.