2023 (23) Kia EV6 424kW GT 77.4kWh 5dr AWD Auto

The improved EV6 GT is a fitting performance flagship for Kia, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review

Kia continues to push the boundaries of its perceived position in the market. Here for instance, in the improved EV6 GT is a 641bhp Grand Tourer with all the stats, performance and luxury to embarrass a six-figure-priced premium German rival.

Background

When the EV6 GT was launched by Kia back in 2022, it was by some margin, the most expensive model the Korean brand had ever sold. Yet the vast performance on offer still made it look decent value. What didn't look so good was the fact that the same EV powertrain in this model's close cousin the Hyundai IONIQ 5N yielded so much more power, but the 2025 model year update we look at here has put that right, as well as adding a bigger 84kWh battery. The EV6 GT is the model taking over from the car that, more than any other, proved that Kia could be more than just another mainstream brand. It was positioned as the spiritual successor to the brand's combustion Stinger Gran Turismo model. That had sold modestly but its halo effect on the brand was considerable. Kia it seemed, really could make a proper Gran Turismo-style luxury car to rival the German premium brands. And in some ways, the EV6 GT proved to be an even better one. Despite the numbers, it's not all about performance (its close cousin the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is more track-tamed). There are slightly different priorities here: but still very fast ones.

Engines and Tech Spec

The borrowed Hyundai IONIQ 5N powertrain is a very serious one, as the 601bhp output suggests, this figure rising to 641bhp when the car's GT mode is selected - up from 576bhp with the pre-facelift model. That top stat is 321bhp above the standard EV6 AWD variant. Though this updated EV6 GT now has a larger 84kWh battery (the same as the facelifted standard AWD model) in place of its previous 77.4kWh unit, EV range hasn't increased much - up from 263 miles to 279 miles. Compare against the 339 mile figure of the standard EV6 AWD. Still, there are plenty of compensations from the heavier hardware responsible. Two permanent-magnet synchronous motors feature, the main one at the back using a dual-stage inverter using silicon-carbide semi-conductors. This drives an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential able to shift torque across the axle. A further smaller motor up-front adds extra power but gets de-coupled under gentle throttle use to aid efficiency. As before, there are three drive modes - 'Eco' (where power is limited to 288bhp), 'Normal' (where it raises to 460bhp) and full-fat 'GT'. Engage the latter and 62mph is 3.5s away (the same as before, so 0.4s off the class benchmark, the Tesla Model 3 Performance) en route to a very un-EV-like top speed of 161mph. Unlike with an ordinary EV6, adaptive dampers are included, one of the parameters you can tailor via a 'My Mode' option on the centre screen. The damping setup's 9% softer at the front and 11% stiffer at the rear than standard EV6. Big 380/360mm front/rear brake discs deliver prodigious stopping power. And traction is assured not only by the AWD system but also by a grippy set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. For the times when you don't want traction, there's even the option of a selectable 'Drift mode' for tyre-smoking circuit slides.

Design and Build

You'd have to know your EV6s to recognise this GT version, which in this facelifted form (as with the standard models) gains the front end changes inspired by the EV9. GT-exclusive design elements include a bespoke rear bumper and rear diffuser, plus bespoke brake callipers. At the front, Kia has introduced its twinkling Starmap daytime running lights and a re-designed front bumper and grille. This car's close cousin, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, is though, still rather more overt. Inside, GT changes include the brand's signature green neon accents on the newly designed steering wheel and suede bucket seats. There's now a different dashboard pattern and GT-exclusive graphics feature on the double 12.3-inch display screen, with the ambient lighting scheme creating a unique environment. As in an ordinary EV6, one of the most striking cabin elements is the wide, seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen, which gives the interior an open feel. Thanks to a relatively long 2,900mm wheelbase, cabin space is similar to many mid-size SUVs. There's comfortable space for two adults on the rear bench and out back, there's a decently-sized 520-litre boot, extendable to 1,300-litres with the rear backrest folded. This is supplanted by a front frunk beneath the bonnet which provides up to an additional 20-litres of stowage space. Just enough for a set of charging leads.

Market and Model

Expect to need around £60,000 for this improved EV6 GT, which is £2,690 less than the old version but still makes it one of the priciest cars the brand has sold in this country. But the substantial extra premium over an ordinary EV6 AWD GT Line S variant seems a reasonable ask given the extra performance on offer here and the additional features - like adaptive damping and sports bucket seats. It's also worth noting that the GT variant gets a standard heat pump for more efficient cabin temperature regulation in colder months: that's a £900 option on an ordinary EV6. Consider also the strong value proposition here: yes, this model's Hyundai IONIQ 5N cousin is closely matched on price, but you'd need vastly more for comparably-performing Porsche Taycan 4S or Audi S e-tron GT quattro. EV6 GT equipment includes intelligent LED headlights, which turn with the bends. Plus through the spokes of the large 21-inch wheels (shod with stickier Michelin performance tyres), you'll glimpse neon green brake calipers. Sporty trim features around the fascia, you get a unique sports steering wheel and a premium audio system upgrade. The car's Kia Connect app offers a range of connected features that enhances the user experience, such as remote climate control, remote battery conditioning and scheduled climate control. OTA updates are available for every system in the car, with a primary focus on maintenance updates to ensure the vehicle has the latest technology. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto enable EV6 GT customers to mirror the functionality of their iOS and Android smartphones in a simplified and convenient manner without the hassle of cables.

Cost of Ownership

As with all EV6s, this car's E-GMP platform allows for 800-volt capability and this Kia accepts DC rapid charging at up to 220kW. If you're able to charge in this fashion, your EV6 GT's 84kWh battery will be able to accept a 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes (the same as with the previous 77.4kWh battery) and 62 miles of extra range can be added in only four and a half minutes. AC charging from home using a typical 7.4kW garage wallbox needs 12 and a half hours; it'd be 7 hours 35 minutes if you could use a three-phase 11kW AC charger. The EV6 GT is also able to distribute charge to other vehicles at up to 3.6kW using its Type 2 socket, as part of an incorporated 'vehicle-to-load V2L' function. We're not quite sure why you'd ever want to do that, but it might conceivably be useful to charge large appliances using the car's battery 'on an outdoor adventure' according to Kia. The EV6 GT is fitted with energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range. This includes Kia's latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car's coolant system. This ensures that at minus 7 degrees Celsius, the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees Celsius. Also featured is the latest generation of Kia's smart regenerative braking system, which is operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel so drivers can quickly and easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximise driving range and efficiency. Insurance is group 45A.

Summary

This car's balance of technology, performance, luxury and value continues to mark it out as very special. If you like the Hyundai IONIQ 5N but find it too wild and MAX POWER, this EV6 GT is your car. True, it's still not the very fastest EV of its kind, but we can't really imagine why you'd want to go any quicker than is possible here in a car of this sort. Logically, it's a much better all-round proposition than vastly more expensive rivals like the Porsche Taycan 4S or the Audi S e-tron GT quattro but despite that, we can't imagine too much cross-shopping taking place with cars like those. Which is a pity because this Kia matches the Taycan and the e-tron blow for blow, even throwing in a few extra dynamic features of its own (like the Drift mode). And of course offering a far higher standard of spec for the money. It's probably the car in this class you ought to choose, but it probably won't be. And perhaps that doesn't matter. The EV6 GT, like the Stinger before it, is there primarily to prove what Kia is capable of. Quite a lot, as it turns out.