Kia reveals EV6 pricing and key features

KIA has released key specification details and anticipated prices for its all-electric EV6 range. 

The two-variant range is expected in local showrooms from next month. Kia Australia says the large-category EV6 offers a unique locally tuned suspension package, a long-range battery pack and optional high-performance dual-motor driveline to the highly competitive sector.

As Kia Australia’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the EV6 will debut in Air (base) and GT-Line (top) trim grades, with the derivatives priced from $67,990 and $74,990 (plus on-road costs) respectively. The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive variant – offered exclusively in GT-Line trim – is priced from $82,990 plus on-road costs.

Built on the all-new Hyundai-Kia Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV6 is a sign of things to come from the South Korean brand.

Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith said the importer was pleased that the model had finally arrived.

“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 – it’s a true halo model for the brand,” he said. 

Mr Meredith explained that interest in the EV6 had been “overwhelmingly positive” with as many as 25,000 interested people registering their pre-interest via Kia’s website. 

He said that although only 500 vehicles were allocated to the Australian market between now and the end of the year, there was the potential for Kia to sell up to 3000 units annually – by the end of January (2022), the company had received no fewer than 1800 firm orders.

Mr Meredith said Kia Australia was in continuous dialogue with its mother company to secure more units for the local market, but that it was unlikely that the allocation would increase substantially, considering the high demand for the model across the globe.

“For 2022, I think if we were able to source a further 100 units we’d be doing well,” he added.

“We just can’t get supply because of the numerous issues globally that are impacting not only Kia, but many other manufacturers as well,” Mr Meredith said with reference to the ongoing microprocessor shortage and Covid-19 related supply chain issues.

Mr Meredith indicated that interest in the EV6 was split evenly between existing and new-to-brand purchasers. 

He said early indications showed a preference for high-spec GT-Line variants – 40 per cent of buyers wanted a two-wheel drive GT-Line and 40 per cent the all-wheel drive flagship. 

The remaining 20 per cent were interested in purchasing the entry-grade EV6 Air.

“Kia has an exciting twelve months ahead, during which it will launch a variety of new and improved models, including the Sorento Hybrid, all-new Niro, the upgraded Seltos and lastly, but certainly not least, the eGT EV6 in late 2022 or early 2023,” Mr Meredith outlined.

Australian-delivered EV6 Air and GT-Line variants are fitted as standard with a long-range 77.4kWh high-voltage battery pack, which supports 800-Volt ultra-fast charging. 

The entry-level EV6 Air offers 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque, has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds and an optimal range of 528km.

The rear-wheel-drive single motor is also offered in GT-Line trim grades, where it offers a driving range of 504km.

Meanwhile, the dual-motor GT-Line AWD is said to produce impressive peak outputs of 239kW and 605Nm of torque. The derivative has a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 5.2 seconds and an optimal range of 484km.

Standard equipment for Air derivatives includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, UV and acoustic glass, flush door handles, folding side mirrors, paddle-style regenerative braking control, a combination cloth and artificial leather upholstery, V2L interior charging, dual 12.3-inch curved displays, satellite navigation, wireless device charging, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, auto wipers, as well as an electrochromatic rear-view mirror.

The list of stock safety features is equally extensive… AEB with junction-turning technology is offered alongside blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep- and follow assistant, a centre side airbag, multi-collision braking, intelligent speed assist, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, plus smart cruise control.

The GT-Line is distinguished by 20-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, a bespoke body kit and comes fitted with additional interior features such as a sunroof, artificial leather and suede upholstery, V2L exterior charging, 64-colour LED ambient lighting, augmented reality HUD, a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, powered front seats with heating and cooling functions, a heated steering wheel, remote park assist, plus an electric tailgate.

Additional safety equipment for the range-topping model includes a blind-spot view monitor, power child lock and a 3D surround camera system. 

The EV6 GT-Line is available in six paint colours, including Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Runway Red, Yacht Blue, and Moonscape (grey). Moonscape is substituted with Steel Grey on the entry-grade Air derivative, which is also available with a Glacier (silver) finish.

Mr Meredith said that the Kia EV6 would be sold through the brand’s existing dealership network with a “fair allocation” system extended to all franchised outlets nationally. 

He added that more than 90 per cent of the Kia dealer network was already set up to sell and service the EV6 with the remaining 10 per cent scheduled to “come online soon”.

A full list of EV6 Air and GT-Line specifications will be released at launch.