2024 Kia EV6 GT
The Kia EV6 arrived when Hyundai Motor Group introduced its initial round of battery-electric vehicles developed the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Since then, the platform, drive system and battery pack has driven seven vehicles across all three brands.
One of the things this platform and drive system offers is a range of performance levels. Each with its own personality. In the case of the EV6, there is a performance model that fits Kia’s brand image of being the sportier of the three.
We received a 2024 EV6 GT to see whether this performance EV is worth the extra money and electrons it drives off of.
First and foremost, the EV6 is a crossover. The longer roofline gives its intentions away. It is a sharp looking vehicle with four doors, a large hatchback, and some real interesting shapes all around. All of this stretched out on a 114.2-inch wheelbase. Our GT tester is finished off with a set of 21-inch alloy wheels, high performance tires and Neon green brake calipers giving it a sporty look overall.
The interior offers a mix of Kia’s sporty feel, driven by technology. The two screens are located on a piano black finished thin housing attached the dashboard. The left 12.3-inch screen houses the instrumentation, vehicle information, charging levels and range. You also have an Augmented Reality Head-Up display for key information without looking down on the instrument cluster. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the right houses the infotainment system, which includes wired smartphone integration. The center console houses the ignition button, along with a rotary shifter.
The racing-style front seats offer a lot of bolstering for support. Underneath the center console is a mass amount of open storage. Rear seat room is good, except the lower roof does limit head room. In the back you get 24.4 cubic feet before you fold down the rear seats. With those seats folded, cargo space expands to 50.2 cubic feet. Up front, there is a small secure storage area – short of a cubic foot - that actually looks like an engine cover.
Our GT tester is powered by two motors – one at each axle – creating a performance all-wheel drive system. Total output is 576 horsepower with 545 pound-feet of torque. The battery pack has a capacity of 77.4 kWh. Kia claims that this tester has a range of 218 miles. In reality, we were able to get close to that number at 214 miles on a completely full battery. It also sports one of the quickest recharging rates among EVs produced by legacy automakers.
In terms of the driving experience, the EV6 GT rides very smoothly. It does handle the bumps well without transmitting them into the cabin, Handling was good, and the cornering response was solid, but you do feel the extra weight of the battery pack, along with the lower center of gravity. Some might say that it does not feel as sporty as it should.
However, you can select from a few drive and performance modes to make things a lot more fun. The Neon green GT button on the steering wheel adds more excitement as it tightens up the suspension and engages the electronic limited-slip differential. There is also a Drift Mode for maximum fun.
The steering was pretty tight. It was also precise when you point the EV6 into a turn. On-center feel was solid. The brakes respond well in normal and panic stops. Pedal feel is also good. You can drive the EV6 GT with a one-pedal drive system, but the brakes work well without it.
Pricing for the 2024 Kia EV6 starts at $42,600 with eight trim levels to choose from. Our GT all-wheel drive tester came with a sticker price of $64,090.
The EV6 GT stands out as one of a few performance-oriented battery electric vehicles out in the marketplace right now. Competitors include the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, Genesis GV60 Performance AWD, and Tesla Model 3 Performance.
If an EV is not enough for your soul, the Kia EV6 GT will get you to the next level. It is trackable, only if you dare. Knowing you can outpace some of the finest supercars in the world with just battery juice is worth checking out this performance crossover EV.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
