Kia’s first dedicated EV has been around since 2021. Since then, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s sister model has accumulated sales of more than 210,000 units. But the EV6 is getting a mid-cycle update to stay competitive in an increasingly challenging segment.
It looks like the new EV6 is back from the future with angular headlights echoing the EV9. Kia is showing the standard model and the EV6 GT-Line, with the latter featuring a front light bar. The two trim levels come with distinct designs for the updated bumpers, but nothing to write home about. Since this is a facelift, the profile hasn’t changed, albeit there are new 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs to choose from.
Although the interior looks instantly familiar, the new EV6 has a different three-spoke steering wheel and an updated frame for the dual screens. Kia is adding a fingerprint authentication system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. We’re happy to report that the glossy piano black running along the center console seems to be gone with the facelift.
Then there are the changes not visible. The EV6 is getting second-row side airbags and thicker B-pillars for added body rigidity. In addition, the electric motors are now quieter, and the ride comfort has been improved by tweaking the shock absorbers. Moreover, there’s extra sound insulation material around the rear motor. Over-the-air updates now extend beyond the navigation system while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Kia is ditching the old 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery in favor of a larger 84.0-kilowatt-hour pack that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes at 350 kilowatts. The rear-wheel-drive EV6 Long Range can now cover 307 miles instead of 295 miles, based on the local testing procedure. In the United States, the equivalent pre-facelift variant covers 310 miles before running out of juice, per EPA.
The updated EV6 goes on sale domestically next month, with other markets to follow. The range-topping GT is likely not far behind.
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