Kia Updates Its EV6 – First Drive Report

Every year the good people at Kia hold a drive day for the Northern Group of Motoring Writers. This year the venue of choice was Matfen Hall, near Hexham in Northumberland. We were treated to an overnight stay, and I would highly recommend the hotel. Lovely rooms, excellent food and there’s a spa and golf course for the more active.

The group held its AGM and once again I have been elected Vice Chairman and will doubtless take over the helm next year. We have some 28 members writing for a wide variety of publications across the North of England and beyond.

As usual, Kia bought along a full range of cars, from the diminutive Picanto to the family sized EV9. The roads in that area are largely traffic free and reasonably challenging. It is always useful to be reminded of cars that I have driven some time ago, and I was busy most of the day.

The one car I was most keen to drive though was the recently updated EV6. This accomplished EV is already selling well, and the improvements should help continue its sales success. So, what’s new?

Larger battery: The EV6 now features an 84.0- kWh battery pack, replacing the previous 77.4-kWh unit. This larger capacity increases the maximum WLTP range to 361 miles for rear-wheel drive models.
Improved charging: The maximum DC charging speed has increased from 239kW to 259kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes.
Exterior styling updates: The EV6 sports anew headlamp design, reworked front bumper, updated wheel designs, and tweaks to the full width taillamp.
Interior upgrades: The cabin now features an updated panoramic infotainment system display, a new steering wheel, and a redesigned wireless smartphone charging pad.
Enhanced connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been added as standard features.
On the road, the EV6 is as good to drive as ever.

Powerful, refined and with a well-judged ride, capable of smoothing out the worse sections of tarmac. There’s fun to be had on a fast A-road, the EV6 cornering pleasantly flat.

The cabin offers all the comfort even the most discerning might desire and build quality is up to the usual Kia high standards.

A shiny new model will grace my driveway in mid-January, so a full review will be published then.

Fast Facts (as driven)
Kia EV6 GT-Line S
Price £53,675
Wolf Grey
0-62mph in 7.7 seconds
Top speed 115mph
Combined range 347 miles
City range 466 miles
Service every 24months/20,000 miles
Max Towing Weight 1,800kg (braked)