Kia EV6 2022 Review

With the gradual expansion of Malaysia's electric vehicle market, the competition in the D-Segment all-electric sedans is heating up. Consumers are not only paying attention to range but also have increasing demands for power, features, and space. As one of Kia's flagship models on its electric platform, the EV6 GT-Line AWD enters the market with 325PS of horsepower, 700N·m of torque, and an official range of 506km. It also comes standard with luxurious configurations like a Meridian sound system and a 12.3-inch dual connected screen. These selling points have piqued the curiosity of many families and tech enthusiasts. In this test drive, our main focus was to verify its actual power performance, range achievement rate, and whether the space and configurations are practically useful in daily life.

From the exterior, the overall style of the EV6 GT-Line AWD leans towards sporty technology. The front adopts a closed grille design, paired with sharp LED daytime running lights that make it highly recognizable. The body lines are smooth, and the waistline that runs from the front to the back enhances its muscular appearance. The 20-inch wheels are dynamic in design and proportional to the body. The rear-end standout features include a sloping back design and through-type LED taillights, which look striking when illuminated. The roof spoiler also enhances aerodynamic performance. Regarding the lighting system, the LED headlights support automatic activation, providing a wide illumination range and sufficient brightness at night. The rear fog lights are also standard, making it safer to tackle adverse weather conditions.

Stepping inside, the interior exhibits a clear sense of technology and luxury. The center console adopts a dual-connected screen design, with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a central screen integrated into one, delivering smooth operations and clear display. The instrument panel also switches themes based on different driving modes. The interior materials mainly comprise soft leathers and piano lacquer finishes, offering a pleasant tactile feel. The multifunctional steering wheel is wrapped in leather for a comfortable grip, and the physical buttons on both sides are reasonably arranged, making blind operation quite convenient. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustments with memory functions, and the front passenger seat is also electrically adjustable, both with a one-touch recline feature. This allows for posture adjustments during long drives. The rear seating space meets D-Segment standards, with the 2900mm wheelbase providing ample legroom. A 175cm tall passenger can sit with two fists of space left between the knees and the front seat. The rear is also equipped with air vents and USB ports, ensuring good practicality. The trunk offers a capacity of 520L, easily accommodating a few suitcases for daily use. The rear seats support a 60:40 split, providing space for larger items when folded down.

In terms of performance, the EV6 GT-Line AWD is equipped with dual motors, delivering a combined horsepower of 325PS and 700N·m of torque, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds. During actual drives, the power responsiveness at the start is swift, with a gentle press on the accelerator immediately generating a noticeable pushback effect. Mid-to-high-range acceleration does not feel weak either. Overtaking requires just a firm press on the accelerator, and the power bursts out instantly, instilling a sense of confidence. It offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is relatively smooth, suitable for daily commutes; in Sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, and steering becomes heavier, providing a stronger control experience. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension setup, which is tuned more towards comfort without sacrificing support. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, keeping the vehicle stable without significant bounce. When navigating curves, the suspension provides sufficient support with controlled body roll, ensuring good overall stability. In terms of range, we tested it under mixed driving conditions: 60% urban roads and 40% highways, while keeping the air conditioning and sound system on throughout. The achieved range was approximately 85% of the official figure, covering around 430km, with energy consumption at about 18kWh/100km, meeting expectations. For charging, using a DC fast charging station, it took approximately 40 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%, making daily charging quite convenient.

In terms of ride comfort, the EV6 GT-Line AWD performs commendably. The cabin's sound insulation is excellent, with wind noise and tire noise well-controlled at high speeds. The Meridian audio system delivers clear sound quality, and the 14 speakers ensure an even sound stage, making daily music listening enjoyable. The regenerative braking system is adjustable in three levels; at the highest level, releasing the accelerator provides a noticeable drag, suitable for one-pedal driving. At the lowest level, it mimics the coasting experience of a fuel-powered car, providing comfort for passengers. The seats offer excellent support and good wrapping. The leather material is breathable, ensuring it remains comfortable even for long periods.

Overall, the EV6 GT-Line AWD has clear core advantages: robust power performance, a decent level of range achievement, a wealth of luxurious features, and a spacious interior. Compared with its class competitor, the Model 3 Performance, it offers more comprehensive configurations, with the Meridian audio system and electric seats as standard, yet comes with a more affordable price. Compared to the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor version, the EV6 offers a more spacious interior and a larger trunk capacity. This car is suitable for families who value performance and features. It comfortably meets the needs of daily commutes and long trips while the tech-filled interior will appeal to younger consumers. If you are looking for a well-balanced pure electric sedan, the EV6 GT-Line AWD is a great choice.