Kia spruces up its EV6 after three years

South Korean carmaker Kia has decided to spruce up its EV6 fully electric cross-over three years after its introduction. That car got the ‘Car of the Year 2022’ title, beating the Renault Mégane E-Tech and its sister brand Hyundai Ioniq 5. New ‘eyes’, a quieter and smoother ride, 19 km more range, and faster charging are the main features of the facelift.

The new EV6 gets the latest ‘Star Map Signature Lighting’ that was first seen at Kia’s EV Day in Seoul in October 2023, when it removed the wraps from the production version of its new compact SUV, the EV5, and the even more compact Concept EV3 SUV and the Concept EV4 sedan. Those mark a new line of ‘affordable’ EVs that Kia wants to launch to beef up EV adoption.

Touch control starting

The rear also has star map design lights and a new wing-shaped bumper mimicking the one in the front. Add redesigned wheels, and that’s what you’ll get on the exterior side. Inside is a new panoramic curved display, a redesigned steering wheel, and a better wireless charging pad for your phone. On the center console, a new finger-touch reader allows you to start the car by scanning your fingerprint.

On the comfort side, Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system supports the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto versions. The over-the-air software update options are expanded, adding built-in video and music streaming services and improved voice control.

Another spruced-up feature is remote smart parking assist 2. That allows you to squeeze your car automatically into a parking space that is too small, using the key fob as a remote control while you, the driver, are watching outside from a distance.

Beefed-up battery for 4% more range

There’s nothing new on the engine side. The two-wheel drive version offers 168 kW (229 hp) and 350 Nm and 239 kW (325 hp) and 605 Nm. The batteries are beefed up from 77.4 kWh in the current model to 84 kWh, adding 4% or 19 km of range, up to 494 km according to South Korean standards. The increased density means the battery can now be charged from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes at 350 kW.

The ride should become smoother with ‘frequency-sensitive shock absorbers’ and optimized motor noise control. The new EV6 is expected to launch in Korea in June, starting at 55.4 million won, some 37,700 euros. It has not been communicated when the new EV6 will be available in Europe.