Posted at 11:45am
Éric LeFrançois Special Collaboration
group photo
Everyone is talking about Tesla. Among others from Kia, a brand that was once known to be cheap. With the EV6 – designed by Montreal native Karim Habib – the South Korean firm (and its Hyundai and Genesis siblings) are undoubtedly one of the few today to respond so directly to Elon Musk’s creations.
Haro on the Tesla. We hear it, we read it, but actually this rallying cry from traditional automakers doesn’t materialize. In fact, several brands carefully avoid any direct confrontation with Elon Musk’s products. Whether price, segmentation or just performance (in a broader sense), the competition shuffles the cards, avoiding rough comparisons.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
With the exception of the richly sculpted, hand-operated front scoops, the presentation of the EV6 GT differs little from “normal models”.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The steering benefits from a shorter gear ratio making it quicker, tighter suspensions fitted with adaptive dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The dashboard of the Kia EV6 GT
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The size of the brake discs rivals that of a pizza stone. The latter are clamped with stirrups, the color of which is reminiscent of that of a renowned Stuttgart brand.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The controller allows you to configure the vehicle to suit your taste and mood.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
We’ll be pleased with the speed at which the Kia EV6 GT is being refueled, especially now that it benefits (production June 2022) from a device that allows the battery to be pre-conditioned prior to ‘refueling’.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The famous fluorescent green (or electric, depending) push button on the steering wheel unleashes the 576 hp promised by the EV6’s powerplants, but only when the battery charge exceeds 70%.
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By creating the GT version (not to be confused with the pre-existing term GT-Line), Kia mimics Tesla’s Model 3 and Y very closely. Like the latter, the EV6 offers a series of versions that should satisfy both lovers of energy efficiency and lovers of strong emotions. And at prices that compare favorably to those of Tesla.
21,000 rpm
The GT version retains essentially the same components as the endurance four-wheel drive (hence one motor on each axle) models found in the range. With the difference that the engine, which is otherwise located at the back, moves to the front. It is replaced by a new unit that is more muscular, more robust, better cooled and can rotate at 21,000 rpm. This equates to 576 peak horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. For the record, the EV6 GT-Line makes 256 hp and 99 lb-ft less.
This exalts the acceleration force (and time) and naturally propels the EV6 GT into the yard of Tesla and Porsche Taycan, but also supercars powered by combustion engines.
This outrageous achievement belies Kia’s ambition to blend in with the world’s most prestigious brands.
“Without control, performance is nothing,” rightly recalls a large tire manufacturer. This applies to both thermal and electric vehicles. In this case, Kia engineers made some changes to the E-GMP platform.
The steering benefits from a shorter gear ratio making it quicker, tighter suspensions fitted with adaptive dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential. To that hardware it’s also worth adding grippy tires like Velcro, pizza stone-sized brake discs. The latter are clamped with stirrups, the color of which is reminiscent of that of a renowned Stuttgart brand.
In addition to these transformations, there are controls that allow you to configure the vehicle to suit your taste and mood. From the number, let’s remember – hard to miss – that famous fluorescent green push button (or electric, depending on) mounted on the steering wheel that unleashes the 576 hp promised by the EV6’s powerplants. However, this only works if the battery charge exceeds 70%. That is, not very often this season.
Otherwise, the presentation of the EV6 GT hardly differs from the “ordinary models” with the exception of the richly modeled front shovels with manual control. The rear seats are roomy, except for the headroom, and the tailgate opens to reveal a convenient trunk, but with classic modularity.
electricity or heating
A few weeks ago, the GT version was the subject of a media preview at the Las Vegas circuit. Where this electric vehicle could veer sideways and violently towards the horizon in complete safety. Bravery that the EV6 GT can easily repeat, driving back north 4156km, but not for very long. In fact, in this month of February, the presumed autonomy is significantly reduced. During this test, without abusing the heater and forbidding our fingers to press the famous green button, this Kia struggles to cover 250 km.
However, we’ll be pleased with the speed at which it’s fueled, especially now that it benefits (production June 2022) from a device that allows the battery to be pre-conditioned prior to ‘fuelling’. This is possible as long as we select a fast charging station in the vehicle’s navigation system and not through our smartphone (CarPlay or Android Auto).
Even on snow tires, the EV6 GT knows how to be lively, exhilarating to drive…unstable too, say those who delight in the gas pedal.
Driven by a more powerful engine than the one in front, the rear axle demands perpendicularity. Rest assured, the electronic anti-skid will take care of the grit but give you some time to rectify the situation yourself. Even if the directional speed is a good help then, it is wiser to remember your technique of steering and counter-steering.
The rigidly suspended EV6 GT does not perfectly control body movements in turns. It is at this stage of driving that its Lincoln Aviator-equivalent weight and the lack of malleability of its architecture are most felt.
Overall compelling, the exercise shows – some would say a little pointless – nonetheless that a South Korean brand can legitimately claim to be at the forefront of powerful and refined electrified models.
Kia EV6GT
Price
$74,495
marketing
NOW
We love
- Fast and well-weighted steering
- loading speed
- Modern presentation
We love less
- Disappointing autonomy
- Instability of the rear axle should displease
- Rear headroom
Our verdict
Duration and frequency of refueling cloud the pleasure.
Technical worksheet
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
Kia EV6GT
engine
- synchronous motors
- Maximum power: 576 hp
- Torque: 545 lb-ft
- Battery capacity: 77.4 kWh
Performance
- Minimum curb weight: 2175 kg
- Acceleration 0-100km/h: 3.4s
- Towing capacity: 1043 kg
transmission
- Standard: 1-speed automatic
- Optional: none
- Driving mode: all-wheel drive
Tires
loading time
- Level 2: 6.5 hours
- Stage 3: 18 minutes (10%-80%)
consumption and autonomy
- 25.8 kWh/100 km – winter conditions
- Autonomy (assumed by the manufacturer): 332 km
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2900mm
- Length: 4680mm / Height: 1545mm
- Width: 1890 mm (outside mirrors folded)
Unbalanced Power
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The E-GMP platform
The E-GMP platform developed by the South Korean company Hyundai served as the working basis for the architects of the EV6 GT from Kia. It retains the same battery but the stern thruster bears the seal of novelty. Equipped with a more efficient rotor, it delivers the equivalent of 367 hp at the rear wheels, while the front one releases 218 hp.
A first salvo
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY HYUNDAI
The concept study N Vision 74
It’s written in the sky, the EV6 GT is just the first from the Hyundai Group to start. An N version of the Ioniq 5 is expected later this year. This should theoretically have the same performance as the EV6 GT, but could differ dynamically. The topic of electric sports cars could also get another tangent if Hyundai ties in with the concept study N Vision 74 (our photo), which uses a hydrogen fuel cell (680 hp). The N Vision 74 will make its Canadian debut at the Toronto Auto Show next week.
Share your experience
La Presse will soon publish the test of the following vehicles: BMW i7, Buick Encore GX, Dodge Hornet, Mazda CX-90, Subaru Solterra and Toyota Corolla Cross. If you own one of these vehicles or are considering buying one, we’d love to hear from you.