“Everything is fast with this car!” Product manager Gregor Krumböck doesn’t beat around the bush about what Kia has put on the fat 21-inch wheels for the brand new EV6 GT. Just how hot the new top model of the series actually is is revealed by the bare figures: one electric motor each on the front and rear axles delivers 585 hp (430 kW) and up to 740 Nm of torque to the Michelin sports slippers at best – it was even stronger no other Kia!
And no one has ever been faster: just 3.5 seconds from a standing start is enough for the Super Kia to hit the 100 km/h mark. “We’re moving in the area of Audis RS E-Tron GT or Porsches Taycan Turbo», Krumböck adds, not entirely without pride. Even at a top speed of 260 km/h, the GT is on par with the German Edelstromer.
“Inverter is the new turbo”
In order to achieve such values, however, it required more than just a few software updates. The development team has under the futuristic sheet metal, which can only be dated in details Standard-EV6 differentiates, once again put a lot of work into play: Not only are the two electric motors significantly more powerful and designed for even higher speeds beyond the 20,000 mark in order to even reach such high speeds.
The core, however, is the so-called inverter, in which direct current (DC) from the battery is converted into alternating current (AC) during operation. Krumböck: “The component was completely redeveloped for the GT. In this form, it is unique in the industry and it is what makes this performance possible. You could also say that the inverter is the new turbocharger for e-cars.”
Kia EV6 GT in numbers
drive Electric motor front 218 hp (160 kW), rear 367 hp (270 kW), system power 585 hp (430 kW), max. torque 740 Nm@1/min, single-speed gearbox, all-wheel drive, battery 77.4 kWh, range WLTP 424 km
mileage 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 s, top speed 260 km/h (limited)
Masse L/W/H 4.70/1.89/1.55 m, curb weight 2200 kg, loading space 480 to 1260 l
consumption WLTP 21.9 kWh/100 km, 0 g/km CO₂, energy efficiency A
Preis from CHF 80,900
drive Electric motor front 218 hp (160 kW), rear 367 hp (270 kW), system power 585 hp (430 kW), max. torque 740 Nm@1/min, single-speed gearbox, all-wheel drive, battery 77.4 kWh, range WLTP 424 km
mileage 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 s, top speed 260 km/h (limited)
Masse L/W/H 4.70/1.89/1.55 m, curb weight 2200 kg, loading space 480 to 1260 l
consumption WLTP 21.9 kWh/100 km, 0 g/km CO₂, energy efficiency A
Preis from CHF 80,900
150 km/h after 300 meters
So off to the test track to use the power appropriately in practice. First discipline: the parade sprint. To call up the full power of the electric motors, we press the neon yellow GT button that now shines on the sports steering wheel. All driving-relevant systems such as steering, chassis, e-differential and stability program are now sharpened to attack. Instructor Andy waves the flag – let’s shoot! Unlike most electric athletes, however, the power does not come on suddenly, but develops progressively. Still, it’s amazing how the GT pulls away and is already faster than 150 km/h after just 300 meters.
On the handling course, the Kia shows that it is not only incredibly fast going straight, but also snaps around corners. This is made possible by the electronic locking differential on the rear axle, which is only installed in the GT, or e-LSD for short, which shifts the driving forces between the wheels at lightning speed to always ensure the best traction.
Hidden drift mode
But the e-LSD also allows the opposite of the best traction – a controlled loss of control. “A special technical treat is the hidden drift mode,” explains Krumböck with a mischievous smile. All of the power is directed to the wheel on the outside of the curve, which means that the rear can be made to swerve in a targeted manner. However, the expert emphasizes that the mode is explicitly not intended for road traffic and cannot be activated accidentally. “Activation is relatively complicated and is only explained to customers if they so wish.”
Despite all the dynamics, what we notice particularly later on the public roads around Sweden’s capital Stockholm: Even on “Sport”, the GT never seems stubborn and excessively hard, even if the dampers are set much tighter than in normal mode. “The GT is not a car for the racetrack, but a Gran Turismo that should be fun everywhere and always offer enough comfort,” says Krumböck.
Our conclusion
The EV6 GT is not a thoroughbred sports car – nor does it intend to be one. But this Kia is fast, very fast in fact, and its driving performance can easily keep up with the strongest in the electric league. When charging, it even overtakes the competition in some cases: the 77 kWh battery, with which a range of up to 424 kilometers is possible, can be refilled from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes thanks to 800 volt technology. In addition, there is ample space that is unrivaled in the competitive environment, especially in the rear.
The new self-confidence of the Koreans is also reflected in the price: a proud 80,900 francs are listed for the EV6 GT in the glossy brochure. Compared to the noble competition, it is almost a bargain, some of which charge twice as much for their electric cars. However, customers who order their GT today have to wait at least twelve months for delivery – Kia can’t do any faster here either.