2023 Kia EV6 GT Is the Quickest Kia But

The brand new Kia EV6 GT is about to seek out itself in some very distinguished firm. The turned-up model of Kia’s mid-size electrical crossover is a zero-emission muscle automotive with horsepower output that beats some a lot pricier choices. This household hauler cranks out 576 horsepower throughout its two motors, which ought to ship a 60-mph time within the low threes. And whereas most electrical vehicles have pace limiters set low for causes of each vary and sensibility, the EV6 GT is able to 161 mph. Additionally, it has a drift mode.

Using on Hyundai-Kia’s extremely superior E-GMP platform, the GT guarantees to be impressively svelte by the pudgy requirements of its phase, tipping the scales at a claimed 4780 kilos. Furthermore, this platform can ship ultraquick DC fast-charging charges of as much as 240 kW—adequate to replenish the comparatively small 77.4-kWh battery pack from 10 to 80 % in 18 minutes at a 350-kW DC fast-charge station, in line with Kia.

Subsequent to the all-wheel-drive EV6 GT-Line that sits just under the EV6 GT within the hierarchy, visible distinction is proscribed; the GT positively does not shout about its additional efficiency. The entrance and rear bumpers have been subtly modified, 21-inch wheels are normal (obligatory to suit round bigger brake discs), and a liftgate spoiler is fitted. Inside, the GT will get semi-bucket sports activities seats trimmed in microfiber, some new efficiency touchscreen shows, and, on the steering wheel, a GT button that accesses the brand new Dynamic mode, which joins the common Eco, Regular, and Sport settings.

Mechanical modifications are extra important. The GT is powered by considerably brawnier motors than the present all-wheel-drive EV6, with the one on the entrance now having a most output of 215 horsepower and the rear unit making as much as 362 horsepower. The rear axle additionally includes a torque-biasing differential that varies the quantity of thrust despatched to every wheel, and the rear motor provides one other little bit of modern EV tech, a two-stage inverter that makes use of silicon-carbide semiconductors. This improves effectivity by as much as 3 % whereas additionally lowering warmth generated when the motor is working more durable. As in different high-performance EVs, output is restricted in lesser drive modes: Eco limits the system peak to 288 horsepower, whereas Regular and Sport elevate that to 460. Solely GT mode unleashes the complete 577 ponies.

The result’s a critically fast automotive. As within the present EV6, the GT has a a comparatively light accelerator response on the prime of the pedal’s journey. (That is particularly apparent within the possible little-used Eco mode, which appears so as to add an inch of deadness to the highest of the accelerator.) However pushing the pedal more durable shortly summons forceful thrust, and a standing launch in GT mode creates g-forces that relocate inside organs because the rear tires battle to seek out traction.

This was on the dry asphalt of a Swedish check monitor and regardless of Kia’s fitment of efficiency Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires relatively than low-rolling-resistance rubber. In Europe, Kia claims a 0-to-62-mph time of three.5 seconds, however we suspect that the end result for our benchmark 60 mph shall be even higher. (Our 60-mph time for the 320-hp all-wheel-drive model was 4.5 seconds.)

Urgent the GT button on the steering wheel additionally unlocks the additional possibility of the drift mode. This, you can be fully unsurprised to listen to, is large enjoyable—even when it is laborious to think about too many EV6 consumers making even occasional use of it. Kia gave us the possibility to expertise the system on a skidpad, the place it allowed the GT to be simply persuaded into spectacular angles of energy oversteer, with invisible intervention from the good rear differential and help from the entrance motor serving to to keep up them as pace rises. If nothing else, the power to smoke tires is a sign of the efficiency of essentially the most highly effective automotive Kia has ever produced.

However it’s at speeds extra acceptable for the true world that the lively diff impressed extra. The power to ship extra torque to the skin rear wheel not solely helps the automotive flip in, but additionally offers a way of rear-led dealing with when GT mode is chosen. That makes the GT really feel thrilling properly wanting any lack of grip. As in lesser EV6s, the steering is exact and direct, though little low-level suggestions will get previous the weighty help.

Journey high quality was very spectacular. The GT will get adaptive dampers as normal, and even of their firmer mode, they deal with bumps and dips with assured compliance. Though the GT has stiffer springs, there’s nonetheless discernible roll underneath cornering. Cruising refinement is great. We did not affirm the claimed 161-mph prime pace on Sweden’s well-policed highways (it is a nation the place touring 5 km/h over the posted restrict feels daring), however at freeway velocities the GT’s cabin was cosy and properly insulated.

The EV6 GT’s softness truly fits it properly and is a results of the intentionally distinct character given to the carefully associated Kia and Hyundai fashions. It appears sure that the upcoming Hyundai Ionic 5 N, which can use the identical powertrain, shall be firmer and extra aggressive.

Driving apart, the GT is just about indistinguishable from the prevailing EV6. The cabin is spacious and solidly constructed, though the darkish, sturdy supplies separate the GT from the extra luxurious alternate options its efficiency places it into rivalry with. Equally, the 12-inch central touchscreen’s person interface is more practical than spectacular, with the navigation system feeling clunky and a little bit old school. Fortuitously, drivers can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a substitute.

Vary is one other space the place the EV6 GT is off the tempo of equally potent alternate options—with the proviso that we do not have official EPA numbers but. The European WLTP determine of 263 miles represents a 65-mile discount over the rangiest rear-wheel-drive 77.4-kWh model. If that discount have been to hold by to EPA testing, the GT would find yourself with an official vary of underneath 250 miles.

Pricing can also be to be confirmed, though if U.S.-bound EV6 GTs comply with the instance of Europe, the place the automotive is already on sale, it is going to be an electric-performance cut price. For perspective, on the opposite aspect of the Atlantic, the Kia is each faster than the Porsche Taycan 4S and just about 50 % cheaper. If Kia brings the GT in for underneath $70,000, it can handle the identical trick right here.

With a wave of different electrical fashions set to comply with briefly order, the EV6 GT reveals that Kia is pushing its technique to the sharp finish of the EV revolution.

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