The 2022 Kia EV6 has officially touched down in Australia where it will initially be sold in three distinct guises.
As you may already know, the Kia EV6 is based on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform and is a sibling to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60. It has already proven itself in other markets to be a seriously impressive EV and 500 examples have been initially allocated for the local market this year.
Sitting at the base of the local range is the Kia EV6 Air RWD. This model features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels with 225 hp (168 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. It also rocks a 77.4 kWh battery pack and can travel 528 km (328 miles) on a single charge while hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds. Prices for this model start at AU$67,990 ($48,768).
First Drive: The 2022 Kia EV6 Is The New EV Benchmark
Two EV6 GT-Line variants are then offered. The first is the RWD variant that has the same powertrain as the Air RWD but comes standard with 20-inch wheels, reducing its range to 504 km (313 miles). It will start at AU$74,990 ($53,789). Sitting above this model is the EV6 GT-Line AWD, fitted with a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 320 hp (239 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm) of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 5.2 seconds but reducing the range to 484 km (300 miles). Prices for this variant kick-off at AU$82,990 ($59,528).
The even more performance-focused EV6 eGT will launch later this year or in early 2023.
Among the key standard features of the EV6 Air RWD are 19-inch wheels, LED headlights with DRLs, rain-sensing wipers, black cloth and artificial leather upholstery, smart entry, four USB-C charging ports, and safety features including Autonomous Emergency Braking with car, pedestrian, cycling detection with junction turning assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning with lead vehicle departure alert, Multi-Collision Brake, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The EV6 GT-Line models expand upon the Air and add things like 20-inch wheels, automatic folding door handles, heated and ventilated front seats, a smart power tailgate, 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system, augmented reality Head-Up Display, Remote Smart Park Assist, a 360-degree around view camera with 3D mode, and Blind-Spot View Monitor.
“The Kia EV6 is about to make its mark on the local electric vehicle offering in Australia and has already proven itself as the new halo for the Kia brand, attracting a remarkable level of interest leading up to its arrival,” Kia Australia’s chief operating officer Damien Meredith said in a statement. “Based on this unprecedented consumer interest, we are confident we could find an Australian home for more EV6’s than the 500 units allocated to our market in 2022. Like all models, we are in constant dialogue with headquarters about accessing more EV6 stock, all of which will be sold through the Kia dealer network and will arrive gradually throughout the year.”
