In my automotive journalism career, I don’t think I’ve ever said this out loud. The Kia EV6 GT is quite possibly the best car in the world. Kia, yes, Kia, has unleashed upon us the EV6 GT, a ferocious, electrifying beast that has me questioning the very fabric of reality. It's as if the Koreans have gotten rid of all sensibility, and gone completely mad.
Now, I must confess, I approached the Kia EV6 GT with a touch of skepticism. After all, Kia, for the most part, has been synonymous with sensible family cars and not exactly the stuff of driving enthusiasts' dreams. But, nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.
Let's start with the design. I don’t know what is in the water at Kia HQ, but this car has thrown all convention and tradition away . The EV6 GT looks like it's been chiseled out of a solid block of futuristic steel. The sweeping lines, aggressive stance, and that distinctive light signature – it's a visual feast that leaves you gawking like a child who's just seen a fast car for the first time. It's a design that not only turns heads but also has other cars on the road cowering in (mostly behind) its electrified presence.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a cockpit that wouldn't be out of place in a spaceship. The materials are top-notch, and the attention to detail is nothing short of exquisite. The racing seats are stiff, but comfortable, reminding you you’re not in any regular old EV6; you’re in the GT.
Now, let's tackle the elephant in the room – range anxiety. We've all experienced that nerve-wracking moment, anxiously watching the diminishing range on our electric vehicles, desperately scouring the horizon for the next charging station. For most people, it’s the reason that’s holding them back from pulling the trigger on buying an electric car. However, the EV6 GT scoffs at the very notion of range anxiety. Kia proudly boasts a range of approximately 430 kilometers, a figure that could shame some gas cars. And in my real-world testing, it has more than lived up to the hype. This isn't just an electric car; it's a revolution of the term electric.
But enough about the aesthetics and range; let's talk about the real reason we petrolheads are here – performance. Do not confuse the EV6 GT with any mild mannered electric commuter. No, this car is redefining what's possible in the world of electric performance. Mash the accelerator, and you're treated to an instantaneous surge of power that pins you to your seat, and re-arranges your organs. The dual electric motors – one on each axle – work in perfect harmony to deliver a symphony of acceleration that is borderline addictive, and a magnet for speeding fines. (not that we condone it)
On paper, the numbers are mind-boggling. 576 horsepower and a colossal 740 Newton-meters of torque. Those are not figures you'd associate with a Kia, but here we are, witnessing the brand's bold leap into uncharted territory. The 0 to 100 sprint is dispatched in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it 3.5 seconds – that's supercar territory – from a Kia. It's the sort of acceleration that leaves you questioning the laws of physics.
But let's not forget, the EV6 GT isn't just about straight-line speed. Kia has imbued it with a chassis that corners like a prima ballerina. The low center of gravity, thanks to the cleverly integrated battery pack, gives the GT a level of agility that defies its size. The steering is direct, and the feedback is surprisingly communicative for an electric vehicle. It's a car that invites you to push it to the limits, and when you do, it rewards you with a level of dynamic prowess that would make even the most ardent petrolhead grin from ear to ear.
And then there's the regenerative braking. Kia has nailed it. The transition from regen to traditional braking is seamless, and you can fine-tune the regenerative braking strength to suit your driving style. It's an intuitive system that not only enhances efficiency but also adds an extra layer of engagement to the driving experience.
Of course, no review of a performance car would be complete without mentioning the soundtrack, and here the EV6 GT delivers a unique auditory experience. It's not the scream of a high-revving V8 or the growl of a menacing V12, but rather a futuristic hum that resonates with the car's electric soul. It's a sound that signals the dawning of a new era in performance motoring, and I, for one, am smitten.
Charging the EV6 GT became an exercise in patience, and by that, I mean the complete opposite. The ultra-fast charging capability meant that pit stops for recharging were remarkably brief, allowing me to get back on the road with a newfound appreciation for the convenience of an electric vehicle. Range anxiety, a ghost that haunts many electric car owners, was all but a distant memory as the GT confidently covered impressive distances on a single charge.
One of the unexpected joys of driving the EV6 GT was the attention it garnered. Pedestrians would stop in their tracks, jaws dropping, as the GT silently glided by. Enthusiastic thumbs-up from fellow motorists became a common occurrence at traffic lights, and on more than one occasion, I found myself engaged in impromptu conversations with curious onlookers eager to learn more about this Kia that defied convention.
As I reluctantly handed back the keys to the EV6 GT, I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation Kia had achieved. The GT wasn't just an electric car; it was a catalyst for change, challenging perceptions and redefining what's possible in the world of performance motoring. The experience left me with a sense of awe and a lingering desire to once again feel the surge of electric power, the smooth glides through corners, and the futuristic hum that had become the soundtrack to this exhilarating journey.
In the grand tapestry of motoring, the Kia EV6 GT isn't just a thread; it's a vibrant, electrified stroke that boldly declares a new era in automotive performance. My time with the GT wasn't just a test drive; it was a captivating chapter in the evolving saga of electric vehicles, and I eagerly await the day when this remarkable piece of automotive innovation becomes a mainstay on roads around the world.
