With 10,000 units on the road, the Kia EV6 is an established name in the Netherlands. Three years after its introduction, the model continues to stand out in its class, even with its original specifications. Now, the EV6 has been updated. Irwin from InstaAutoVlog tested the updated version.
This article in short:
- The Kia EV6 facelift features a refreshed Star Map light signature and more modern details such as new bumpers, rims, and a matte blue color.
- The interior offers an improved infotainment system, more USB-C ports, and a faster phone charger.
- The latest batteries increase the capacity to a maximum of 84 kWh, with a range of up to 582 kilometers.
- Thanks to 800V technology, the EV6 can charge faster without interruption, now up to 258 kW.
- Driving dynamics and comfort have been optimized with lighter dampers and improved sound insulation.
Star Map Light Signature
The updated Kia EV6 stands out with its new Star Map light signature, which matches the style of other Kia models such as the EV3 and EV9. The car also has a sleeker design with LED Matrix headlights and a redesigned front bumper, including active air flaps. The 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels have also been given a different design. The rear bumper looks different, and the car is available in other color schemes, including matte blue.
Interior and infotainment
The Kia EV6’s interior has been updated, with a steering wheel that echoes the design of the EV3. The center tunnel features materials that are less susceptible to scratches and fingerprints and multiple USB-C ports have been added. The infotainment system has been improved, with a more responsive screen and, thanks to the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNc), it offers more accurate EV route planning, cloud-based navigation, and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system remains up to date via OTA updates.
Biometrics and start via the app
The Kia EV6’s wireless phone charger has been upgraded and now delivers 15 watts of power, a significant improvement over the previous 5 watts. The Meridian audio system has also been refined. In addition, there is now a fingerprint scanner on the center tunnel that can be used to start the car. A 2.0 digital key, which works via a smartphone, is used to unlock and lock the car.
Range: 428 to 582 kilometers
The EV6 features a lighter, fourth-generation battery, which can store more energy per cell, increasing capacity from 58 to 63 and from 77.4 to 84kWh. The Standard Range has a range of up to 428 kilometers and the Long Range is up to 582 kilometers. The improved regenerative braking system has a peak of 250 kW.
Despite the increased kilowatt hours, you can still fast charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. The halfway fast charge pause of the old model to check all the cells is gone.
More dynamic driving experience
The Kia EV6 is equipped with third-generation Frequency Selective Dampers, designed to improve both driving dynamics and comfort. These dampers are lighter and more compact, which contributes to an improved driving experience. Kia has also paid extra attention to sound insulation, for example by decoupling the carpet from the underbody. The EV6 retains its sporty character and offers a more dynamic driving experience than competitors such as the IONIQ 5 or XPENG G6.
