Kia’s First EV Spied In India For The First Time

• It comes with two drivetrains – RWD and AWD, and two battery pack options, with a WLTP-claimed range of up to 510km.

• Performance-oriented 585PS GT trim can go from 0-100kmph in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 260kmph.

• A 10 to 80 percent charge is achieved in just 18 minutes via fast charging.

• Boasts crossover styling, a feature-packed cabin, as well as Level 3 autonomous driver assist systems.

• Expected to arrive as a CBU unit at prices starting over Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).

• Will be an alternative to the Volvo XC40 Recharge in India. 

It was back in March 2021 when Kia unleashed its first ever electric vehicle, the EV6. Fast forward a little over a year, and it looks like they’re preparing to introduce it in India, as the EV was spotted in the country for the first time. It’s first of seven fully electric vehicles to be based on the Hyundai Group's dedicated new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Fortunately, the model spotted was devoid of any disguise, so we have a good look at the EV6’s sharp lines and creases. Its overall silhouette screams sporty crossover with the sloping roofline, along with a relatively clean profile, looking inspired by the Lamborghini Urus. Up front you’ve got sleek Kia’s ‘Digital Tiger Nose’ grille flanked by funky triangular LED headlights with Audi-like DRLs. At the rear, the boot has quite a sharp rise, with connected tail lamps housed around it.

Inside, it looks modern, yet minimalistic enough to have no issues familiarising yourself with it. Highlights include a twin-screen setup comprising the infotainment system and digital driver’s display, eco-friendly seats wrapped in recycled plastic, as well as a sleek panoramic panel below the central AC vents for climate control. It also has some nifty tech onboard via a bunch of Level 3 autonomous driver assist systems like safe exit assist , lane following assist, highway driving assist, and remote smart parking assist.

The main party trick of the Kia EV6 is of course its electric powertrain. In markets abroad, you get two battery packs to choose from – a 77.4kWh long-range option and a 58kWh one with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drivetrain options. The standard battery pack’s RWD setup pushes up to 170PS and 350Nm motor, whereas the AWD version generates 235PS and 605Nm. As for the longer range version, the RWD delivers 229PS and 350Nm, while the AWD is capable of 325PS and 605Nm, and a WLTP-claimed range of 510km.

Kia’s also giving the enthusiasts some love thanks to a hardcore EV6 GT that will show up at a later stage. Its dual-electric motors can produce 585PS and 740Nm, and can go from 0-100kmph in just 3.5 seconds in its AWD form with a top speed of 260kmph. 

As far as charging is concerned, it has a 800V charging setup to allow up to 350kW of fast charging. That can juice up the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. It also supports Vehicle-To-Load (V2L), where you can charge other electronic appliances and an EV.

While a launch date for the Kia EV6 is yet to surface, we expect it to go on sale in India by mid-2022. It should be offered as a premium import at prices starting above Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). It should serve as an alternative to the Volvo XC40 Recharge and go up against potential future rivals in India such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model Y.