The EV6 by Kia had already captured my affection as the top electric vehicle in the market, flaunting a striking appearance, impressive performance, and a rich array of features. Not to disappoint, Kia has presented another alternative. On Friday, Kia divulged the EV6 GT, an all-wheel-drive performance edition of its compact electric crossover, boasting a thunderous 576 HP.
The EV6 GT showcases an impressive aesthetic. Labeled as a crossover, similar to its lesser-trim counterparts, yet I firmly argue it epitomizes a contemporary interpretation of a wagon. Who isn’t thrilled about a 576-hp wagon? I must confess, I crave for it to exhibit a hint of audacity (a splash of vibrant pastel paint and a substantial wing, following the Hyundai N style, please!); nonetheless, beneath that relatively subdued exterior resides a powerhouse powertrain capable of catapulting the wagon from 0-60 in a mere 3.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 161 mph. Achieving this feat is a 160-kW front motor paired with a 270-kW rear motor that collectively generate the aforementioned 576 hp and 546 pound-feet of torque. This positions Kia’s four-door model in similar realms—on paper, at least—as the entry-level trims of Porsche’s Taycan. Kia has indicated that in independent testing, the EV6 GT “outpaced a Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder RWD,” setting an ambitious benchmark to emulate.
Comparable to the lower-tier variants of the EV6, the EV6 GT is engineered on an 800-volt structure that facilitates swift charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in under 20 minutes. This architecture is integrated with the same 77.4-kWh battery employed by the GT-Line and Wind trims on the standard EV6. However, given the superior performance of the GT, this pack offers 12% less range than the shortest-range base model, at only 206 miles.
Nevertheless, let’s shift focus from the dry statistics: the EV6 GT boasts an array of high-performance components, including sizable 15-inch front brakes, electronically controlled suspension damping, and torque-vectoring to allocate power to the Goodyear Eagle F1 tires with the utmost traction. The base EV6 had already captured my admiration as one of the best-handling EVs, as it adeptly conceals its weight laden with lithium and maintains composure well beyond what I’d anticipate from a conventional crossover—the EV6 GT pledges to amplify those inclinations to the extreme.
All these elements enabled Kia to introduce “Drift Mode,” channeling power predominantly to the rear wheels, granting every owner of the EV6 GT the chance to indulge in their inner Ken Block. Kia has not disclosed the pricing details yet, but the EV6 GT will hit the market by the end of the year, unveiling further information as the launch nears. Meanwhile, I eagerly anticipate the countless thrilling videos of this car accommodating four passengers, delivering an exhilarating experience.
