Kia EV6 GT

FIRST DRIVE The fastest version of the revised EV6 is all about engagement, with chassis tweaks and simulated gearchanges

- Dean Gibson [e-mail]

MANY performance EVs focus on acceleration, but the Kia EV6 GT is a model that attempts to inject some involvement into the mix with a chassis designed to entertain in corners, too. And with the EV6 facelift now reaching the flagship of the model range, Kia has given it some enhancements to boost its appeal even further.

The updates include the redesigned front end with a new running light signature, plus the Yacht Blue matte paint option seen in these pictures. Inside, revised materials are enhanced by neon green detailing exclusive to the GT. Under the skin is the bigger 84kWh battery that came with the standard EV6 update, giving a range of up to 279 miles here, while the two-motor powertrain has been boosted by 64bhp and 30Nm to offer outputs of 641bhp and 770Nm respectively.

The electronics have been updated to include what Kia calls a Virtual Gear Shift (VGS). Similar in execution to Hyundai’s N e-Shift software, this delivers sequential manual-style changes that aim to create a greater connection between driver and machine, while a sound generator and configurable drive modes let you adjust the car as you see fit.