Kia has finally revealed the specifications for its first purpose-built EV, the EV6, when it goes on sale in the UK. Due in early 2022, five variants will be available at launch, comprising three grades and two powertrain options. A sixth version – the powerful GT variant – will follow.

The anticipation for the Kia EV6 has steadily built since we first caught glimpses of the car back in March this year. At its launch shortly after, we learned about Kia’s first second-generation EV in detail, however, as is the way with vehicle launches, what we’re told at that time doesn’t necessarily translate to what ends up coming to specific markets.

Such is the case with the EV6, but Kia has now confirmed what will be available for us here in the UK, and it’s shaping up to be a great addition to the EV market.

Three model grades and two powertrains

Kia will introduce three model grades to the UK market in early 2022. This starts with the EV6 ‘Air’, followed by the ‘GT-Line’, and finally the ‘GT-Line S’. In Q4 2022 we will get the flagship GT version, but for now we’ll concentrate on what will be available initially.

When it comes to powertrains, Kia has rationalised things, deciding not to offer the smaller 58kWh battery here in the UK. As such, all versions will get the 77.4kWh unit which offers a maximum range of 328 miles and even in the most powerful form (at launch) will crack 300 miles on the WLTP test. In urban environments, well over 400 miles is possible.

The two powertrains comprise a rear-wheel drive version with 226bhp and 258lb-ft, offering 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. A dual motor, all-wheel drive version is available with 321bhp and 446lb-ft, sending the EV6 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds. All variants have a top speed of 114mph.

In total, five models will be available; the ‘Air’ which comes exclusively with the RWD powertrain (328 mile range), ‘GT-Line’ which is available with RWD (328 miles) or AWD (314 miles), and ‘GT-Line S’ which is also available with RWD (313 miles) or AWD (300 miles).

Spec highlights

Regardless of which specification you go for, you’re not going to suffer from a lack of technology and standard equipment. Standard across all cars is 60:40 split folding rear seats and versatile luggage area with a ski-hatch. Four USB charge ports are available up-front with three 12-volt sockets, and another 12-volt outlet in the boot. Ambient lighting and LED cabin lighting comes as standard, too.

Standard safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance, drive mode selection, hill start assist, highway driving assist, intelligent speed limit assist, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, multi-collision brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring and a tyre mobility kit. A suite of airbags adds to the car’s safety.

All cars also get a dual 12.3 inch driver display and touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – both with voice control.

The ‘Air’ grade of car gets all of the above plus 19 inch wheels, LED lights all-round, electric heated and folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers and a selection of both body coloured and gloss black trim features. Inside, Vegan leather is standard alongside heated front seats and steering wheel, smart entry, all-round electric windows, dual air conditioning, navigation-based smart cruise control and steering wheel-mounted controls.

If all of that equipment isn’t enough for you, the ‘GT-Line’ car adds black alloys and some more muscular, sporty trim details including rear privacy glass and dual LED headlights with adaptive beam. Two-tone vegan leather adorns the premium relaxation seats up front, both of which have memory function. A six-speaker audio system (standard on the Air, too) is joined by a wireless mobile charger. Front parking sensors are added, as is the vehicle to load system, whereby you can power standard household items from the car. Blind-spot collision avoidance, rear-cross traffic assist and safe exit assist are also added.

Finally, the ‘GT-Line S’ adds larger 20 inch wheels, automatic door handles, a tilt and slide sunroof, heated rear outer seats, ventilated front seats and a power tailgate. A 14-speaker Meridian sound system is joined by an augmented reality HUD and 360-degree parking camera by way of toys. Remote smart park assist and a blind-spot view monitor are added, alongside junction crossing functionality on the forward collision avoidance system, parking collision-avoidance assist and highway driving assist 2.

Price and availability 

As mentioned, the Kia EV6 will go on-sale in early 2022 with the GT to follow in Q4 2022. Prices start at £40,945, so well over the scope of the PiCG, for the Air, moving up to £43,895 for the GT-Line and £48,395 for the GT-Line S. The GT, when it turns up, will be well over £50k.