More than a year after the Kia EV6 GT was teased to the world, top media from around the country today got behind the wheel of the U.S. market variant in the Nevada desert (VIDEOS BELOW). Nestled in the shadows of the Spring Mountains and the McCullough Range is a two-lane asphalt ribbon twisting through the stunning Valley of Fire State Park; the perfect setting to enjoy the 2023 Kia EV6 GT over rolling hills and wind-swept corners. And for most vehicles this would be enough. But with a performance envelope as deep at the EV6 GT’s, exploring the limits required some track time and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway provided the backdrop in the form of head-to-head drag racing experience and a high-speed ride and handling course.
“The EV6 GT ushers in the next chapter of the Plan S electrification story for Kia, elevating the EV6’s thrilling performance and near effortless drivability beyond expectations,” said Steven Center, COO and Executive Vice President, Kia America. “With a base MSRP just over $61,000, Kia is not only introducing an EV performance car, it’s showcasing our most powerful production car in company history.”
The arrival of the EV6 GT marks a new era for electrification and the Kia brand. Based on the award-winning E-GMP modular platform, the EV6 GT elevates the discourse and expands the limits surrounding electric performance vehicles.
Electric Performance Dialed to a New Level
The EV6 GT raises the threshold of performance for the already potent EV6 lineup, with a dual-motor e-AWD powertrain that can send power to all four wheels. An energy-dense 77.4-kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (80/10/10) battery pack serves a front-mounted 160kW motor, combined with a rear-mounted 270kW motor, to produce a combined power output of 430 kW (576 hp) and 545 lb.-ft. of torque. The EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and top speed rises to 161 mph. In independent testing performed by leading third party AMCI, the EV6 GT out-accelerated a 2021 Ferrari Roma and 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder RWD.
The performance upgrades that define the EV6 GT also include a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers and unique front suspension performance components. Dynamic damping control offers sporty handling and a balanced, comfortable ride. Traction and stability are enhanced by an electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) when cornering, by directing torque to the wheels with most grip8. Larger ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2) disc brakes with monoblock calipers are standard. Z-rated Goodyear Eagle®9 F1 tires fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels are also standard on the EV6 GT.
The EV6 GT introduces GT mode, My Drive mode, and Drift mode, in addition to the Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes offered on other EV6 models. With the push of a button on the steering wheel, GT mode is designed to increase the performance of the EV6 GT’s motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems into their most dynamic settings. Drivers can also create custom-tailored settings to suit individual driving preferences using My Drive mode. For an even more exhilarating driving experience, selectable Drift mode can distribute more power to the rear wheels. Two additional sounds unique to the EV6 GT join the roster of customizable Active Sound Design options.
The EV6 GT benefits from the ability to recharge at a rate similar to its eye-opening acceleration. It features an 800V electrical architecture, which is capable of charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers. The EV6 GT features a strong body structure that utilizes 75 percent high-strength steel and ultra-high strength steel, as well as the world-first integrated drive axle (IDA) designed to enhance durability and handling, combining wheel bearings with the drive shaft to save weight.
‘Opposites United’ with a hint of neon
Imagined and brought to life by Kia’s design studios in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, the styling of EV6 GT is a worldwide collaboration inspired by Kia’s design philosophy called “Opposites United,” which fuses cues and inspirations from the contrasts found in nature and everyday life. A long wheelbase and short overhangs increases interior space with a flat floor; underfloor mounted battery placement enables a low center of gravity for stability.
Subtle exterior and interior flourishes accent the EV6 GT. Front and rear fasciae unique to the GT emphasize vehicle width, and a rear diffuser completes the GT transformation. Bespoke 21-inch alloy wheels with neon-accented brake calipers communicate the high-performance credentials and stopping power of the EV6 GT. Inside, vegan suede-trimmed, deeply bolstered performance front bucket seats are inscribed with the ‘GT’ moniker and green piping. Premium, touches exclusive to the GT trim of the EV6 GT adorn the cabin, including neon accents, lightweight front bucket seats, and a striped motif on the upper dashboard and front center armrest. Ambient lighting across the door panels, center console, and dashboard delivers a soothing glow.
EV6 in a nutshell
Like all EV6 models, the EV6 GT is part of the Kia “Plan S” strategy to launch at least two battery-electric vehicles (BEV) per year and build a full line-up of 14 BEVs by 2027. The EV6 GT showcases a patented multi-charging system supporting 400V and 800V DC charging, which is designed to work on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW. Innovative Onboard Power Generator10 functionality makes the EV6 GT a power source on wheels, supporting certain devices for activities as varied as home improvement projects, camping, and tailgating. Electricity flows from the high-energy battery to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), providing 1,900 watts of power to a variety of electrical appliances, devices, tools, and recreational equipment.
The EV6 offers a wide array of standard and available technology features, and a roster of standard and available features that help enhance safety and convenience. In fact, the EV6 boasts 20 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)11.
When it goes on sale, the EV6 GT will be available in limited quantities nationwide at Kia retailers. All EV6 GT buyers will receive a charging credit of 1,000 kWh at Electrify America stations, useable over a three-year period12. Pricing is subject to change at an announcement closer to vehicle launch.
A bunch of “TOP MEDIA AFFILIATES” (video bloggers) recently gave it a test drive in Vegas. Check out the videos below.
The 2023 Kia EV6 starts at $48,500. That’s for the Wind trim level with rear-wheel drive, which has become the introductory model this year. Adding the second motor for all-wheel drive costs an extra $3,900.
That amount increases to $4,700 with the GT-Line. The new-for-2023 GT has all-wheel drive as standard, as well as the most powerful drivetrain, and starts at $61,400. It’s well-appointed, so options are few and not that expensive.
With every new EV6, Kia also includes 1,000 kWh of free charging (over three years) using the Electrify America DC fast-charging network — that works out to around 3,500 to 4,000 miles. The 2023 Kia EV6 is available in all 50 states.
- 2023 Kia EV6 Wind: $48,500 Most Popular (w/AWD)
- 2023 Kia EV6 GT-Line: $52,700
- 2023 Kia EV6 GT: $61,400
Ready for a local test drive?
