These days there is a lot of talk about electric cars, listing the strengths and weaknesses of this solution, which in any case is destined sooner or later to monopolize the panorama of our mobility.
An aspect that is however neglected, but which is important to read the current situation in its entirety, is that of the flexibility of projects created exclusively for “zero” emission propulsion which, given the same mechanical basis, allows for the differentiation of products well more than is possible when a heat engine is involved. Which, for manufacturers, translates into enormous simplification and the possibility of equally gigantic and titillating economies of scale. Also – unfortunately – with regard to the prospect of reducing the workforce involved in production.
The Kia EV6 was born on the same E-GMP platform that the parent company Hyundai uses for the Ioniq5, of which we have already spoken extensively. The dimensions of the two cars are similar, as is the mechanical layout, which includes the rear engine in the standard configuration plus an additional front one for those who want more power and all-wheel drive.
But EV6 and Ioniq5 are completely different in image and behavior. Much more than the models with conventional engines of the two Korean brands that share the mechanical part differ from each other.
The EV6 is 5 centimeters lower and longer – and this already gives it more sinuous and dynamic proportions that make it look like a coupe. And the design is more aggressive, especially in the front. The cockpit is also more engaging, as well as giving a higher quality tactile and visual sensation: the atmosphere is always hi-tech, thanks above all to the same spectacular instrumentation based on two extra-large 12.3-inch displays and touch controls. , but on the Kia you feel more enveloped by the car, while the cousin transmits an almost minivan effect due to the more informal furnishings and the great sensation of space and brightness that it dispenses, albeit at the expense of a share of intimacy that certainly premium customers appreciate.
And the market positioning is different. The EV6 is offered only with a large capacity battery (77.7 kWh) which allows it to reach the autonomies and higher powers envisaged by the E-GMP project, while the Ioniq5 also offers less pretentious and economically more affordable solutions.
To underline the image of the EV6 there is also the announced availability, albeit only from the end of next year, of the 585 HP GT version with supercar performance: 3.5 seconds from 0 to 100 per hour and 260 km / h of maximum speed.
A different commercial policy also follows: to get hold of an EV6, net of incentives, at least 49,500 euros are needed, that is almost 5,000 euros more than what is needed to get to the entry level of the Ioniq5.
The version in the 229 HP Air version, which will probably be the most popular in Italy, is the basic configuration, even if it has very little “basic” if we look at performance and content.
The power is truly remarkable, as is the ability to gain speed even without resorting to the Sport driving mode and the performance is brilliant: 180 km / h and 7.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h. The engine pushes hard at any pace and the suspension, while not being rigid, minimizes the movements of the body even if you drive quickly. The declared weight, which is only a little less than two tons, is noticeable but never disturbs and the possibility of adjusting the intensity of deceleration (and energy recovery) in release with the levers on the steering wheel, helps the braking system. conventional and gives a feeling of greater control.
Let’s say that compared to the more touristic, convivial and versatile Ioniq5, here the bar is more oriented towards driving pleasure and involvement.
The driving position, inevitably raised due to the presence of batteries under the passenger compartment, perhaps clashes a little with the inclination of the windshield and the rest of the coupé atmosphere, but it will certainly please those who generally appreciate SUVs and crossovers also for the panoramic seating arrangement.
The roominess is however very remarkable even behind, spaces for small objects are scattered everywhere and the trunk varies between 590 and 1,300 liters. On this EV6 there is also a front compartment of 52 liters, which however is reduced to 20 on the versions with the second engine.
The standard equipment is very complete both as regards the driving aid devices and for the equipment intended for well-being and if you want something more, even without going to the GT-line higher specification, you can choose the Comfort Pack which for another 2,250 euros offers the electrically operated tailgate, the heat pump heating system (which has less impact on power consumption and range), 230V sockets to power external users, the electrically adjustable driver’s seat and other small comforts.
Among the advantages of this entry version there is also the extended range of the family: 528 km with a full load of energy. As for the refueling time, of course, the situation is always the variable one of electric cars. The EV6 has a very advanced 800V system and, according to the company, a super-fast Ionity column at 350 kW can go from 10 to 80% of battery charge in 18 minutes, thus recovering 100 km of autonomy in 4.5 minutes. . A formidable result were it not that service areas with these characteristics are currently very rare. The 22 kW columns, which are certainly the most common, need 7 hours to fully recharge or, if you prefer, an hour to gain 66 km.
Among the advantages of the EV6 it must then be remembered, in relation to after-sales, that the prices include 7 years of unlimited km warranty, 7 years of scheduled maintenance and 7 years of advanced connection services.
Kia EV6 Air RWD
What is that: It is a 5-seater electric sedan built on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq5 with respect to which, however, it places greater attention on driving dynamics and the premium image.
Dimensions: length 4,680 meters, width 1,890 meters, height 1,550 meters, wheelbase 2,900 meters.
Rivals: Hyundai Ioniq5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model3
Engines: The range includes a version with a single rear-mounted 229hp engine and rear-wheel drive and two with an additional front-engine and all-wheel drive. The first, with a total of 325 hp, is already available, the second, with 585 hp, will be delivered from the end of next year. The battery is 77.4 kWh for all.
Benefits: Engaging line, driving dynamics, finishes, equipment, comfort.
Defects: Abundant dimensions for the city, some electric controls that are not very intuitive, suspensions that are sometimes a bit dry.
Production: Hwasung (South Korea).
Prices: it starts from the 49,500 euros of the 229 HP single-engine Air version of this test to reach 69,500 of the 585 HP twin-engine version.
