2023 Kia EV6 GT review

The word "supercar" tends to conjure up all sorts of images in the mind: the sharp, angular lines of a Lamborghini slicing through the Amalfi Coast, the beautiful bellow of a Ferrari V12 engine echoing through the Monaco tunnel or the space-age silhouette of a McLaren parked outside a swanky building in Dubai.

They're wild, impractical and thirsty beasts, yet undeniably alluring.

But now, the motoring world is witnessing a seismic shift, the kind that happens once a century. And here's where I sigh deeply, mourning the imminent silencing of roaring engines. The era of electric vehicles is upon us and it's not just a whisper anymore – it is the conversation.

In this rapidly evolving landscape, a rather unexpected contender has thrown its hat into the ring, challenging the established order of what the next wave of performance cars, and potentially even supercar, can be: the Kia EV6 GT.

You read that right. I bet you've all seen the TV ad by now, of the Kia EV6 GT lining up against supercars and beating them well and truly off the mark and a decent way down the straight. It's a visual spectacle that underscores Kia's leap into the realm of high performance, shattering the stereotype of the brand being solely about value for money and practicality.

This car is a bold statement of Kia's capability to deliver excitement and innovation. And all of this comes with a price tag of $110,687.95 for the GT model, with the specific vehicle we reviewed, dipped in "Moonscape" matte paint, coming in at $115,185.62.

Meanwhile, the starting price of the EV6 line-up in Australia, for the entry-level "Air" model, is $78,478.25 driveaway in Sydney.

What's the Kia EV6 GT like to drive?

Under its skin lies a powertrain that would make traditional supercar enthusiasts intrigued. Its dual electric motors churn out a staggering 430kW and 740Nm torque, propelling this beast from 0–100km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds.

That's entering sacred supercar territory.

It feels incredibly fast, pinning you back into your seat, with passengers commenting that it felt like their brains were getting scrambled.

But it's not just about raw power. The EV6 GT brings a range that challenges the anxiety often associated with electric vehicles. With a range of approximately 482 kilometres on a single charge, it bridges the gap between practicality and performance.

Driving around town, the ride is admittedly firm across all settings, a trait often favoured in performance cars for its responsiveness and road-feel. Shifting into the Eco driving mode softens the adaptive suspension slightly, offering a more forgiving ride without sacrificing too much of the car's spark.

This mode also tempers the acceleration, making it less ferocious, ideal for everyday driving scenarios.

The EV6 GT is equipped with high-performance brakes, featuring large ventilated discs measuring 380mm at the front and 360mm at the rear. The brakes provide the stopping power you need when you have 430kW under your right foot.

How safe is the Kia EV6 GT?

In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the EV6 GT comes packed with features that will help make your drive safer like AEB, lane keep assist with a following function, blind spot monitors that also have a collision avoidance system, rear cross-traffic alert for when you're backing out of those parking spots and much more.

With that being said, while the EV6 has achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the GT has not.

What's the Kia EV6 GT like inside?

The interior of the EV6 GT is a bit different from what you would expect of a supercar, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seamlessly integrating your smartphone with the vehicle's system. The space where the transmission tunnel normally exists is now storage, making the cabin much more open. However, it does mean you have to reach to connect your phone to the system.

Dominating the dash are 2 large HD screens, spanning a combined length of nearly 27 inches. These screens provide a wealth of information and control options, from navigation to vehicle settings, all in crisp, clear resolution.

Alongside the inclusion of DAB+ radio, these features not only add to the convenience but also ensure that the EV6 GT is as connected and modern as any vehicle on the road today.

The rear legroom is another pleasant surprise. Performance cars and legroom are words that seldom share a sentence, but the EV6 GT provides ample space, ensuring that passengers in the back aren't left contorting themselves into uncomfortable positions.

All of that is to say, it is still very much a Kia inside.

Kia EV6 GT warranty and servicing review

Kia has slapped a 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty onto the EV6 GT. This is the sort of reassurance that makes even the most cynical driver raise an eyebrow. The battery, motors and other EV tech are covered here, up to 150,000km.

Capped price servicing plans are offered over 3, 5 or 7 years – it is up to the customer to select which they would prefer. Pricing comes in at $594, $1,089 and $1,584 respectively.

Kia EV6 GT review: Verdict

Kia has managed to create something remarkable with the EV6 GT.

It's a car that doesn't just compete with the traditional supercars in terms of speed and performance but also outdoes them in practicality and usability. It's a vehicle that marks a significant point in the evolution of the modern performance car, a nod to the future where speed and power coexist with sustainability and practicality.

The EV6 GT may not have the pedigree of a Ferrari or the drama of a Lamborghini, but what it lacks in heritage, it more than makes up for in innovation.