LAS VEGAS – That is the E-GMP automotive we’ve been ready for. As nice because the Hyundai Group triplets of Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60 are, we’ve at all times recognized that one thing larger (and way more highly effective) was lurking in future: this 576-horsepower 2023 Kia EV6 GT. Regardless of impressing with their state-of-the-art EV structure, distinctive designs, distinctive interiors and compelling worth, none of them could possibly be described as enjoyable within the conventional sense. They’re heavy, a bit mushy and sit sort of excessive. So, now that the EV6 GT is lastly right here, does it truly ship that lacking ingredient?
If it does, it can accomplish that stealthily, because the GT is almost not possible to inform aside from simply one other GT-Line automotive (you’ll be able to see how that visually differs from the bottom Wind trim stage right here). The physique is similar save for barely totally different grille inserts and rear diffuser panel. It does get 21-inch wheels and lime-green brake calipers, that are monoblock items greedy bigger rotors (15-inch entrance, 14.2-inch rear). The inside is equally, nicely, just like GT-Line, although it now has lime inexperienced accents and “GT” badges. The steering wheel additionally has an enormous inexperienced button labeled “GT,” which selects its most hardcore drive mode. We’ll get into that in a minute.
The principle distinction is the addition of sporty bucket seats, and so they’re a huge enchancment over the usual EV6 seats by way of total assist. Massive sturdy bolsters hug you, however not so tight to be disagreeable for these of larger builds (I am roughly 300 kilos for reference). They’ve deeper decrease sections that present higher thigh assist. They’re heated, too, however sadly, they’re additionally solely manually adjustable. This can be a bummer for a automotive that prices greater than $60,000 and for a range-topping Kia, an organization that prides itself on stuffing its automobiles with options for affordable costs. Whereas I’d fortunately commerce energy controls for better-shaped seats as I might in a Mustang or Porsche, what number of might be irked that their range-topping Kia EV6 lacks a typical characteristic discovered on a $23,000 Soul?
Issues are a lot totally different below the pores and skin, although, and the plain change is within the GT’s powertrain. Each motors are stronger than these within the common all-wheel-drive EV6s at 215 horsepower for the entrance and 362 on the rear. Mixed they make 576 hp and 545 pound-feet of torque – will increase of 256 hp and 99 lb-ft. Kia additionally claims these motors will propel the 4,795-pound EV6 GT to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a high velocity of 161 mph. We did not get it going that quick, however we did have the chance to run it on a drag strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, managing an 11.7-second quarter-mile time with a lure velocity of 117. Numbers apart, you’ll be able to actually really feel the added energy. It will pin you exhausting, and it feels sturdy throughout freeway speeds, solely beginning to taper barely previous 100 mph.
Apparently, Kia famous throughout the press launch that peak energy begins to dip beneath the 70% cost mark, however didn’t point out by how a lot. We did have a while to drive the automobiles with full expenses in addition to partially depleted on the road and, not less than in that real-world surroundings, couldn’t detect a loss in energy. However for those who’re planning on monitoring a GT or doing another high-performance driving, you may most likely need to ensure you cost it to the brim, after which go simple on the way in which to the observe.
Naturally, the chassis has been tweaked to fulfill the GT’s total efficiency intent. It options stiffer springs, further entrance and rear reinforcements, and electronically adjustable shocks. The rear motor can also be linked to an electronically-controlled mechanical limited-slip differential. It is all adjustable through varied drive modes, which have expanded from Eco, Regular and Sport to incorporate GT and a user-customizable mode. Past the same old throttle calibration and steering weight, they modify the precise energy output, torque break up, suspension firmness, traction and stability management and limited-slip differential operate.
Now throughout the board, the GT rides firmer and has much less physique roll than the common all-wheel-drive EV6s, however it’s solely a little bit extra so in Eco and Regular. Sport is a step additional, and GT is downright stiff. The roads round Las Vegas are fairly darn clean, so it was exhausting to note, however the odd time the pavement acquired tough, it acquired bumpy sufficient that you simply’d doubtless be reaching for a comfier setting. After all, you’ll be able to combine and match settings within the customized mode, so you’ll be able to, for instance, get most energy or tighter steering with softer suspension settings so compromises aren’t actually crucial.
Make no mistake, although, from a efficiency perspective, the GT setting is probably the most thrilling. All that energy coupled with lightning-quick throttle response and even probably the most aggressive regenerative braking is very entertaining. And people stiff suspension settings do in truth lastly make the EV6 really feel gentle and nimble, not less than on public roads. It adjustments instructions shortly and does not really feel prefer it’s heaving itself this fashion and that. It is poised extra like a Polestar 2. The rear-drive bias and lenient stability management additionally imply it likes to wiggle its bottom. Different settings similar to Sport have extra energetic traction and stability management settings, and so they hold the entrance/rear energy break up a little bit extra even.
It could actually’t fairly disguise all that weight on a race observe, although. We had a while on the brief dealing with course exterior the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and even with the huge enhancements in responsiveness, there isn’t any getting round that you might want to be cautious in corners with a lot mass. However the chassis is sort of communicative, and it is simple to regulate its perspective in turns with the throttle, both by lifting off or pushing more durable. And it’s enjoyable to sling the again finish out, particularly with the “hidden” drift mode that permits you to completely roast the tires and even spin out if that’s what it involves. The sound of tire squealing and nothing else is fairly amusing, and it is fantastic that EV makers are constructing automobiles that allow you to be foolish.
There are two issues that could possibly be a little bit higher on the GT. First is the steering. It is mighty numb and could possibly be extra exact. Preliminary turn-in could possibly be sharper, too. And the brakes are a little bit mushy and never at all times the simplest to modulate. They’re belongings you get used to, and the remainder of the automotive is enjoyable sufficient to forgive them, however it’s the fine-tuning of main controls like this that usually separate probably the most particular and memorable efficiency automobiles from all the pieces else. The GT simply isn’t there.
OK, so there’s additionally a 3rd factor. The EPA vary for the EV6 GT is not nice at 206 miles because it has the the identical 77.4-kWh battery as its siblings regardless of all these additional horses. It’s no totally different than if a V8-powered mannequin had the identical gasoline tank measurement as a four-cylinder model. Happily, like its much less highly effective siblings, the GT nonetheless options 800-volt electrical structure and the power to benefit from 350-kW quick chargers (in contrast to the Mustang Mach-E GT and plenty of different EVs), and it could actually pre-condition its battery after a charging station is put into the navigation system as a way to optimize charging velocity upon arriving.
That’s a serious benefit for the GT versus different high-powered EVs, however so too is its worth, which begins at $62,695. The 480-hp Mach-E GT and roughly 450-hp Tesla Mannequin Y Efficiency each begin at round $70,000. The Polestar 2 with twin motors and the Efficiency package deal slides in beneath the $60,000 mark, however continues to be shy of the Kia’s outright output at 469 horsepower.
The Kia EV6 GT is not excellent, however it’s nonetheless a mighty enjoyable machine. It is by far probably the most thrilling and playful automobiles on the E-GMP platform. That signifies that not solely is it a blast, however it comes with all of the inherent styling and EV goodness of that platform. With its value-packed worth, you’ll be able to’t afford to overlook taking a look at one for those who’re wanting some electrical velocity.
