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We’ve spent several days in Kia’s all electric EV6, and its clear pretty quickly that the South Korean manufacturer (and sister company of Hyundai) has pulled an absolute blinder.

Not only is the EV6 a superb family hatchback, using all the advantages of an electric platform being to its utmost, but it also comes at a time where traditional brands are struggling to bring great EVs to market.   And then you’ve Tesla that has redefined what badge loyalty can be.  Timing is everything, and I have no doubt owners of the big three, BMW, Merc and Audi will be parted with their hard earned for a Kia. 

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Our car on test is the rear driven EV6 GT Line S, from £50,995 is definitely premium pricing, but for that you get a 77kWh battery with nearly 300 miles real world range, part leather interior, heated and cooled seats and a Heads Up Display among a long list of options.  Things like a heated steering wheel and Apple Carplay are standard through the range and even better, its all well put together in a stylish and quality feeling package.  You certainly don’t feel short changed.

And the design.  Not just as neo-80s as the Ioniq 5, it looks sharp and sophisticated with its flip out handles and coupe style roofline, although its still more hatchback looking than SUV.

It’s relatively long, with a wheelbase a shade under 4.7m, but the smart use of interior space means it can ship five adults comfortably for a distance, the flat floor in the rear and decent head room making it pleasant no matter where you are seated.  

The business of driving is made pleasant by the clear, tasteful dash with just the right blend of button count (looking at you Tesla).  Even the quirky two spoke steering wheel is great to use and keeps the cabin airy.

On the move, the modest by EV standards 225bhp is enough to make rapid progress, the sixty dash coming in around seven seconds which is good enough for sensible overtakes and making good progress.  As is the economical use of electrons, and I was regularly seeing in and around the magic 4 miles/kWh.  The chassis is softly sprung but well judged being one of the most comfortable EVs I’ve been in on country roads yet still being well settled on the motorway.

Practicality is the EV6’s forte, with nearly 500L of space in the boot and a small frunk for cables up front, along with cubbys throughout the car.  I especially liked the USB-C ports secreted into the front seats, very handy for rear passengers.  Up front there is USB-A and USB-C, and in the case of the GT-Line cars wireless charging for one phone in the arm rest.

It’s immensely practical, looks great with no divisive styling, an excellent real world near 300 mile range, is best in its class in terms of driving dynamics (for an EV), feels incredibly well thought out and built.  Did I mention a 7-year/100,000 mile warranty?

If you are in the market for a family EV, this is probably the one to have.

Thanks to Charles Hurst Kia Newtownabbey for providing the car for review.

Kia EV6 as Tested
GT Line S
RRP: £50,995
225bhp
77kWh
RWD

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Andy is the founding member of RMS, and when he's not following motoring events around the UK and Ireland he can be found on the track (sideways, having competed in top level drifting for a decade), or of course he'll be on the forum.