Following its global debut in March, Kia America has unveiled the EV6 in its North American configuration. The Korean manufacturer plans to begin selling the electric crossover in the United States early next year, with reservations for the First Edition launch model opening on June 3.
The special trim package will be limited to 1,500 units and will include the dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain and the larger 77.4 kWh battery pack, which Kia estimates will provide 300 miles of range. The EPA has not yet released the figures.
The First Edition
The First Edition will feature black wheel arches and a slew of technology features, including an augmented reality heads-up display, remote parking, a large sunroof, 20-inch wheels, Meridian 14-speaker sound, and a two-year Sirius XM subscription.
The model will be available in three exclusive color variations. You can be dull and choose Steel Gray Matte with black seats, or you can be colorful and choose Urban Yellow with black seats, or you can choose Glacier white with funky dark green seats.
Illuminated door sills emblazoned with a “First Edition” badge complete the look. A numbered badge on the interior will identify you as an early adopter and emphasize the package’s limited edition status.
Electricity And Power Sources
If you don’t mind waiting a little longer, the large 77.4 kWh battery will also be available in the EV6 GT by the end of 2022. Although the First Edition produces a healthy 313 horsepower, the AWD GT features more powerful engines (160kW front and 270kW rear) capable of producing a combined 576 horsepower. This additional power reduces the 0-60 time (96 km/h) from a decent 5.1 seconds to an astounding 3.5 seconds.
If you’re more concerned with range than with power, the large battery will also be available in a single-motor RWD configuration with 218 hp. For those who prefer easy EVing, a single-motor RWD version with a 58 kWh battery and 167 hp is available.
The official ranges for each trim level will be announced closer to the vehicle’s unveiling, but Kia promises 800V charging. When used in conjunction with compatible DC fast-charging stations, the technology should allow the EV6 to gain nearly 70 miles of range in less than five minutes. Additionally, it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, providing 210 miles of range.
Inside, the EV6 will feature 100 percent vegan interiors (on select trims), recycled plastics, slim front seats made of high-strength “giga-steel,” 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 53.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.
Front-seat passengers are greeted by a 12-inch TFT curved infotainment screen, which features blue-light filters to reduce eye strain. Wireless mobile charging is available, but you may not need it because Android and Apple smartwatches provide charging details and vehicle status alerts.
Kia Pay enables consumers to make purchases directly from their infotainment device. As with its competitors, it supports over-the-air alerts and connected routing, which utilizes real-time mapping data to measure optimized routes that avoid traffic and construction.
Meanwhile, safety features will include a surround-view camera, collision avoidance, rear-occupant alarm, remote parking, blind-spot monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance, and high-beam assist. Additionally, it will be available with adaptive cruise control, which recognizes speed limit signs and automatically slows down for sharp bends.
