Kia has formally announced the U.S.-spec 2022 EV6, which will be available in four different flavors, including the potent GT model. This is the second vehicle on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP architecture and is the first model to launch under the brand’s Plan S strategy. Expected to go on sale in early 2022, the 2022 Kia EV6 will be available in all 50 states. The GT variant will be the last one to arrive in late 2022.
The 2022 Kia EV6 will be available in four flavors. A standard-range model with a 58-kWh battery and 167 hp kicks off the lineup followed by the long-range single-motor version with 218 hp and a 77.4-kWh battery. AWD is available only with the larger of two battery options and makes 313 hp. The Kia EV6 GT sits at the top of the range with a dual-motor setup and 576 hp.
Thanks to the E-GMP platform, the Kia EV6 is capable of 400-volt and 800-volt charging. That means it can charge up to speeds of 350 kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes or gain 70 miles in 5 minutes. The 11-kW onboard charger allows the EV6 to fully charge using a level 2 or 240-volt charger in 7 hours and 10 minutes with the 77.4-kWh battery. Like other E-GMP vehicles, the EV6 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to turn the vehicle into a power source to run everything from household appliances for around 36 hours.
Suspension highlights include a five-link design and an integrated drive axle that combines wheel bearings and drive shaft for improved ride and handling. The EV6’s 114.2-inch wheelbase is similar to the three-row Telluride’s, minimizing overhangs. Over 75 percent of the body structure consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. A battery under the passenger cabin flattens the floor and keeps the center of gravity low.
Recycled plastics are used extensively throughout the 2022 Kia EV6’s cabin. Some trims get full LED interior lighting and a vegan interior with slim front seats. With all seats up, the EV6 has 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space and can be expanded to 53.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. A dual 12.0-inch display layout and an augmented reality (AR) head-up display will also be available. Kia has also switched audio systems and will offer a 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system on the EV6.
On the safety front, the 2022 Kia EV6 will get the full Drive Wise active safety suite. In addition to all of the collision prevention technologies, the car will be available with Highway Driving Assist II, which includes automatic lane changing capability. The front automatic emergency braking capability now has junction capability, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control that can detect turns using the built-in navigation.
A first edition model will be available for preorder starting June 3, according to Kia. The EV6 First Edition will be limited to 1,500 units and based on a dual-motor version with a 77.4-kWh battery. Three unique color combinations will be offered: Glacier with dark green seats, Urban Yellow with black seats, and Steel Grey Matte with black seats. The latter combination is exclusive to the EV6 First Edition. Illuminated door sills and a numbered interior badge will also be included.
Following the EV6 will be a full range of models to make up the rest of Kia’s battery-electric lineup. All of them will be wearing the EV name to distinguish them from the other Kia vehicles.
